12 Things Your Cruise Cabin Steward Secretly Hates You Doing

Your cabin steward is one of the few people on a cruise who can make your day better in about 30 seconds. Fresh towels. A tidy room. A quick fix when you’re out of soap. It’s a great system.

It’s also a busy one. Most stewards aren’t handling a few cabins. They’re handling a lot. And they’re trying to reset rooms while guests are coming and going nonstop.

That’s why small habits matter more than you’d think. Some things slow them down. Some create extra cleanup. Some put them in awkward situations they can’t really “win.” The funny part is they almost never say it out loud. So let’s say it for them.

Stern-looking cruise staff member with arms crossed in the foreground, with a large cruise ship sailing on the ocean in the background.

Below are 12 things cruise cabin stewards secretly hate you doing. Not because they’re picky. Because these are the things that make their job harder for no good reason.

And don’t worry. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a few easy habits that keep your cabin easier to service. Ready?

1. Turning the Cabin Into a Tornado Zone

Let’s be honest. Cruise cabins are cozy. That’s part of the charm. It’s also why a small mess turns into a big mess fast.

When the floor is covered in clothes, shoes, and bags, your steward can’t work quickly. They have to move things first. And moving guest stuff is stressful. Because what if they pick up your “laundry pile”… and your AirPods are hiding in it? Or your passport is under that towel you used after the pool?

But a messy cabin can slow them down way more than people realize. Here’s the sneaky part. It’s not just about “messy.” It’s about time. Stewards usually have a tight window to clean a lot of cabins. If your room takes 5 extra minutes, that time has to come from somewhere.

Messy cruise ship cabin with a queen bed covered in scattered clothes and towels, open suitcases on the floor, shoes and bags strewn across the carpet, and a cluttered desk, showing a very disorganized vacation room.

Sometimes it comes from their break. Sometimes it comes from another cabin. And sometimes it means your cabin gets the fastest possible clean instead of the “wow, this feels brand new” clean.

Put trash in one spot, like the bin or a single bag, and keep your personal items mostly organized and put away.

2. Leaving Room Service Trays in the Hallway for Hours

Room service on a cruise is one of life’s simple wins. You eat. You relax. You don’t have to think too hard. Then you’re staring at the empty tray like… now what?

A server in a crisp white shirt presents a hotel room service tray with a variety of fresh fruits on a plate, including slices of fig, apple, and grapes, accompanied by stacked white coffee cups and a silver coffee pot, suggesting a luxurious and convenient dining experience.

A lot of people set it in the hallway and forget about it. The issue is that cruise hallways are busy. Crew are moving carts. Guests are walking to dinner. Kids are darting around. Space is tight.

A tray in the hallway turns into an obstacle. Someone can trip. A cart can bump it. Glasses can slide off. And nobody wants a loud crash outside their door during a nap. It can also get unpleasant. Food smells linger. Cups sweat. Little spills happen.

So what’s the better move? Some ships prefer trays left inside until they’re collected. Others want them in the hall, but only closer to pickup times. It depends on the cruise line. If you’re not sure, ask once. One quick question clears it up for the whole trip.

If you do place it outside, keep it neat. Keep everything on the tray. Push it close to the wall so the walkway stays clear. And try not to set it out super early if you think it won’t be collected for hours.

3. The All-Day “Do Not Disturb”… Then Complaining the Cabin Wasn’t Cleaned

That “Do Not Disturb” sign is useful. You should use it when you need it. But it can cause problems when it stays up all day, especially if you still want regular cabin service.

Cabin stewards don’t have unlimited chances to circle back. They usually work in a pattern. They’re cleaning a group of cabins, moving deck by deck, then switching tasks.

If the sign is out every time they pass your door, they may have to skip you and keep going. That part is simple. The tricky part comes later. Guests often take the sign down and assume the steward will notice right away. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don’t.

Do not disturb sign hanging on cruise door handle.

If your steward is on the other end of the hallway, or already starting turn-down service, your cabin may not fit back into the schedule smoothly.

If you want your cabin cleaned and you like privacy, the best fix is communication. It doesn’t need to be a big conversation. If you see your steward, tell them a simple time window. Something like, “We’ll be out from 9 to 11,” or “Anytime after lunch is good.” If you don’t see them, a quick note works too. You can leave it on the bed or desk where it’s easy to spot.

Also, if you only need quiet for a short time, take the sign down when you’re done. That one move helps a lot. One more thing: if you prefer no service for the day, that’s fine too. Just don’t expect the same result as a full clean.

4. Treating Your Cabin Steward Like a Personal Assistant

Your cabin steward’s main job is your cabin. Cleaning it. Resetting it. Keeping it comfortable.

Because you see them often, it’s easy to start using them for everything. That can slow them down and put them in an awkward spot. If your request is cabin-related, they’re usually the right person. If it’s about billing, dining, reservations, or ship rules, Guest Services is usually faster.

A guest services crew member in a navy uniform smiles while assisting a middle-aged male passenger at a cruise ship reception desk. The setting is modern and warmly lit, creating a professional yet welcoming atmosphere.

Not sure who to ask? It’s fine to ask your steward where to go. Just don’t make them responsible for fixing everything.

These 20 Free Things You Can Get from Guest Services on a Cruise (Just Ask!) might also be helpful for you on your next cruise.

5. Asking for Ten Extra Things… One at a Time… All Day

Extra towels. Extra hangers. Extra pillows. More soap. More ice.

None of those requests are “wrong.” They’re normal. What cabin stewards quietly dislike is the drip pattern. One small request. Then another. Then another. Spread out all day.

Each trip to your cabin takes time. Not just the walking. It’s stopping what they’re doing, finding the item, and delivering it.

Smiling cruise cabin steward in a light blue uniform holds freshly folded white towels while standing at the entrance of a neatly prepared stateroom. The warm, well-lit room and professional service reflect the attentive hospitality of a cruise cabin steward.

The easy fix is simple. If you need a few things, ask for them together. One quick list saves everyone time. It also helps to be clear on timing. Do you need it right now, or can it come later?

And if you’re not sure what’s available, ask once. Most stewards will tell you what they can bring without any fuss. It also helps your steward stay on schedule. Here are 23 Surprising Things Your Cabin Steward Can Bring You Free on a Cruise.

6. Leaving Used Towels Everywhere

Towels are one of the easiest things to manage in a cabin. And one of the easiest to make messy. When used towels are left on the bed, the floor, or a chair, your steward has to hunt them down. That takes time.

Wet towels also create extra work. They can drip on the carpet. They can make bedding damp. Then more items need to be swapped out.

Compact cruise ship cabin bathroom with decorative mirror, towels, and amenities, showcasing efficient use of limited space.

There’s a simple way to help. Keep used towels in one place. The bathroom is best. Place them in a single pile so they’re easy to grab. If you plan to use the towel again, hang it up so they know not to swap it out.

7. Drying Wet Clothes on Furniture, Balcony Rails, or Even Sprinkler Heads

When wet clothes are laid on chairs, sofas, or the bed, that moisture can soak into fabric. It can leave a damp smell. It can also leave marks that are hard to remove.

Balcony rails can be an issue too. Water drips down. Wind can blow items away. And some cruise lines don’t allow anything hanging over railings.

An obstructed oceanview balcony on the Norwegian Prima features a cozy seating area with two chairs and a small table, providing a relaxing spot to enjoy the sea breeze. The balcony has a partial view of the ocean, with a water slide structure partially blocking the view. The space is accessed through sliding glass doors, allowing natural light to fill the cabin.

Sprinklers are a hard no. They’re safety equipment. Hanging anything on them can damage them and create a bigger issue for the ship.

If you need to dry something, use the bathroom. Hang items on the shower rod or on hangers in the shower area if you can. If your cabin has a clothesline in the shower, even better.

And if you’re not sure what’s allowed, ask your steward. They’ll usually have a simple suggestion.

8. Letting Kids Treat the Cabin Like a Playground (And the Hallway Like a Racetrack)

Kids get excited on cruises. That’s normal. The part that frustrates cabin stewards is the damage and noise that can come with it.

Cabins are small. So when kids jump from bed to sofa, things get bumped fast. Lamps shift. Curtains get yanked. Remotes disappear into the “toy pile.” Sticky hands end up on mirrors and balcony doors. It’s not a huge deal, but it does mean more cleanup and more wear on the room.

The hallway piece matters too. Running, yelling, and door-slamming echoes. A lot. People are napping. Babies are sleeping. Some guests are seasick and trying to rest. And your steward is working right there. They’re pushing carts and carrying supplies. A fast-moving kid in a tight hallway can turn into a safety issue in a second.

Long cruise ship hallway with cabin doors, overhead lights, a handrail along the wall, and a blue patterned carpet stretching into the distance.

You don’t need to keep kids silent. Just aim for “cruise indoor voice.” Try a quick rule like “walk in the hallway.” If the cabin door is heavy, remind kids not to let it slam. If they’re full of energy, the kids’ club, the pool deck, or an open deck is a better place to burn it off.

Most parents are doing their best. Cabin stewards know that. They just appreciate it when families keep the cabin and hallway calm enough for everyone to enjoy the trip.

9. Blaming Them for Things They Don’t Control

When something in your cabin isn’t working, it’s normal to feel annoyed. You paid for this trip. You want it to go smoothly.

But a lot of cabin problems aren’t controlled by your steward. If the air feels weak, the water pressure is odd, or the TV acts up, your steward didn’t cause it. They also usually can’t fix it on the spot.

The image showcases a Sea View Cabin on the P&O Iona cruise ship. The cabin features a large round window with ocean views, a cozy sitting area with mustard-yellow cushions, and a comfortable bed with patterned pillows. The modern decor includes a flat-screen TV, wood-accented furnishings, and a neatly arranged desk area.

What they can do is report it fast. They can call it in. They can flag it to maintenance. They can follow up.

Also, some things aren’t truly “broken.” They’re just ship systems acting differently than what you’re used to. Water can take a bit to heat up. A/C can feel different depending on where your cabin is and the weather outside.

The best approach is simple. Tell them what’s happening, and ask what the next step is. Your steward is usually on your side. If you treat them like a partner, you’ll get better results.

10. The Bathroom Situation: Stuff They Really Don’t Want to Find

Cruise bathrooms are small, so mess shows up fast.

The biggest problem is what people flush. Only toilet paper should go in the toilet. Wipes, paper towels, cotton pads, and anything labeled “flushable” can clog ship plumbing. Even bringing your own thicker toilet paper from home (because it feels better) can cause the system to back up. So it’s best to leave those things at home.

If the toilet backs up, it turns into a long fix and a very uncomfortable situation.

Makeup is another common issue. Towels and washcloths can end up stained, and counters can get coated in powder or smudges. Wipe off most makeup with a tissue or your own wipe first. Then rinse the sink area when you’re done.

And don’t forget the trash. If something smells, wrap it before you toss it. If you can tie it in a small bag, even better.

Small bathroom courtesy keeps your cabin fresher. It also makes service quicker.

11. Leaving Valuables Out

Cabin stewards try hard to respect your space. That includes your stuff. But when valuables are left out, it puts them in a tough position. If there’s cash on the desk, jewelry on the nightstand, or a phone on the bed, your steward has to work around it. They also have to worry about being blamed if anything goes missing.

Even if nothing happens, it adds stress. Some stewards will avoid touching anything near valuables, which can mean less thorough cleaning in that area.

Use the cabin safe for passports, extra cash, and small valuables. If you don’t want to use the safe, keep items out of sight and in one place. Don’t scatter them around the cabin.

12. Making Them the Middleman for Gratuity Drama or Complaints

Cabin stewards deal with a lot. But one thing they really don’t need is being pulled into tip arguments. Some guests vent to the steward about automatic gratuities. Others threaten to change tips while the steward is standing right there. That’s awkward for everyone.

Here’s the simple truth. Your steward usually doesn’t control how gratuities are set up on the ship. They also can’t change your onboard account. If you want to adjust gratuities, that’s your choice. Just take it to Guest Services. It’s faster, and it keeps your steward out of a situation they can’t fix.

A concerned older woman in a teal top speaks seriously with a cruise staff member in a white uniform. The staffer listens attentively, both wearing serious expressions in a warmly lit interior space, suggesting a sensitive conversation.

The same goes for bigger complaints. If something isn’t right with the cabin, tell the steward calmly and clearly. Give them a chance to fix it. Most of the time, they will. If it’s a serious issue, or it’s not getting resolved, then escalate it the right way.

To Wrap It Up

You don’t need to “tiptoe” around your cabin steward. Just make things easier to clean and easier to schedule.

Most stewards notice considerate habits. And those small habits usually lead to smoother service for you, too. There’s a few things that your cabin steward secretly loves you doing that I’ve put together for you here.