What Smart Cruisers Ask Their Cabin Stewards Immediately After Boarding

Embarkation day brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and relief. You’ve finally stepped onboard, taken care of your muster drill, maybe grabbed lunch, and now the moment has arrived — your stateroom is ready. For many guests, the cabin steward is the very first crew member they speak with directly. And that initial interaction sets the tone for the entire week.

After years of watching what travelers ask for — and seeing how those small requests improve the experience — I’ve compiled the top items guests request most often from their cabin stewards.

These aren’t random asks. Each one solves a specific comfort issue, and knowing them ahead of time helps you start your cruise with confidence and a perfectly set-up cabin from day one.

1. Ice (Easily the #1 Most Requested Item at Sea)

Ice leads the list by a landslide, and honestly, it makes perfect sense. Cruise cabins usually come with a small ice bucket, but without a steady refill, those cubes melt quickly — especially on warm sailings like the Caribbean or Mexico.

Guests ask for ice for several reasons:• Keeping drinks cold on the balcony• Chilling water bottles for shore excursions• Making cocktails in the room• Cooling down after a hot day in port• Having ice ready at night without leaving the cabin

Frequent cruisers often request ice service twice a day — once in the morning and again in the evening. Some even ask for it at the same time every day so their bucket stays perfectly stocked.

Insider Tip: If ice is important to you, mention it right when you meet your steward. Many are happy to refresh it automatically all week long without you asking again.

2. Extra Towels (Because Two Is Never Enough on a Cruise)

Towels are the second most requested item, mainly because cruisers use them constantly:• Pool and hot tub visits• Showering after beach days• Getting ready for formal night• Wiping off sandy feet• Cleaning up small spills

Most staterooms come with a standard set of towels for the cabin guests. But seasoned cruisers know this: once daily towel service isn’t always enough.

Some guests request double sets of towels so they can rotate them without needing daily replacements. Others simply want backups so they never run out after a quick rinse or ocean dip.

Why This Matters: Cruise lines are doing more to reduce unnecessary laundry, and many no longer replace towels automatically. Asking upfront ensures you have exactly what you need.

3. Extra Pillows (Comfort Is Non-Negotiable When You’re at Sea)

Whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or someone who needs a pillow fortress, cruise ship pillows don’t always match your preference. Many ships have soft pillows by default, and some guests prefer extra-firm or medium options.

Common pillow requests include:• Two additional pillows• A firmer pillow• A softer pillow• Hypoallergenic pillows (available on most major lines)

Some travelers bring their favorite pillow from home, but with airlines charging for baggage, most people prefer to rely on the ship.

Insider Tip: If you’re very particular about pillow firmness, ask early — specialty pillows may be limited.

4. Extra Hangers (Especially for Longer Cruises)

Cruisers who like to unpack immediately often discover the same thing: the closet never has quite enough hangers. If you’re sailing for 7–14 nights, visiting multiple destinations, or packing formal wear, hangers become essential.

Guests request hangers for:• Dresses and formal night outfits• Button-down shirts• Wrinkle-prone clothing• Light jackets• Cruise-branded hoodies (yes, we all buy them)

Since irons aren’t allowed onboard (fire hazard), hanging clothes the moment you arrive is the easiest wrinkle-prevention method.

Useful Trick: Spritz wrinkled clothing lightly with water and let gravity do the rest. It works surprisingly well at sea.

5. The Cabin Steward’s Name (A Small Gesture With Big Impact)

One of the most thoughtful things a cruiser can do is ask their steward’s name and learn how to pronounce it correctly. While not a “thing,” this is one of the most frequent — and meaningful — requests.

Why this matters:• It shows respect• It builds rapport• It makes communication easier• It encourages better service• It helps when completing surveys at the end of the cruise

Cabin stewards work incredibly hard — often cleaning dozens of cabins per day — and remembering their name is one of the simplest ways to show appreciation.

Pro Tip: Write their name on a Post-It or in your phone so you don’t forget during the week.

6. Bathrobes (Perfect for Balcony Mornings)

Not every cruise line automatically provides bathrobes in every cabin. Luxury lines include them, but mainstream ships often offer them only by request.

Guests typically ask for bathrobes for:• Morning coffee on the balcony• Lounging after a shower• Staying warm when the cabin gets cool• Avoiding putting on “real clothes” too early

These robes usually stay in the cabin during the cruise and are collected before disembarkation.

Note: Some premium suites offer thicker, spa-quality robes. Standard cabins usually receive lighter, terry-cloth versions.

7. A Mattress Topper (A Hidden Gem Most First-Timers Don’t Know About)

Cruise beds are generally comfortable, but everyone has their own definition of “comfortable.” Mattress toppers help soften firmer mattresses and are one of the lesser-known items you can request.

Reasons people ask for a topper:• Back pain relief• Extra cushioning• Softer sleeping surface• Eliminating the ridge between two twin beds pushed together

Supplies are limited, so requesting one early gives you the best chance of getting one.

Best Time to Ask: As soon as you meet your cabin steward — they often have only a handful available.

8. A Fan (If You Need Airflow or White Noise to Sleep)

Many guests sleep better with background noise or moving air. Cruise cabins stay cool, but they don’t always have strong air circulation.

Cruisers request fans for:• Sleep comfort• White noise• Airflow in interior cabins• Reducing stuffiness

Some ships have fans available to borrow, but the quantity varies widely. Many cruisers travel with their own compact, USB-powered fan to guarantee they have one.

Important Note: Fans are allowed onboard, but heating devices (like humidifiers or steamers) are not.

9. An Extra Blanket (Especially on Alaska, Canada, or Fall Sailings)

Even on warm-weather trips, cabins can get chilly — especially when one person prefers colder temperatures and the other wants to stay cozy.

Extra blankets help with:• Balcony lounging at night• Staying warm in air-conditioned rooms• Comfort for naps• Keeping warm on cooler itineraries

Alaska cruisers, in particular, request extra blankets frequently for glacier-viewing days.

Insider Tip: Ask for a fleece-style blanket if available — they’re lighter and warmer than the standard comforter.

10. A Preferred Cleaning Schedule (A New Essential Since Once-Daily Cleaning Began)

Most cruise lines have transitioned to once-per-day cabin service. Because of this, stewards often ask guests when they prefer their cabin cleaned.

Typical preferences include:• Morning service before breakfast• Late morning after shore excursions• Afternoon cleanings for night owls• Specific windows when the cabin will be empty

Setting this upfront helps your steward work efficiently while ensuring your cabin is always ready when you need it.

Why This Matters: No one wants cleaning happening while they’re trying to shower, change clothes, or relax between activities.

Other Frequently Requested Items

While these didn’t make the top 10, cruisers commonly ask for:

• Wine glasses or champagne flutes• Distilled water for CPAP machines• A coffee maker (varies by ship)• Early-morning coffee delivery• Extension cords or outlet adapters• Printed daily schedules• Beds separated into twins• Mini-fridge emptying or reorganizing

Some of these requests depend on the cruise line and cabin category, but cabin stewards generally do everything they can to accommodate them.

Why These Requests Matter More Than You Think

These aren’t random asks — they solve real comfort problems that impact the quality of your vacation. A cruise is your chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a stress-free getaway. Small details like cool drinks, comfortable pillows, and a tidy cabin make a surprising difference in how rested you feel.

Cabin stewards take pride in providing exceptional service. Communicating your needs clearly and respectfully from day one helps them tailor your cabin experience to fit your lifestyle.

Setting Yourself Up for a Smooth Cruise: How to Talk to Your Steward

Here are simple tips to make the experience even better:

1. Introduce yourself immediately. Learn your steward’s name — and use it.

2. Make all your requests upfront. Stewards organize their workflow around guest needs.

3. Be specific about timing. If you want morning ice or evening towels, say so.

4. Remember they work long, demanding hours. Patience and kindness go a long way.

5. Leave feedback. Post-cruise surveys determine who gets recognized and rewarded.

Cruising is built on exceptional hospitality, and cabin stewards are at the heart of that experience.

Final Thoughts: Small Requests That Create a Big Impact

A cruise cabin becomes your private refuge — a place to recharge between activities, unwind after long days in port, and relax before bed. These top 10 requests aren’t luxuries; they’re simple comforts that make your vacation smoother, easier, and far more enjoyable.

Whether you’re sailing for the first time or you’re a seasoned cruiser, remembering these common cabin steward requests helps you start your cruise on the right foot. A well-prepared cabin sets the tone for the entire trip, and a great relationship with your steward makes your vacation even better.