When you think of your cruise cabin steward, you probably imagine towel animals and daily room tidies. But you might be surprised just how many useful freebies and services they can offer, if you know what to ask for. Cruise lines don’t exactly shout about these hidden perks, but your cabin steward is often happy to help if you make a request.
Here are 23 things you can ask your cabin steward for on your next cruise.
1. Mattress Topper
Cruise beds aren’t always the plushest, and if you’ve got two twins pushed together to make a double, you might find yourself sleeping in the dreaded gap. But here’s the good news—your steward can often bring you a mattress topper to smooth things over, literally.
It adds a layer of comfort and helps you get the kind of sleep you’ll need after a long day of exploring (or lounging by the pool, no judgment). Ask on embarkation day to improve your chances, as toppers may be limited. Some higher-category cabins include them automatically.
2. Extra Towels
Cruise cabins are often stocked with just enough towels for two guests. If you’re travelling with more people, or just want extra, your steward can bring more with no fuss. You can request more bath towels, hand towels, face cloths, or even beach towels if allowed.
It’s especially helpful to ask for additional beach towels if you’re planning days ashore or lounging by the pool.
3. Bathrobes
You don’t always have to be in a fancy suite to enjoy a fluffy bathrobe and some comfy slippers. Depending on your cruise line, your steward may be able to provide them if you ask nicely.
Some cruise lines only include these in suites or loyalty programmes, but robes may still be available on request. They might need to be returned at the end of your cruise, but some ships also sell branded ones as souvenirs.
4. Extra Pillows
Need more than one pillow, or prefer a different firmness? Your steward may have access to various pillow types and can bring you extras if available. Some cruise lines offer a pillow menu, particularly in suites or concierge-level cabins.
If you have allergies, hypoallergenic pillows may also be available.
5. Daily Cruise Planner
Most lines deliver a printed daily planner, but if yours doesn’t, or you want a second copy, just ask. It’s great to keep one in your bag and one in the room, especially if you’re splitting up during the day.
6. Daily Ice Bucket Refill
If you like your drinks cold (and who doesn’t on a sunny sea day?), this one’s for you. Ask your steward to top up your ice bucket each day, or even twice a day, and you’ll always have a fresh supply ready for sodas, cocktails, or that cheeky glass of wine.
It’s also handy if you’ve brought your own wine or soft drinks onboard and want to chill them without using the minibar.
7. Extra Hangers
Running low on hangers? Most stewards can bring a few more to help you stay organised. You can also ask for specific types, such as trouser hangers, skirt clips, or padded hangers for delicate items.
8. Mini Bar Clearance
Want to use the fridge but don’t fancy paying for overpriced drinks? Ask your steward to empty the minibar so you can use the space. Handy if you’re bringing your own drinks onboard (where permitted) or storing snacks or medicine.
Some cruise lines require a designated crew member to do this, so request it early on to avoid delays.
9. Extra Blankets
Heading to Alaska or just feel cold? Many ships offer soft fleece blankets on request, which are ideal for chillier nights. They’re great for snuggling up on the balcony or watching a movie in bed.
10. Corkscrew
If you’ve brought a bottle of wine, you might need a corkscrew. Ask, and your steward may provide one (often branded by the cruise line). Some lines have strict policies about corkage fees, but using one in your cabin is usually fine.
Most cruise lines allow one bottle of wine per adult in carry-on luggage at embarkation—check your cruise line’s policy.
11. Wine or Drink Glasses
If your cabin is missing glasses or you’d like proper wine glasses, your steward can usually sort that out. You can also ask for champagne flutes, tumblers, or even plastic glasses if you’re heading to the pool.
12. Balcony Divider Removal
Cruising next door to friends or family? Some ships allow the removal of the balcony partition. Ask to see if it’s possible. It’s a fantastic way to create a shared outdoor space—this is what we usually do when cruising with my mum, and my little one loves it.
13. Furniture Rearrangement or Removal
From separating twin beds to removing a coffee table, your steward can often tweak the room’s setup to better suit your needs. You can also ask for the sofa bed or Pullman beds to be put away during the day to create more space.
14. Extension Cord
If you use a CPAP machine or have other electrical needs, request an extension lead. Ideally, do this in advance, but it’s worth asking onboard too. Most ships have restrictions on bringing your own, so it’s safer to use theirs.
Extension cords are also helpful for charging devices next to the bed, where outlets are often limited.
15. Distilled Water
Also CPAP-related: distilled water can be requested ahead of time (and may incur a charge), but many stewards can help once you’re on board. Always double-check availability before sailing if it’s essential.
16. Tea Kettle
Not every line offers them, but on some ships, you can request a kettle for making tea in your room. Particularly popular with British passengers, this can be a lovely comfort from home.
17. Coffee Maker
Some cabins (especially in suites) may have them. In others, it’s hit and miss—but ask if you’re curious. You might also be able to get a French press or Nespresso machine in premium cabins.
18. Sharps Container
If you need one for medical reasons, simply ask your steward—they may already have one on hand. These are typically discreetly placed in the bathroom.
19. Small Fan
Though availability varies by cruise line, some stewards can bring you a small fan if you find the cabin stuffy. Especially useful for light sleepers or if you need white noise.
Some guests also use fans to help dry laundry more quickly if they’ve washed clothes in the sink.
20. Info on Free Room Service
While they don’t deliver it, your steward knows when free room service is available and what’s included. Ask them for the lowdown. Some lines only offer it at breakfast or during certain hours.
21. Towel Animals
Yes, you can still get them! Some lines do them nightly, others by request only—ask if you’d like a certain animal or want them continued throughout your cruise. They’re especially fun for kids (and kids at heart).
22. Shower Seat
If you need one for comfort or accessibility, many ships can provide a seat or stool for the shower. Let your steward know as soon as you board, as supplies may be limited.
23. Insider Tips
Your cabin steward knows the ship better than anyone. Ask about hidden perks, the best times to hit the buffet, or port tips—they’re a goldmine of info.
They can even help you avoid crowds or let you know when your favourite spots are less busy. You can also ask about taxi services, local highlights, or what to skip at certain ports.
Final Word
Be courteous and considerate when making requests. Cabin stewards work hard behind the scenes and are usually happy to help make your cruise more comfortable and enjoyable. It never hurts to ask; you might be surprised by what they can provide!
What surprising thing have you asked a cabin steward for? Let us know in the comments!
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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