Want better service, surprise treats, and an extra-clean cabin on your cruise? Or do you just know that it’s good to value the people who are working hard for you?
How you treat your cabin steward matters. These hardworking heroes keep your floating home spotless, and the way you interact with them can make all the difference.
The good news? You don’t need to do anything dramatic – just a handful of small, thoughtful habits…
1. Use the “Do Not Disturb” Sign Thoughtfully
Your cabin steward works to a tight schedule, so those little door signs are more than just decoration.
If you’re heading out, flip it to “Make Up Room” so they know it’s a good time to pop in.
If you’re having a lazy morning or napping, keep it on “Do Not Disturb”.
The key is consistency. Mixed signals – or forgetting to use the sign at all – can leave your steward guessing and can throw their whole routine out of sync.
2. Tip Fairly (And Maybe Early)
Cruises often include gratuities in your fare, but a personal tip is always appreciated.
Slipping your steward a little cash at the start of your cruise is a lovely gesture of respect and sets a warm tone right away.
Many guests swear by this trick, reporting service that feels extra attentive – from perfectly chilled ice waiting in the bucket to towel animals appearing like magic.
Personally, I haven’t tried this as I prefer to tip at the end. Tipping at the beginning feels a bit like demanding extra-attentive service. It’s the same as when people stand at the bar holding a $1 bill to get served first. I find that a bit cringe, but each to their own.
Your tip doesn’t need to be a huge amount; the thoughtfulness matters just as much as the money. And as for which currency to use? That doesn’t matter either.
Suggested read: How Much Extra To Tip Cruise Staff
3. Keep Your Cabin Floor Clear
A cluttered cabin floor is every steward’s nightmare. Bags, shoes, and a scatter of clothing slow them down and make cleaning much harder than it needs to be.
Plus, nobody wants to see your dirty underwear, let alone pick it up!
With storage space cleverly tucked away in cruise cabins, there’s usually a spot for everything – wardrobes, drawers, even under-bed storage.
By keeping things off the floor, you’ll make their job far easier and ensure you come back to a room that feels truly cared for, rather than one that’s been tiptoed around.
4. Tidy Away Your Dirty Laundry
It’s tempting to toss worn clothes into a pile in the corner, but imagine trying to vacuum or dust around that heap! Instead, pop dirty laundry in a suitcase under the bed, a section of the wardrobe, or the laundry service sack provided.
Or better yet, you can even do your own laundry onboard on most ships!
Tidying up your laundry instantly makes your cabin look neater and allows your steward to do a proper clean without playing detective with your socks.
This small step helps keep the space fresh – and keeps you from accidentally kicking yesterday’s gym kit under the bed.
Read more: How To Do Laundry on Cruise Ships: The Ultimate Guide
5. Put Room Service Trays Out Quickly
That late-night club sandwich might have been delicious at the time, but nobody wants to share a cabin with the smell of congealed cheese and cold chips.
As soon as you’re done with room service, place the tray neatly outside your door and then call room service to let them know.
Yes, it’s absolutely fine (and expected) to leave your try outside. The key is to give them a call so that they know to collect it. This minimises the time it’s there.
Leaving it inside the room only leads to mess, odours, and a trickier job for your steward later. Think of it as a little kindness for both you and them.
6. Consolidate Your Rubbish
Stewards don’t expect a spotless cabin, but they’ll love you forever if you make clearing up straightforward.
Instead of leaving a breadcrumb trail of receipts, wrappers, and water bottles across every surface, gather them in the bin provided – or even a spare bag if you’re feeling organised.
It makes tidying up a one-step process for your steward and avoids the awkward guesswork of whether that half-full cup is rubbish or something you’re still nursing.
Many ships have sectioned trash cans for recycling and non-recyclables. Paying attention to this is sure to make someone’s job easier down the line.
7. Be Friendly – Briefly
A smile, a hello, and a thank you go a long way.
Using your steward’s name makes the exchange warmer and more personal. They’ll remember you, and it sets the tone for a friendly relationship.
That said, don’t keep them chatting for ages – they’re usually juggling a long list of cabins to get through.
A quick word of kindness is more than enough to brighten their day without slowing them down.
8. Leave Clear Notes for Requests
Need extra towels, a fresh ice bucket, or an extra pillow? A simple sticky note or a short written message is your best friend.
It’s far easier for your steward to act on clear instructions than trying to catch you between comings and goings.
Notes also prevent misunderstandings – so instead of you waiting for ages, your steward knows exactly what to bring, when, and how. Everyone wins.
Read more: 19 Cruise Freebies You Can Get From Guest Services (Just Ask!)
9. Lock Away Your Valuables
Cabin stewards are professionals who take great pride in their work, but keeping your valuables locked in the safe is simply common sense.
Cash, passports, and jewellery tucked away protect your belongings and prevent any hint of awkwardness.
It also helps your steward relax, knowing they’re not working around piles of expensive items that they could be worried about damaging.
The safer your items are, the more peace of mind you’ll both have – and that means a happier holiday all round.
10. Reuse Your Towels
This little habit is a classic win-win.
If you hang your towels up, they’ll be left for reuse – helping the environment by saving water and reducing laundry loads.
It also gives your steward more time to focus on other aspects of your cabin rather than endlessly swapping towels.
If you really do need fresh ones, just leave them on the floor. Clear signals mean less waste and a smoother routine for everyone.
11. Don’t Leave Food Lying Around
A few biscuits left out on a plate might not seem like a big deal, but ship cabins are small spaces – and food left lying around quickly leads to unwanted smells.
Keep snacks sealed, clear away leftovers promptly, and use the bins or room service trays to dispose of food waste.
Your steward will thank you, and you’ll keep your cabin feeling clean and comfortable.
12. Report Issues Politely
Something not quite right in your cabin? It can often be fixed quickly if you mention it directly to your steward.
They usually know the right person to call and can sort things out. Or just nip to Guest Services – they should be able to sort it quickly.
The key is to be polite – a gentle mention goes much further than a grumble. Your steward wants you happy, and kindness makes everything easier. And certainly never blame the steward for something that’s gone wrong, or something that’s taken too long to fix!
13. Say Thank You
At the end of your cruise, take a moment to properly thank your cabin steward.
Whether it’s a heartfelt word, a handwritten note, or a small extra tip, the gesture means far more than you might imagine.
Stewards work incredibly hard, often with long hours and little downtime. Knowing their efforts were noticed and appreciated gives them a boost that lasts well beyond your sailing.
Gratitude is the simplest – and loveliest – etiquette of all.
Read more: 56 Amazing Examples of Royal Caribbean Customer Service
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Final Word
These little gestures don’t just make you a dream guest – they also lead to a smoother, happier cruise for you.
A tidy cabin, a smiling steward, and maybe even a few surprise towel animals along the way are all part of the magic.
Treat your steward with thoughtfulness, and you’ll be amazed how much more special your holiday feels. After all, kindness on the high seas goes a very long way.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
