Cruise cabin stewards are some of the hardest working people on board. They clean dozens of cabins, remember your name, and somehow make it all look effortless. There are simple, specific things you can do that genuinely help them and can even get you better service.
Your cabin steward can make or break your cruise vacation. They really do play a large role in your overall experience.
In this guide, I’m sharing 15 things cruise passengers can do that cabin stewards actually appreciate, divided into three helpful sections: crew-approved habits that make their job easier, gestures they secretly appreciate, and how to say thank you the right way.
Crew-Approved Habits That Make Life Easier
Make Cabin Requests Before You Board
You can make certain cabin requests online before you cruise, during your online check-in or even on your reservation. Things like bed configuration are best arranged ahead of time.
Do you want your cabin configured with two beds together as a queen-sized bed, or do you prefer two single beds? Both are possible.
If you get to your cabin and it’s not configured the way you like it, your cabin steward can still make that change. However, doing this before you board makes their job easier from the start. Other pre-cruise requests include cabin robe requests and special medical needs like sharps containers.
Day One Requests
On day one of your cruise, you’re going to meet your cabin attendant. This is the perfect time to make any first-day requests. These are usually things you might only ask for once during your cruise, so letting your cabin steward know right away means they can fetch those items on embarkation day and make your cruise start off the right way.
Some common requests include extra hangers, extra towels, a mattress topper, having your ice bucket filled daily, and personal requests like emptying your mini fridge. If you’re cruising with family members or friends next door, you can also ask them to open up your balcony cabin divider.
Learn and Use Your Cabin Steward’s Name
This is going to be more important than you think. Your cabin steward is going to address you by name, and it’s a very nice gesture to do the same. Sometimes your cabin attendant might have a nickname they prefer you to use.
If you’re not sure how to pronounce their name, don’t feel embarrassed. Definitely ask them and try your best. This small effort means more than you might realize.
Share Your Daily Routine
Don’t worry, you’re on vacation after all. However, this can really help your cabin steward arrange their schedule as they have dozens of cabins to clean. Depending on your cruise ship, you may have once or twice a day.
If you have once-a-day housekeeping, you’ll want to choose whether you want morning cleaning or evening cleaning. We have a strong preference for morning cleaning, and I always let our cabin attendant know that we tend to leave our cabin around 8:00 a.m. for breakfast. We might return around 9:30 or 10:00. In the evening, with twice-a-day housekeeping, we usually go to dinner around 7:00, so we leave our cabin around 6:30. This really helps them organize their routine when they know ours.
Use Your Door Signs Properly
Don’t forget to use your “Do Not Disturb” and your “Make Up Room” signs. This makes life so much easier for your cabin steward as they don’t need to keep checking back. While your “Clean Up Room” or “Make Up Room” sign is vital, so is your “Do Not Disturb” sign.
If you’re in your cabin napping, showering, or doing anything else, put that sign on. Your cabin attendant might walk in otherwise, and it can help alleviate any potentially embarrassing situations. Consistently using these signs is one of the simplest ways to help your cabin steward.
Consider an Extra Day One Tip
This one’s a little debated within the cruise community. Some cruise passengers say that giving $20 to your cabin attendant on day one will ensure better service. Others say it really doesn’t make a difference. Do what you’re most comfortable with, but I would avoid saying things like “there’s more where that came from,” as that could come across as rude.
I will tell you there’s one thing cabin attendants say might be even more valuable than tips, which I’ll share later in this post.
Keep Your Stateroom Relatively Tidy
You’re on vacation, and you’re not expected to clean your cabin before your cabin attendant arrives. However, there are some things you can do to make their job easier. If you have clothes you haven’t hung up yet, don’t leave them on the bed. They can’t make the bed if your items are there. Instead, place clothing on a chair or the couch.
In the bathroom, place all your used towels in one pile, either in a corner or in the shower. Group all garbage in one place, either at the bin or nearby. If you have any items on the balcony, bring them in so your cabin attendant doesn’t have to go out and collect them. You’re not allowed to leave bathing suits or other items to dry on the balcony, and cabin attendants are required to bring those in.
Follow Room Service Tray Etiquette
This will vary depending on the cruise line. Ask your cabin attendant what you should do with your room service tray. In some cases, the cruise line will ask you to leave your tray in your cabin, and your cabin attendant will pick it up.
In other cases, you’re asked to call room service where they will send somebody to pick it up in your room. Other cruise lines ask you to leave your tray in the hallway. Yes, it can sometimes look like a mess and even a hazard, but that’s what they want you to do. Ask your cabin attendant so you can follow the policy and make their life easier.
Report Minor Cabin Issues Immediately
This is going to alleviate a lot of your potential frustrations and really make your cabin steward’s life easier. Look for issues even on day one of your cruise. Are all the lights working? Sometimes a light bulb burns out. Is your TV remote working? Is your shower draining properly?
These are all things that either your cabin attendant can handle or they can get the right person, including an engineer, to fix it for you. Don’t wait until later in the cruise to mention these problems.
Don’t Flush the Wrong Things
Cabin toilets are pretty sensitive, so only toilet paper should be placed in them. Even flushable wipes can be a major problem for cruise ship cabins. If you have flushable wipes or other items like diapers, ask your cabin attendant for small disposable bags, or bring your own.
Never flush these down the toilet because they can create a flood, not only in your cabin but in cabins next to you. This creates a massive headache for your steward and other crew members.
Small Gestures Cabin Attendants Secretly Appreciate
Get Personal (Within Reason)
Keep in mind that your cabin steward is probably away from home for anywhere from six to nine months. Simple things like asking about their home country, their life and family, and even their career at the cruise line really can go a long way to brightening their day.
These small conversations show you see them as people, not just service providers. It creates a more meaningful connection during your time together.
Offer Unused Fruit or Drinks
I’m not talking about leftover food. If you’ve received any loyalty perks or gifts from the cruise line, like a bottle of wine or maybe a fruit basket, consider offering them to your cabin attendant if you’re not going to use them. They cannot take these items without your asking, but they can accept them when offered.
Crew members often get fruit, but it’s usually quite ripe. Cabin attendants have let me know that receiving fresh fruit is something they genuinely appreciate.
Ask If They Need Anything in Port
In my experience, cabin attendants will often say no. However, if you’re on a longer cruise, you may get to know your cabin steward a little better. If they could use some personal items and they’re not getting off, you can bring things back for them.
Many crew members have mentioned they like just a couple of snacks. Even without asking, you can always bring them back some Doritos or chocolate. It’s a thoughtful gesture that doesn’t cost much but means a lot.
How to Say Thank You the Right Way
Gifts They Actually Appreciate
Crew members prefer cash because cash is king. They’re often sending this money back home to their home country and family. So tips in cash are always best. Other items they appreciate include cruise ducks. Many crew members have said they can’t pick them up themselves if they find them around the ship, but they can take them if handed by a cruise passenger.
Some crew members keep a couple in their cabin or bring a few home at the end of their contract for their children. Other trending gifts include Laboos and friendship bracelets. Keep in mind that crew members don’t have much room for trinkets, so cash is still preferred.
The Grand Gesture Debate
Let’s talk about writing out the word “thank you” on the bed in dollar bills or larger denominations. Some articles say this is disrespectful to crew members. However, when I asked in a video, many crew members said they actually do appreciate it.
They would take pictures of it and it would brighten their day. On turnaround day when they’re going from cabin to cabin and things are hectic, they don’t have many reasons to smile and laugh. This gesture can provide that moment of joy.
Leave a Handwritten Thank You Note
This might seem old-fashioned, but keeping in mind that crew members are not home for months on end, a personal thank you means the world. A handwritten note that says “Thank you for everything you have done for us” can put a smile on their face on a bad day.
It’s something they can keep and look at whenever they need a reminder that their work matters.
Understanding cruise tipping guidelines can also help you plan your gratitude appropriately.
Use the Post-Cruise Survey
Not only do crew members get paid and receive tips, but a big part of how they get recognition is by being mentioned in the post-cruise survey. This can go a long way towards earning them extra hours off, a day off, special shore excursions planned for crew members, and even bonuses and promotions.
Take note of their name. Take a photo of their name badge or the card they may leave in your cruise cabin. This recognition can literally change their career trajectory.
Timing Your Thank You
Here’s a mistake many cruise passengers make: waiting until the morning of disembarkation, or even the night before, to say thank you and possibly leave a tip. Oftentimes on disembarkation morning, you may not see your cabin attendant, or even the night before, because they’re very busy.
If you want to leave a tip and take a moment to show your appreciation, make sure you do this the last full day before the end of your cruise. This ensures they actually receive your gratitude and can enjoy the recognition.
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Final Thoughts
These simple gestures and considerate behaviors can transform your relationship with your cabin steward. They work incredibly hard to make your vacation special, often spending months away from their families to do so. By following these crew-approved habits, you’re not just making their job easier: you’re creating a more pleasant cruise experience for everyone involved.
The best part? Most of these things cost nothing but a little thoughtfulness and planning. From using your door signs properly to learning their name, from offering that unused fruit basket to filling out the post-cruise survey, every small action adds up. Your cabin steward will remember passengers who treat them with respect and consideration, and you might just find that kindness is returned with exceptional service.
Which of these gestures have you used on a cruise? Will you try something new on your next sailing? These small acts of consideration can make a world of difference to the people who work so hard to make your cruise vacation memorable.