Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner
I am so excited 🎉 I will be going on my 1st cruise for my birthday in August and I've been watching Life Well Cruised for the last 4 months or so 😊 I ordered a Planner and have not received it yet 😢 HELP please and thank you ❤
@@carlijarvi1198 very exciting! Can you please send me an email at lifewellcruised@gmail.com & I’ll make sure you get it & can download it - thanks, Ilana :)
@@kimelaburston7766 it’s best to ask the cruise line/ most don’t allow extension cords but may have exceptions for medical reasons but they must be aware to advise you
On a Viking cruise, I got sick (right before COVID). My steward checked on me. She pulled my blanket up a few times, refilled my water, opened my window, but closed the drapes. The chefs made sure I had soup delivered. The staff was better than my travel mate.
We were on Cruise&Maritime Marco Polo (no longer in existence) I became quite ill our stewardess was wonderful(as was my husband) she brought me tea cold water and checked on me regularly while she was working especially when I made my husband get off the ship in port she was so kind and got a big tip from me
In May 2022, we sailed on Carnival Glory. I injured my knee the very first night onboard. (It was not Carnival‘s fault. I was a klutz.) Carnival was gracious enough to loan me a push wheelchair at no cost for the rest of the cruise. Our cabin steward was so kind. Whenever he saw us in the hallway, he would stop what he was doing and rush to our cabin to open the door. He also left a doorstop in our room to help us get out of our cabin and help us when he wasn’t around. But even after he left the doorstop, if he saw us he would open the door for us. That just meant everything. It was our first cruise after the pandemic, and it was a bit difficult with my unexpected injury. I definitely got a look at another side of life, and that made helpers like our cabin steward even more appreciated. Truly a wonderful human being.
I always get up early and get my latte in the morning and a pastry. One morning I asked my steward if she liked the specialty coffee. She said yes but didn’t think it legal for her to have it. Every morning I brought her a latte and pastry and left it on her cart discreetly covered with a napkin. If I saw someone else by the cart, I would leave it in my room for her. It was our little secret 😊
How can specialty coffee be illegal? Maybe she meant that crew isn't permitted to get it as part of their food ration? So they'd have to pay for it themselves? I don't understand this restriction for crew's coffee.
@@GigiTee-hv4tq staff get different food and drinks than customers. They even have to pay for their soda, so I doubt they get lattes and fancy pastries.
@@Blackphoenix422We took over 100 cruises and will do back-to-back ones in January. As gratuities have gone up with just one cleaning per day, we remove the gratuities on the first day and pay cash. NOTE: We clean our cabin ourselves (using our own towels) and remove our own trash. The cabin steward does nothing but we still tip $100 per week. Our cabin is so clean that the cabin steward actually thought that our cabin was not occupied.
We do the same me and My sister that cruise together. She still leaves the gratuity daily that we pay for with our cruise then we give the steward $100 we have not eaten in the restaurant in years we either eat the buffet or one of the specialty restaurants but the get the gratuity we usually both bring $50 in ones and tip like bartenders and others throughout the cruise but we are going to bring $100 in ones or cruise going because we end up having to get more ones from the casino later in the cruise. Now when I say bartenders and others we tip those cleaning the tables in the buffet waiters in shows and others we see working hard or going the extra mile to help us or others. The ones are for on ship only. Any tips off the ship come from our other funds we have. Also large tips such as in the specialty restaurant like the steakhouse do not come out our ones of course. Most goes to bartenders when I get a soda or the waiters or waitress in the casino where we spend the evenings in quite often. My sister likes to play the slots and is quite lucky at them, I must say.
was traveling with my elderly mother & one evening we came back to our cabin & found our towels were folded into lions. This brightened my Mom's day so much that our attended folded the towels into different animals - every night! What a gift for her!
I sail with Princes. I love tea so I would make the trek to the buffet several times a day for a cup of tea. Well, I watched another cruise vlogger who indicated you can ask for a kettle for your room so you can make a cup of tea. I asked my room steward on my last 3 week cruise for a kettle and he not only brought me a kettle but an assortment of tea as well - and he kept it stocked for the entire cruise!
I'm a tea lover too I wonder if NCL does this or RCI? I get so frustrated when they bring water in a pot that they swear has never had coffee in it, but it has. I don't like coffee and coffee sediment always gets in the nooks and crannies and spoils the water and makes the tea taste awful. An electric tea kettle would solve that.
We took my 90 years old father-in-law on his first cruise this year. As we didn't spend every moment together we were able to keep track of him with the medallion but the room steward was amazing when my FIL would get turned around on his deck he'd point him back to his cabin which we'd decorated with some fun magnets. The steward also alerted the other stewards on the fore deck and a few times they got him to the right cabin. A big shout out to those stewards that go above and beyond. And yes everytime we saw his steward we thanked him and made sure he had a generous extra tip.
Sorry, I laughed at this. My sister and I travelled on QM2 last week with our 92 year old mother and I bet she’d have loved a way of contacting us every time she got lost!
On our recent Alaskan cruise on Celebrity we were celebrating our 40th anniversary. They provided a special dinner and wine in our cabin after it. Our attendant set it up with towel swans, wine glasses and rose petals. All for free.
Hi Alina, even though we always pay our gratuities in advance, my husband introduces himself to our attendant and from that day forward, he hands that person $20 a day and make sure he always says thank you and tell him how much we appreciate him. These people work so hard for the past 18 years, we cruise every year and one of the attendance told my husband he appreciates when a guest acknowledges him with a hello oh thank you he told us they are many guess that would bump into him I wouldn’t even say excuse me these guests would look straight through them, as if there were nothing these attendance work so hard, and I think that the hardest workers on the ship just sharing🎈🇺🇸🎈
Regarding special accomodations: I had gastric sleeve surgery, so since we're going on an RCCL cruise in October, I reached out to the special accomodations at Royal Caribbean. I let them know about my dietary needs and how I don't want to waste food and I may want to share my husband's entree. Here is their answer: "Dear Lynne, Thank you for sharing your dietary information with us. We appreciate your consideration and commitment to minimizing food waste. We understand that after undergoing bariatric gastric surgery, your food intake has changed, and you prefer smaller portions. We recommend that you meet with the Head Waiter in the Main Dining Room, and Restaurant Managers at other dining venues, to review the menus and identify selections you wish to have modified or avoided, we will be more than happy to accommodate to your dietary needs. If you decide to share an entree with your husband, please let your table server know, and they will assist in arranging it accordingly. We want to ensure that your meals are satisfying and well-suited to your preferences. Thank you for your understanding and proactive approach to reducing food waste. We are delighted to have you as our guest, and we look forward to providing you with a delightful dining experience that meets your unique needs. If you have any additional requests or further questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Best regards, Maria Sagastume Access Advocate" This is why I just LOVE Royal Caribbean!
I too had bariatric surgery before my cruise. With a doctor note, I was able to bring protein drinks over the beverage allowance. They were supposed to be carried on, but with the weight, I was not happy about that. I put them in the luggage and taped a copy of the Dr. note to it. No problems whatsoever.
My husband left his dress pants at home. Our steward was wonderful he found a pair of waiter pants for him to use and duck tape to use to hem them up. They worked great. This was on NCL out of California over 30 years ago.
In the 90's on our first cruise, my husband forgot his dress shoes and was going to wear sandals to the MDR. Our room steward heard and sent the man from the tuxedo rental over, who measured him for shoes and found him a pair of dress shoes he could wear for dinner & pix. And they were free!
Accidentally, we were booked into a non-handicap room when we had to re-book. Upon arrival, I expressed my shock to my attendant. They found me a shower chair and elevated toilet seat for my Mom. He always seemed to be right there when I needed to door prop to exit the room. We were with him 14 days on a back to back repositioning cruise. I was so grateful for him always looking out for us. So you can get last minute stuff.
We are 71 and 69 and took our first ever cruise last month to Alaska and really appreciate all of the helpful information we got from your videos! You are the BEST!
Every cruise I've taken, it has been hot and stuffy in the cabin. I took a fan this last time and it helped but I may need to take several fans so we don't sweat so much at night. I love the towel animals! And I have a door magnet saying just that. 😊
I always respect my cabin steward, I place a bio disposable bag daily in the waste bin, I give a seperate private gratuity, and on a Rare occasion when my stewardess had special dispensation to fly from Jordon to the Holy land, I chucked in her air fare, as a treat, I am not rich or well off,just human and the trip meant the world to her, she had saved so long for
"I am not rich or well off" Yes. Yes you are. You might not be as wealthy as some you know, but when you can afford a cruise and a mid-East airfare for a ship worker, you are well to do.
@@bugwar5545 I am certainly not rich, I save up all year or maybe two for a cruise, but I know after hard work I have a bit more than a crew member on a cruise line As for rich I only cruise on Costa an affordable for me cruise line I am not middle class I am working class and work 45 hours a week on standard working class pay, as in £12k a year
The towel animal made me chuckle as our first cruise. The room steward kept stealing the towel animals every morning as my wife would lay them on the desk. So ever since then she hides them in the closet or under the bed. Which I'm sure confuses the poor guy wondering what are we doing with his towels. Then on disembarkation day she brings them all out and arranges them on the bed and makes a heart in the center out of the tip money with a thank you note inside that.
I am hot natured and always feel that the AC in the rooms do not cool enough. My last cruise in April, I ordered and small fan and some magnetic hook magnets. I put the fan right beside the AC output and used the magnetic hooks to hold the line so it wouldn't be just hanging.. It worked great! The fan propelled the cold air right over the bed.. Worked great..
We've cruised over 60 times and everything you mentioned is factual.That said, earlier this year we were on Norwegian twice and I noticed the balcony only had two chairs and a small table.I asked the cabin steward to swap out both chairs for one lounge chair.I enjoy the fresh air.My wife never sits on the balcony. The next day sure enough there was my lounge chair and did I ever enjoy afternoon naps and my music stored on my phone.
I always ask for two extra of the following: tissue boxes (I like to have one on my nightstand, and one at the desk/dressing table); water glasses (for my makeup brushes and lip gloss); pillows; and light blankets (for napping on top of the bed, or keeping warm on the balcony). They have always been supplied cheerfully, and of course, I always tip immediately. Also, I bring small mesh bags with treats (like candy, lip balm, hand sanitizer, etc.) and give them to the crew whenever I have any personal interaction with them. They seem to appreciate these little gifts even more than tipping!
I took my painting supplies and canvas to paint the ports we were visiting and asked the steward to bring me some cardboard to clip the canvas to and he was very help in finding me the right size I needed along with some paper towels for cleaning my brushes, etc. We had a refrigerator that was not cooling our drinks and was able to secure a different one that did. I always ask for extra floor towels to keep beside the bed to wipe my feet on before I get into bed. My knees were giving me trouble and required daily icing. I took ice packs and they were able to keep them in the freezer for me and bring them each evening to use. On one cruise, they crew left the luggage get wet which somehow caused a stain on my husband's white suit jacket he was going to wear for formal night. Since they could not get the stain out, they did bring him another jacket to wear. Unfortunately, that jacket was way too big but at least they tried. And it is very important to take the surveys after the cruise and mention crew who have been helpful by name as they get rewarded for good service. Besides the required gratuities, I always give extra depending on the service.
We cruised on Holland America a few years ago and we sent hubby's suit to be pressed but we got the wrong suit back and it was too small. Not only did they search for it but didn't find it, they reimbursed us the cost and found a suit that fit for him to use that night. Ultimately, they surmised that whoever's suit we received just never put the one that had been returned to them on . Or, they just never told anyone there was a problem Everything else on the cruise was awesome but thought I'd mention how many of the departments throughout the ship will go out of their way to ensure happy customers!
JULY 29, 2023. I love the idea about tipping in advance! I always tip the last day but it is far more strategic to tip at first meeting! Never thought about that in over 20 continuous years of cruising.
Interesting. Holland is charging me $3 for distilled water for my cpap on my upcoming cruise with them in August. Princess and MSC have given it to me for free.
@@francesgill8621Would I have my travel agent request the distilled water? I am looking at my celebrity account and I don’t see anywhere to request it.
*While cruising on the Ruby Princess, the night tables had motion detector sensors on the bottom which lit up whenever someone got up at night. We asked our cabin steward about this. He put blue painters tape over the sensors so no jarring lights. As an alternative, the small decorative pillows on the bed can be placed in front of the sensors. *At my request, our cabin steward brought me a light blanket and removed the comforter on the bed which made sleeping more pleasant. I also asked our steward to not tuck in the bedding which is my preference. *Cruise planners can also be gotten at the service desk. Note that the schedule on the printed cruise planner can differ from the cruise planner on the app. *If you ask for a robe, be sure to request the size that you want. We requested robes on the website personalizer ahead of time. I then asked for a larger robe which the steward brought. *On one occasion, I left a note for my husband to tend to something in the room. Our cabin steward read the note and took care of this. That got him an extra tip!
I prepare a list for our room steward before we get on board. I just type up a small note with a few requests ~Bathrobes ~Extra towels and pillows ~Extra blankets for the beds ~Blanket for outdoor movies ~Third lounge chair for our balcony (always book an aft facing balcony) ~ask for late morning service to have our cabin cleaned. ~Ice bucket filled twice a day ~Empty our fridge so we don’t get charged for the items the cruise line charges u for. ~We are always very generous and leave cash in an envelope with this note. ***** NCL will not open the partition between cabins on the balcony. NCL only provides one cabin service now. They used to provide an additional turn down service daily but now the staff has more than double the cabins to clean. We place our room service breakfast order prior to going to bed by filling out the form and leaving it on our cabin door in the hall to be delivered by 7am. It’s important we feel that passengers should also make sure to tip the delivery person in cash each delivery. On NCL there is a charge for room service all day including continental breakfast.
Always love your videos, thank you. On the thought about tipping your cabin attendant, we have always followed a routine when we cruise that I truly believe has made out cabin attendant experience/relationship one that is always above and beyond. I am a frugal traveler but with that said, I am NOT opposed to spending money, I just want it to be money well spent. Upon arriving to our cabin on every cruise we have ever gone on, we leave a pre-written letter/note to the cabin attendant. We introduce ourselves, let them know we are experienced cruisers and most of all THANK them in advance for all they are going to do to make our trip amazing. If we have any requests (egg crate, empty the fridge, extra towels, etc. we list them) and along with the note we paperclip a $100 bill to the paper. The note is in an envelope that we address to "Our Cabin Steward" and we leave it on the bed (or hand it to them if we run into them). Yes, that is a heft tip, but it has always been worth every penny. We find that we get extra effort and extra attention whenever we do that. (Remember, the definition of TIPS is: To Insure Proper Service. It is intended to be done BEFORE any service is done, not after. Somehow the definition over time made people do it at the end which honestly is counterintuitive. Everyone rises with motivation and expectation. Just my two cents.) I would rather give a $100 to the cabin attendant upon embarkation day than blow it in the casino or the spa. For $100, I get suite type luxury service and attention while staying in an interior or balcony room. ;) Happy cruising! Keep up the videos.
I love the idea of a note with your requests, especially since my spouse and I both have ADHD and tend to forget to do stuff. I'd rather write my note now and make my requests, print it out, and pack it with my documentation stuff so I make sure it's taken care of.
(Remember, the definition of TIPS is: To Insure Proper Service.) If I was their employer and they did not give proper service without being tipped for it I'D SACK THEM. You don't get tipped for just turning up to your job you get tipped for service above and beyond what is expected (except in America I guess where they don't pay people properly to start with.). Btw I do tip at the end, what service I received during will determine the size of tip that I leave.
I've given the cabin attendants a card with tip at the beginning of my cruise.... telling them how excited I am to be on the trip and that I will keep my cabin as tidy as possible. (usually with a smiley face) They always seem so enthusiastic and eager to be helpful..... even if I don't ask them for a single thing during the cruise. They know that they are appreciated from Day 1!!!!
Same - we also paid for gratuities in advance but I would like to go above and beyond because they do for me. Not sure how the gratuities in advance work - 🤷♀️
I leave $20 a day as I do ask for hangers on the first day and ice daily. I clip the money with their card on the wall that is easily spotted so they know it’s for them. Last day, our Stewart came to say good bye. I asked if he would enjoy the bottle of wine we never opened along with the rest of the small bags of variety of snacks. I told him, I hope he doesn’t and to throw it out and he can enjoy it! He said sure and would share with some other crew members.
On my last cruise, I kindly asked for a bucket of ice. That way, I could have cold water as it melted. My steward brought me a bucket of ice every day and we really appreciated it. It is also pleasant when you are going to a very warm destination to always have chilled water in the cabin.
On Carnival last year (our first cruise) masks were no longer required and we meant to pack them anyway but then forgot. They made an announcement that the port required masks, and we immediately panicked. Our cabin steward was in the hallway and as soon as we asked, he quickly whipped two masks out of his cart like magic. He did the same when we needed a pen the next day. Little things, but he was so prepared! Also he made the best towel animals!
When we cruised in Hawaii, m.y sister (who lived on Oahu) gave beautiful leis. To preserve them she told us to soak them in cold water. So the first day of our cruise we filled tHe basin and put the leis in. Our cabin steward was surprised and asked why we were drowning our flowers! We explained it him. He was a really helpful chat and took special pains to look out for our then 10-year-old daughter.
My first and only Carnival experience a year ago we were at dinner and for whatever reason it was taking along time to get our food mainly our desserts and my two nieces wanted to go catch a show so they never got their desserts they were excited about. The next evening, the waitress was very apologetic and was able to have the check prepare the previous nights desserts for the girls even though it wasn't on the menu. We thought that was pretty awesome to go out of her way to even ask the chef much less make it happy :)
Just came off a cruise with Royal Caribbean and rented a scooter from Special Needs at Sea. The scooter was waiting for me outside my cabin. At the end of the cruise RC made it much easier instead of leaving in cabin as instructed but to leave the scooter in designated lounge area and they transported me in a wheelchair from that area to disembark the ship. Your information is always very helpful.
When we went on a 15 day cruise, I made a quilt for the cabin stewart to show our appreciation. When we gave it to him, he left without saying anything. I worried for a couple of days that I had done something wrong. When we were leaving, I saw him and asked if I did something wrong. His reply was that he was emotional and had to leave. Is it ok to give a gift like that?
As a fellow quilter, what a thoughtful gift. I'm emotional and would hae left too - being a natural 'hugger'. The ship policy may be NOT to hug/touch passengers...
We had our cabin steward repair a handbag. He took it away, and brought it back in perfect shape. Also had them help with a damaged suitcase once. They have provided us with a needle and thread.
Three out of three cruises I've been on, the cabin stewards were great. The second cruise I went on was on a Norvwegian cruise with my mom and some friends. My mom uses a CPAP machine and the steward brought distilled water right away without us even asking. The last cruise I went on was with Royal Caribbean and my girlfriend wanted firmer pillows and our steward even took us to the supply room to show us what pillows they had so my girlfriend could pick them out :)
I have always tipped my cabin Stewart on the first day anywhere between $50-100 and another $50-75 on the last day. This all depends on the length of the cruise. One time, without asking, the cabin Steward decorated our room with a bunch of birthday balloons and banners when he found it it was my wife's birthday. He also left two huge cupcakes with candles as well. Regardless, it does pay to be super nice to your cabin steward. They have a tough job and 99.999% of the time they try very hard to go up and beyond to make your cruise enjoyable.
I didn't know about the coffee maker or mattress topper. Great tips! Water is usually extra (at least in my experience) even with drink packages, when brought to the cabin. However, we were given this tip by one of our cabin stewards. Ask for a pitcher of water to be delivered with your complimentary continental breakfast order, and they will bring it. Now, bare in mind that a pitcher of water will not usually be part of the menu items. We were told to write it in, and its worked like a charm every time we've done it.
Some cruise line don't have mattress toppers...but what they will do is put a few of those douvets (the heavy bedspread) on the bed. They made mine very comfy
Over the years I have requested so many things that you have mentioned and received them without delay from my cabin Stewart. 1 filling the ice bucket daily. 2. a mattress topper. 3. corkscrew. 4. wine glasses. 5. Extension cord. 6. Removal of a piece of furniture, or removing a large additional comforter so we could have more storage space.
Have had very good interactions with our cabin stewards and other staff. Definitely tipped at the end and along the way. I have mobility issues and everyone was so helpful. We always made sure to be polite, smile, and thank the staff. Courtesy goes a long way to making a cruise a positive experience for everyone.
Excellant video! As I adjust more and more to the cruising lifestyle, it's videos like this and the comments that make things better. As for tipping, my personal guideline is $20 / day no matter the length of the cruise. I had been giving it all at the end, but may wind up splitting it in half based on some comments. Half up front and the other half at the end. The Stewards are working 7 days a week, long shifts every day. They're human just like the rest of us. A tip at the start can boost morale since they are coming off a cruise that just ended and they may be tired.
NCL no longer has coffee makers in most cabins. When I asked my cabin Stewart, he told me that they are now by request only. I requested one and he gladly brought it for me. He also restocked supplies regularly. This is great if you like your first cup before going for breakfast in the morning.
One thing I forgot on my last cruise was a small sewing kit. Thankfully my cabin steward overheard me in the hallway and brought me 2 small sewing kits , just in case....lol and saved the day. 😊
We always make our requests for extra towels, daily ice, etc, on first meeting with steward, along with $20 or so (depending on length of trip), and always receive excellent service. We tip again at the end additional to prepaids. They work very hard and always take great care of us!
I'm so excited, my husband and I are going on our 2nd Alaska cruise. It is a nice change from our usual Caribbean cruises. In every cold drink, we both like a lot of ice. We always ask the cabin steward for ice twice per day. We mostly cruise with Celebrity and they still have cabin service twice per day anyway, so it's always been done without a problem. We hadn't thought about keeping the ice bucket in the fridge until one of your viewers mentioned it, but we will try that as well.
Cabin attendants work so hard. I always try to show my appreciation with cash tips (trust me, those automatic gratuities don't go as far as people think; sooooo many staff members share them) and by mentioning them by name in cruise line surveys and reviews. I also try to be kind and respectful to them at all times; too many people just aren't that way to service staff. Thanks, Ilana, for another great vid!
The best cruise steward I had was on the Carnival Ecstasy. He was outstanding. He told me all the freebies I didn't know that were available to us. He made sure every day that any thing we may have needed was taken care of immediately. He did his job so well that even though we prepaid gratuities we gave him even more
Excellent tios and concise delivery. I've been on 11 cruises and I still learned several tips from this video! Thank you so much. Please know I think you're one of the best cruise tipsters out there because the video didn't have a lot of unnecessary chatter.
Went on my first cruise with 2 other people (my daughter-in-law and her mom). I saw the couch in the cabin and asked the steward for an extra blanket/pillow since that’s where I was sleeping. I’m far from picky and easygoing. He was so sweet and turned that couch into a comfortable bed. I was so happy! I felt like a queen. He teased me during that whole cruise about how excited I was about that. 😂
You must have booked a cabin that sleeps 3 and the couches are the intended 3rd bed unless there is one that drops down from the ceiling. I’m curious as to where you thought you were going to sleep?
@@nonnauu3977It was a balcony cabin that slept 3. I wasn’t sure the sleeping arrangements when I got there so I figured I’d just take the couch instead of trying to fit all 3 of us in one bed. I’d sleep on the balcony if I had to 😂. I just have a hard time sleeping with anyone next to me so I opted for the couch. All I needed was a blanket and I’m good as long as nobody is next to me while I sleep. When I checked the website it didn’t say much about the sleeping arrangements but all my friends that have cruised told me it might be a tight fit so I thought we would be in one big bed or a trundle. It’s amazing how many can fit in one cabin though.
We just got off of the NCL Sun last Wed. our cabin attendant Wendy was amazing. I had brought along some little candy treats and left a note each day telling her thank you and here is a little pick me up to get her through the day. I also went to our Chamber of Commerce and picked up some little trinkets like flashlights and a blanket that had our city name on it these I gave out at the end of the cruise just as a little thank you the crew loved them and kept showing them off to the other crew members. We also left a generous tip for her as well. it was the little small things that they really appreciated.
Have taken several Holland America cruises with my elderly mom. Cabin stewards have been very helpful in providing CPAP extension cord, bath stool and arranging for Installation of hand held shower spray (best to request some of these in advance), Also asked that mini fridge be emptied of items for sale on first day so it could be used to store goodies purchased ashore. Requested fresh fruitwas provided daily. Coffee delivered to cabin each morning.
Thank you for All of your videos. This one was a great help. We are going on our very first cruise with NCL Encore this Sunday 6/25/23 to Alaska. Watching all of your videos and help from your followers I believe we are ready. I am disabled and all of yours and everyone else’s tips made me feel at ease. I did order a scooter to make it easier on myself. Thanks to everyone. Knowing what I can order ahead of time, shower stool, distilled water etc.. Now knowing how the Cabin Stewart can help and what to tip. Thank you. I’m so excited now. Plus your followers rock. Thank you all for your support and input for this first timer ❤🥰
I have found that the stewards are not as visible as they used to be. Sometimes I don’t see mine for days. I know it’s because they have to do 2 to 3 times more work than before. Given that, it’s a miracle they can get anything done. They deserve an extra “thank you” tip and a hand written note of thanks.
I was on NCL in April and they provided me with a scooter company for my husband, they put it in my cabin we didn’t have to pick it up or bring take it back, they did it all. That helped a lot it was great!
I have asked for a shower seat, at booking, on my cruises and had one delivered to use. I have mobility issues and need one when I can not get a handicapped room. I have also been offered a riser with bars for the toilet if needed. I find in the smaller head (bathroom) I have plenty to hold onto to get off the toilet. Since the shower seat is not needed by my roommate we have put it outside on the balcony when not in use, when we had a balcony room, lol. I have cruised about 50 times on all the big cruise lines and some lines that are not around anymore. I have had the gambit of room stewards. Some excellent and some very bad. The worse was on Carnival in a suite with 4 women. The steward refused to put the sofa up during the day and left it made into a bed. It was a pain to try and get around it and with luggage from 4 women, it made it even worse. We had to walk single file and sit on the beds to pass. It really was a terrible experience. We asked repeatedly and the steward refused to put it up during the day. One of the best I remember was on Princess on a Mediterranean cruise. We did a balcony breakfast coming into Venice and the steward packed everything up and placed the leftovers in our small refrigerator! I remember the steward was like a ninja and seemed to always get every thing done when we were out. My boyfriend and I requested ice and when he found we went through a lot, he brought us 2 ice buckets filled. We drank a lot of water. Maybe it is me, but since my sweetheart passed away and I travel with just women, I do not feel I get as good of service. I do not know if they think I will tip less or what. The last cruise I was on, 15 days Panama Canal cruise, we did not meet our steward until day 5! We kept asking to meet him as I needed some things. Another room steward helped me and was always around when I went looking for help. I ended up tipping him a big tip at the end and thanked him for his over and beyond help. And I do mean over and beyond!!!! We did not have a handicapped room and to get my scooter inside the room required me taking the seat off and tipping the scooter over on it side to get it though the door. I asked the door width before this cruise and was given the wrong dimension. I own 2 scooters and could have brought the smaller one if I had been given the correct information. That was not that hard to do as my scooter base only weight about 30 lbs but it was awkward. If the other room steward would see me come down the hall, he would come and help me get the scooter in the door. I could do it all myself, but he was too sweet and wanted to help. My room steward when I saw him would walk away. I tipped my room steward too but the steward that was NOT mine but always helping me got a big tip when I left the cruise. Kindness goes a LONG way in my book.
I love the cabin stewards. They really do make the cruise special. I prepay the gratuities, but I make sure to bring at least $20/day plus an extra $50 for the last day for them. I can’t imagine the sacrifice these people make being so far from home and having to clean so many rooms with a smile no matter how tired or sad they may feel that day.
that blue carnival blanket is a GOD SEND. all the staterooms I've been in have been sooooo cold. im so glad im not alone with my obsession with that blanket.
I ask my Steward for just that my ice buckets and they put it in my fridge. daily, and you're right on the first day, and they never forget on every cruise with Carnival. I just learned about bathrobes and slippers in September 2022 from your channel.❤ So, since then, I have asked for one on day one cruising with Carnival. Thank you! Love your channel.
When we added my disabled sister to our cabin last minute, no ADA rooms were available but Carnival did provide a shower chair and an additional welcome letter to her saying to call if there was anything else they might could help her with.
Great to know about all these extras our cabin attendant can help with. I do like to tip at the beginning especially since I ask for daily ice refills. I also leave a thank you note for the attendant with another tip at the end. I bring sticky notes to alert him/her of needs and appreciation during my stay.
Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. For us, the cabin steward is the most essential crewmember for our comfort and enjoyment of the cruise. We’ve been on over a dozen cruises and have always had good cabins stewards. My wife uses a wheelchair and often we ask that extra furniture be removed for the week or that furniture be rearranged. Without their help in doing this, the cabin would be inaccessible. Last year, my wife was not able to get into the bathroom unless they removed the sofa (and this was a so-called wheelchair accessible room). The cruise line (Celebrity) was very accommodating, and but it was really the room stewards that did the heavy lifting. Our room steward is usually the only crewmember that we give an extra gratuity to because he or she deserves it.
We generally cruise with Princess and Celebrity - both cruise lines allow you to bring wine on board to consume in your cabin. When we arrive, we always ask for 6 wine glasses and every steward has provided them ( or let us know to call room service to ask for them if that is ship's policy). Room stewards are the unsung heroes of the cruise lines. Right after Covid re-sails, we got into the habit of bringing small treats or personal items for the staff because during that time, many crew members were not allowed to disembark at ports (changing policies in various ports regarding Covid). I would make up "goodie bags", with deodorant, disposable razors, socks, candy bars, etc. and leave them for the room steward or other staff members. I also asked the staff if they had a favorite snack or need we could purchase for them at port. They were so-o-o appreciative. (we never took any payment from them, it was our added gratuity) Kindness goes a long way. During those trying times, their crew store "might" get supplies, but treats sold out quickly. I still try to do some version of that, even if things are back to "normal". It makes me feel good and kindness can be done even when the pandemics are over. just MHO.
On most of the Princess ships, you need an extension cord for the CPAP machine. Invariably the cord is a nuisance on the floor during the day. For the first time in the 20 or so cruises that we needed the cord he took the time to plug it in behind the TV, which is a feat in itself. WOW 👌
We cruised on RC & I asked the steward if they had something to put under the mattress to raise up the head; he found a wooden wedge that worked great. My husband was able to sleep so much better with his BIPAP.
Going on a 14 day cruise in August. Never occurred to me to request this. Great tip on elevating the head of the mattress as we use this feature at home. Saves me from overindulging on the drink package just to fall asleep on a flat mattress Lol
On recent cruises, we have been surprised to find extra towels (in addition to the 4 in the bathroom) in one of the storage bins in the closet. Very convenient! and no need to ask for extras! Extra blankets are usually available if needed--very helpful if one person likes the cabin cooler than the other does.; We had a suitcase repaired on the ship at no charge, even though I told them it had been damaged by the airline.
Our travel agent always notes on our reservations that my husband uses a CPAP. We've never had an issue getting an extension cord and distilled water in our cabin. I've found it helpful to write down all our requests i.e. CPAP necessities, daily ice, robes, number of daily towels needed, etc. When the cabin steward comes to introduce him/herself, I give them the list. This has worked very well. We have a lot of cruises under our belt. I have to say that we have never had a bad cabin steward. They all have been very attentive and friendly. I will admit that we miss the twice a day cabin service simply because we don't get to have as much interaction with the steward. On the post cruise survey I praised our steward and mentioned him by name, but I also mentioned that I preferred twice a day service because I missed the more frequent interactions with the steward.
We took a cruise on princess last September and they provided distilled water for my c-pap free. We are scheduled on Carnival in September this year and they said I have to buy it from the cabin steward for $3 per gallon!
@@darreledwards5094 that's good to know. We have a Carnival cruise planned for next January from Galveston. Usually, we cruise on RC. They provide distilled water for free.
@darreledwards5094 Did you need to use the ship's extension cord? And is the reason for it to reach your bed, or to fit the outlet properly? I ask because my CPAP plug is pretty long.
Royal Caribean Alaska Cruise. We found a washrag-sized Towel bird in our cabin on the second to the last day. I asked her how much to take it home as I felt that this was a genuine souvenir not made (Well... assembled on the ship) in China as the vast majority of all knick-knacks all throughout the ship and excursions were. It was free and now lives in a beautiful glass case we found at Hobby Lobby when we returned home.
Im a future cruise newbie on the oasis of the seas this September and you have helped me to be more educated and ready for this cruise. Now the foldable hangers and fan are next on my list. Thanks for all you do.
We have found that leaving a small gift, either daily or a few times on our cruise, really puts a joyful smile on the cabin stewards face. It can be some candies or small items from home or a little something from our island visits from the day. May times the steward does not get off the ship at the ports, so we have found this to be a delight for them.
We have been blessed with our butlers on Saga cruises. Always so attentive and helpful and although gratuities are included, we always give them some money in a card (I bring notelets from home so I can personally let them know how grateful we are) at the end of the cruise. On one cruise, my husband had written a note for himself to remember to book the specialty dining room on a specific day - he left the note with various bits on the desk when we left the cabin - when we came back, we found a note saying that the reservation had been made! We did not think that this was something we would expect our butler to do, but he did! How about that for going above and beyond? Just wonderful. They are treasures!❤️
A top sheet! If the bed is topped with a duvet, often there is no sheet between you and the thick duvet. My sis-in-law clued me into asking to have the bed made with an extra sheet so I would be able to throw off the duck feathers if I got too warm.
Every single day, I give them extra money ($20 - $40) in addition to their regular tips!! I think they work soooo hard for us and I soooo appreciate them! #LoveToCruise
Im a newbie going on my first cruise to Alaska on Celebrity in late August. They've been super accommodating so far - offered a medical fridge for my Diabetic Dad, extension cords and distilled water at no extra costs for CPAP machines, a shower stool, and lots more. Can't wait to see how it all works out!
We've also requested all those things from celebrity and every thing was in our cabin. My husband also had a mobility scooter delivered on each cruise. We ordered ensure for our next cruise and they provide it free. awesome!!! Happy cruising 😊
On our Panama Canal cruise, our room steward had some wonderful ideas where we could go on the ship for special viewing locations (through several unmarked doors for hidden balcony type spaces.
When we were on the Mardi Gras last year, in a Havana Cabana, the chairs sat so low to the ground on the balcony. I asked our steward if there was a way to get a higher chair like in a regular balcony. He brought one that was perfect for my husband who had issues from getting up from a low chair due to his recovery from an auto immune issue. It was so appreciated. The fan you showed with the USB port and not electric is FANTASTIC. Yes you can ask for a balcony blanket on Carnival. We used it for our Alaska cruise, it was big enough to fit a twin bed. My husband and I shared it in Tracy Arm Fjord. It was PERFECT. As for medical needs, like sharps containers, wheelchair/scooter rental etc, we've contacted the "special needs" dept on Carnival and Royal and were provided medical things like sharps and distilled water.
Thanks for the info, we just got off a cruise on the Norwegian Pearl and our Oceanview Obstructed cabin just had a tiny ottoman at the desk with no chair. We are looking at a longer cruise (Port Canaveral to Iceland) on the Norwegian Jade and the Oceanview cabins (not Obstructed from now on) look identical to the one we had, so I am planning on asking the cabin attendant to remove the useless ottoman and find us a chair. Thanks to you, I'm more confident that he'll say yes (and I won't need to "borrow" one from a public room at say 4 am).
5:06pm EDL time I have a CPAP and have requested cord and distilled waster from 3 different cruise lines and have never been charged for the water. Just FYI. Love your tips!
On the many princess cruises, on various 10:46 ships, if you qualify for a handicapped cabin, any category, the roll in showers have always had a fold down shower seat.
Great tips! I travel with a Cpap and always call the cruiseline ahead and ask for distilled water and in one case an extension cord. I have yet to be charged for the water, but I know they can sometimes do so. Its easier than trying to buy it before embarkation. One time, they forgot the the extension cord, so I asked my steward when we arrived. By the time we got back to change for dinner, the cord was installed and taped to the floor so there would not be a tripping hazard. I'm glad the newer ships have an outlet by the bed.
I've asked oir butler (offishial job name in Yacht club on MSC ship) to get me firmer pillow and help with souvenirs and few times information about different things, but I am truly tried do not bother her much. She was amazing tiny lady and I left her 50 pounds note for 6 days cruise and we gave each other massive hug. Lovely thoughtful staff at Virtuosa.
On the NCL Breakaway, we were able to ask for an electric coffee maker to the cabin. This was recently - in January 2023, and we did receive this to our cabin. We also requested bathrobes on that cruise, and found them to be significantly better quality than the ones we received to our cabin on our Carnival cruises. You did a fantastic job of presenting this topic, and I’m sure many people will find it very helpful!
Back in January of 2023, my brother in law also got a coffeemaker in his cabin on the Breakaway. I don't drink enough coffee to do this myself, but it was greatly appreciated.
I took you up on your idea about leaving our cabin steward a special little treat with a positive note daily I think he really enjoyed it and it was really fun. ❤
I've been cruising with Royal Caribbean for most of my cruises. I always ask for extra hangers and the cabin steward is very good about getting those for me. I also get a robe if there is not one already in the cabin. I've asked for refills of ice for the ice bucket and that is a nice extra. I always ask that the bed be set up as a queen but have usually done this in advance of the cruise with a customer service agent and it may be the default setup (esp if you are solo) but helps to have that arranged in advance. They are very accomodating of requests (cabin stewards) and just need to know what extras you might want. I tip them well for their extra attention to my cabin and doing a great job to add comfort to my stay.
I sail Carnival quite a bit. Those blue blankets are FABULOUS! I cart it around everywhere. I’m basically Linus of the cruise ship! Sometimes the bedding is too heavy or too warm. Take it off - blue blanket. Lido deck movie time gets windy & chilly sailing out of northern ports - blue blanket. Casino A/C freezing you to death - blue blanket. I love it so much I bought one for my house!
Every cruise I’ve been on (Carnival) the cabin attendant has always gone up and beyond for us. We don’t tip at the beginning but we always have a smile, small talk and are polite every time we see them .. and that goes a long way! Regarding the fan, I need the noise so I wouldn’t rely on an outside source.
Tipping half in advance is far more desirable, imo, than a smile, small talk and politeness. Money pays the bills and supports the families back at home not smiles and small talk; something they must endure with a smile whether they want to or not. Pay them up front and then again at the end of the trip for the very, very stressful jobs they do.
@@AaaBbb-pg8lj I definitely agree that they have to endure A LOT! That’s why we always tip generously as well as leave a bag full of necessities for them. I’m going on a cruise in August, I will try the half upfront. When would I give it? The first encounter? First time they clean the room?
🎉first cruise in august but the hope is we start cruising a lot next June 2024 with retirement ! Your videos teach me so much thank you ! Such good info ❤glenda
I have chemical allergies so I always ask special needs prior to cruise to have my cabin ionized. I remind my room steward to not use clearers in my cabin only water
One that I would add is that some cruise lines will allow you to have a kettle delivered to your room, by your cabin steward - particularly useful if you're a Brit like me who loves a tea/coffee in the morning before you brave opening the cabin door! With some lines (P&O for example) you'll have a kettle as standard, but my recent trip on MSC World Europa didn't have kettles in the cabin, but they had loads on board to give me one when I requested!
Ooooh I shall remember this. P&O Australia doesn’t have kettles in the room and I badly miss not being able to make a cuppa whenever the fancy takes me. I already bring my own teabags and coffee bags
Besides tipping, which we always do, and a thank you note, what are ways that we can make things easier/better for our cabin attendant? Not leaving a huge mess behind when we leave the cabin is, of course, a given, but what are other things we can do? Even on vacation, I can't turn off the "mom" instinct and the want to make things better for others.
One thing we like to do is ask the room attendant if we can pick anything special up for them when we go into port. Do they like a special snack, need OTC meds, crave certain fast food, want a souvenir to send home, etc. Usually one out of 3-4 cruises will ask for something, especially when we impress upon them it’s something we really want to do for them. We always bring a little something special for our RA, from our home state. Usually something edible, since they don’t have much storage space in their living quarters.
![40 Cruise Food [& Drink] HACKS That Will Blow Your Mind!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jloSbjtQaqI/mqdefault.jpg)
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner
I am so excited 🎉 I will be going on my 1st cruise for my birthday in August and I've been watching Life Well Cruised for the last 4 months or so 😊 I ordered a Planner and have not received it yet 😢 HELP please and thank you ❤
Are there special qualifications if I bring my own extention cord for my cpap?
@@carlijarvi1198 very exciting! Can you please send me an email at lifewellcruised@gmail.com
& I’ll make sure you get it & can download it - thanks, Ilana :)
@@kimelaburston7766 it’s best to ask the cruise line/ most don’t allow extension cords but may have exceptions for medical reasons but they must be aware to advise you
P&O don’t allow extension cables at all, even those with no surge. Room service even for breakfast now comes with a £2.50 fee.
On a Viking cruise, I got sick (right before COVID). My steward checked on me. She pulled my blanket up a few times, refilled my water, opened my window, but closed the drapes. The chefs made sure I had soup delivered. The staff was better than my travel mate.
😮 That’s crazy!
If they did all of that, they deserved a $500 tip!
Wow!
We were on Cruise&Maritime Marco Polo (no longer in existence) I became quite ill our stewardess was wonderful(as was my husband) she brought me tea cold water and checked on me regularly while she was working especially when I made my husband get off the ship in port she was so kind and got a big tip from me
If there are 3 adults in cabin, how much is a sensible tip from each for 7 day cruise? Is there a standard percentage?
In May 2022, we sailed on Carnival Glory. I injured my knee the very first night onboard. (It was not Carnival‘s fault. I was a klutz.) Carnival was gracious enough to loan me a push wheelchair at no cost for the rest of the cruise.
Our cabin steward was so kind. Whenever he saw us in the hallway, he would stop what he was doing and rush to our cabin to open the door. He also left a doorstop in our room to help us get out of our cabin and help us when he wasn’t around. But even after he left the doorstop, if he saw us he would open the door for us. That just meant everything. It was our first cruise after the pandemic, and it was a bit difficult with my unexpected injury. I definitely got a look at another side of life, and that made helpers like our cabin steward even more appreciated. Truly a wonderful human being.
I always get up early and get my latte in the morning and a pastry. One morning I asked my steward if she liked the specialty coffee. She said yes but didn’t think it legal for her to have it. Every morning I brought her a latte and pastry and left it on her cart discreetly covered with a napkin. If I saw someone else by the cart, I would leave it in my room for her. It was our little secret 😊
That was a lovely, thoughtful thing for you to do. Must have made that lady very happy.💐
I am definitely doing this!
Secret??? All their food is free too😂😂😂 she probably already had her coffee and breakfast when you would leave it on her carr😂
How can specialty coffee be illegal? Maybe she meant that crew isn't permitted to get it as part of their food ration? So they'd have to pay for it themselves? I don't understand this restriction for crew's coffee.
@@GigiTee-hv4tq staff get different food and drinks than customers. They even have to pay for their soda, so I doubt they get lattes and fancy pastries.
We gave our cabin attendant 100...he was so happy he started dancing in the hallway...made our day seeing kind sweet hardworking guy so happy 😊
Do you still do your gratuity? Or tip them in cash instead of your gratuity
@@Blackphoenix422We took over 100 cruises and will do back-to-back ones in January. As gratuities have gone up with just one cleaning per day, we remove the gratuities on the first day and pay cash. NOTE: We clean our cabin ourselves (using our own towels) and remove our own trash. The cabin steward does nothing but we still tip $100 per week. Our cabin is so clean that the cabin steward actually thought that our cabin was not occupied.
@@Blackphoenix422 i do in addition too, $50 at the start and more at the end
We do the same me and My sister that cruise together. She still leaves the gratuity daily that we pay for with our cruise then we give the steward $100 we have not eaten in the restaurant in years we either eat the buffet or one of the specialty restaurants but the get the gratuity we usually both bring $50 in ones and tip like bartenders and others throughout the cruise but we are going to bring $100 in ones or cruise going because we end up having to get more ones from the casino later in the cruise. Now when I say bartenders and others we tip those cleaning the tables in the buffet waiters in shows and others we see working hard or going the extra mile to help us or others. The ones are for on ship only. Any tips off the ship come from our other funds we have. Also large tips such as in the specialty restaurant like the steakhouse do not come out our ones of course. Most goes to bartenders when I get a soda or the waiters or waitress in the casino where we spend the evenings in quite often. My sister likes to play the slots and is quite lucky at them, I must say.
❤
was traveling with my elderly mother & one evening we came back to our cabin & found our towels were folded into lions. This brightened my Mom's day so much that our attended folded the towels into different animals - every night! What a gift for her!
This is Normal on many cruises.
@linamendt9149 most don't do it anymore.
Zzzzz.
I sail with Princes. I love tea so I would make the trek to the buffet several times a day for a cup of tea. Well, I watched another cruise vlogger who indicated you can ask for a kettle for your room so you can make a cup of tea. I asked my room steward on my last 3 week cruise for a kettle and he not only brought me a kettle but an assortment of tea as well - and he kept it stocked for the entire cruise!
I'm a tea lover too I wonder if NCL does this or RCI? I get so frustrated when they bring water in a pot that they swear has never had coffee in it, but it has. I don't like coffee and coffee sediment always gets in the nooks and crannies and spoils the water and makes the tea taste awful. An electric tea kettle would solve that.
I've had a tea kettle the last few cruises. Wonderful!
We took my 90 years old father-in-law on his first cruise this year. As we didn't spend every moment together we were able to keep track of him with the medallion but the room steward was amazing when my FIL would get turned around on his deck he'd point him back to his cabin which we'd decorated with some fun magnets. The steward also alerted the other stewards on the fore deck and a few times they got him to the right cabin. A big shout out to those stewards that go above and beyond.
And yes everytime we saw his steward we thanked him and made sure he had a generous extra tip.
That is really neat! I'm sure your FIL enjoyed his time aboard 😊
Sorry, I laughed at this. My sister and I travelled on QM2 last week with our 92 year old mother and I bet she’d have loved a way of contacting us every time she got lost!
Why are you all leaving these extremely elderly people to find their own way back to their cabin?! 😤
I always request a coffee maker too!
Sounds like they are using the cruise as an assisted living.@@juliecarlee5154
On our recent Alaskan cruise on Celebrity we were celebrating our 40th anniversary. They provided a special dinner and wine in our cabin after it. Our attendant set it up with towel swans, wine glasses and rose petals. All for free.
Wow!! Impressive 🥂👏
Hi Alina, even though we always pay our gratuities in advance, my husband introduces himself to our attendant and from that day forward, he hands that person $20 a day and make sure he always says thank you and tell him how much we appreciate him. These people work so hard for the past 18 years, we cruise every year and one of the attendance told my husband he appreciates when a guest acknowledges him with a hello oh thank you he told us they are many guess that would bump into him I wouldn’t even say excuse me these guests would look straight through them, as if there were nothing these attendance work so hard, and I think that the hardest workers on the ship just sharing🎈🇺🇸🎈
Regarding special accomodations:
I had gastric sleeve surgery, so since we're going on an RCCL cruise in October, I reached out to the special accomodations at Royal Caribbean. I let them know about my dietary needs and how I don't want to waste food and I may want to share my husband's entree. Here is their answer:
"Dear Lynne,
Thank you for sharing your dietary information with us. We appreciate your consideration and commitment to minimizing food waste. We understand that after undergoing bariatric gastric surgery, your food intake has changed, and you prefer smaller portions.
We recommend that you meet with the Head Waiter in the Main Dining Room, and Restaurant Managers at other dining venues, to review the menus and identify selections you wish to have modified or avoided, we will be more than happy to accommodate to your dietary needs.
If you decide to share an entree with your husband, please let your table server know, and they will assist in arranging it accordingly. We want to ensure that your meals are satisfying and well-suited to your preferences.
Thank you for your understanding and proactive approach to reducing food waste. We are delighted to have you as our guest, and we look forward to providing you with a delightful dining experience that meets your unique needs.
If you have any additional requests or further questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
Best regards,
Maria Sagastume
Access Advocate"
This is why I just LOVE Royal Caribbean!
Thanks for sharing! Excellent communication by both Royal & yourself 👏
I too had bariatric surgery before my cruise. With a doctor note, I was able to bring protein drinks over the beverage allowance.
They were supposed to be carried on, but with the weight, I was not happy about that. I put them in the luggage and taped a copy of the Dr. note to it. No problems whatsoever.
Love it ! Hence why many of us are "Loyal to Royal"! Hope you enjoyed your sailing!!
My husband left his dress pants at home. Our steward was wonderful he found a pair of waiter pants for him to use and duck tape to use to hem them up. They worked great. This was on NCL out of California over 30 years ago.
Wow that is going above and beyond!
In the 90's on our first cruise, my husband forgot his dress shoes and was going to wear sandals to the MDR. Our room steward heard and sent the man from the tuxedo rental over, who measured him for shoes and found him a pair of dress shoes he could wear for dinner & pix. And they were free!
How cool and smart
So is room service free on Carnival liberty?
Accidentally, we were booked into a non-handicap room when we had to re-book. Upon arrival, I expressed my shock to my attendant. They found me a shower chair and elevated toilet seat for my Mom. He always seemed to be right there when I needed to door prop to exit the room. We were with him 14 days on a back to back repositioning cruise. I was so grateful for him always looking out for us.
So you can get last minute stuff.
That’s wonderful to hear
We are 71 and 69 and took our first ever cruise last month to Alaska and really appreciate all of the helpful information we got from your videos! You are the BEST!
That's really nice.
Every cruise I've taken, it has been hot and stuffy in the cabin. I took a fan this last time and it helped but I may need to take several fans so we don't sweat so much at night.
I love the towel animals! And I have a door magnet saying just that. 😊
I always respect my cabin steward, I place a bio disposable bag daily in the waste bin, I give a seperate private gratuity, and on a Rare occasion when my stewardess had special dispensation to fly from Jordon to the Holy land, I chucked in her air fare, as a treat, I am not rich or well off,just human and the trip meant the world to her, she had saved so long for
"I am not rich or well off"
Yes. Yes you are.
You might not be as wealthy as some you know, but when you can afford a cruise and a mid-East airfare for a ship worker, you are well to do.
@@bugwar5545 I am certainly not rich, I save up all year or maybe two for a cruise, but I know after hard work I have a bit more than a crew member on a cruise line
As for rich I only cruise on Costa an affordable for me cruise line
I am not middle class I am working class and work 45 hours a week on standard working class pay, as in £12k a year
Rich or not, that was a really nice thing to do.
You may not be rich in money but you are rich in kindness and empathy, and that's the best kind of wealth you can have.
YOU ARE WEALTHY IN YOUR HEART❤🎉 BRAVO 👏🏽 REAL MAN KING👑 WARRIOR 💪🏻🤺👑👏🏻💝
The towel animal made me chuckle as our first cruise. The room steward kept stealing the towel animals every morning as my wife would lay them on the desk. So ever since then she hides them in the closet or under the bed. Which I'm sure confuses the poor guy wondering what are we doing with his towels. Then on disembarkation day she brings them all out and arranges them on the bed and makes a heart in the center out of the tip money with a thank you note inside that.
I am hot natured and always feel that the AC in the rooms do not cool enough. My last cruise in April, I ordered and small fan and some magnetic hook magnets. I put the fan right beside the AC output and used the magnetic hooks to hold the line so it wouldn't be just hanging.. It worked great! The fan propelled the cold air right over the bed.. Worked great..
We've cruised over 60 times and everything you mentioned is factual.That said, earlier this year we were on Norwegian twice and I noticed the balcony only had two chairs and a small table.I asked the cabin steward to swap out both chairs for one lounge chair.I enjoy the fresh air.My wife never sits on the balcony. The next day sure enough there was my lounge chair and did I ever enjoy afternoon naps and my music stored on my phone.
NCL is great!!
Love this idea! I hope RC does this too.
I'll be on MSC soon and was planning on asking for a lounge chair. I hope they'll accommodate
Oh, I didn't know you could swap your balcony chairs for a lounger.
@@mary6734 Only on some balconies. Not all can handle the lounge chair.
I always ask for two extra of the following: tissue boxes (I like to have one on my nightstand, and one at the desk/dressing table); water glasses (for my makeup brushes and lip gloss); pillows; and light blankets (for napping on top of the bed, or keeping warm on the balcony). They have always been supplied cheerfully, and of course, I always tip immediately. Also, I bring small mesh bags with treats (like candy, lip balm, hand sanitizer, etc.) and give them to the crew whenever I have any personal interaction with them. They seem to appreciate these little gifts even more than tipping!
I took my painting supplies and canvas to paint the ports we were visiting and asked the steward to bring me some cardboard to clip the canvas to and he was very help in finding me the right size I needed along with some paper towels for cleaning my brushes, etc. We had a refrigerator that was not cooling our drinks and was able to secure a different one that did. I always ask for extra floor towels to keep beside the bed to wipe my feet on before I get into bed. My knees were giving me trouble and required daily icing. I took ice packs and they were able to keep them in the freezer for me and bring them each evening to use.
On one cruise, they crew left the luggage get wet which somehow caused a stain on my husband's white suit jacket he was going to wear for formal night. Since they could not get the stain out, they did bring him another jacket to wear. Unfortunately, that jacket was way too big but at least they tried.
And it is very important to take the surveys after the cruise and mention crew who have been helpful by name as they get rewarded for good service. Besides the required gratuities, I always give extra depending on the service.
We cruised on Holland America a few years ago and we sent hubby's suit to be pressed but we got the wrong suit back and it was too small. Not only did they search for it but didn't find it, they reimbursed us the cost and found a suit that fit for him to use that night. Ultimately, they surmised that whoever's suit we received just never put the one that had been returned to them on . Or, they just never told anyone there was a problem Everything else on the cruise was awesome but thought I'd mention how many of the departments throughout the ship will go out of their way to ensure happy customers!
The first step for cabin stewards must be ninja training - they are so fast and stealthy
JULY 29, 2023. I love the idea about tipping in advance! I always tip the last day but it is far more strategic to tip at first meeting! Never thought about that in over 20 continuous years of cruising.
On our last RC cruise, our cabin steward saw my husband’s CPap machine and offered to bring us distilled water. No charge. It was a nice touch.
Nice!
Interesting. Holland is charging me $3 for distilled water for my cpap on my upcoming cruise with them in August. Princess and MSC have given it to me for free.
I have had the same experience cruising on RCL.
Same! It was great!❤
@@francesgill8621Would I have my travel agent request the distilled water? I am looking at my celebrity account and I don’t see anywhere to request it.
*While cruising on the Ruby Princess, the night tables had motion detector sensors on the bottom which lit up whenever someone got up at night. We asked our cabin steward about this. He put blue painters tape over the sensors so no jarring lights. As an alternative, the small decorative pillows on the bed can be placed in front of the sensors.
*At my request, our cabin steward brought me a light blanket and removed the comforter on the bed which made sleeping more pleasant. I also asked our steward to not tuck in the bedding which is my preference.
*Cruise planners can also be gotten at the service desk. Note that the schedule on the printed cruise planner can differ from the cruise planner on the app.
*If you ask for a robe, be sure to request the size that you want. We requested robes on the website personalizer ahead of time. I then asked for a larger robe which the steward brought.
*On one occasion, I left a note for my husband to tend to something in the room. Our cabin steward read the note and took care of this. That got him an extra tip!
I prepare a list for our room steward before we get on board. I just type up a small note with a few requests
~Bathrobes
~Extra towels and pillows
~Extra blankets for the beds
~Blanket for outdoor movies
~Third lounge chair for our balcony (always book an aft facing balcony)
~ask for late morning service to have our cabin cleaned.
~Ice bucket filled twice a day
~Empty our fridge so we don’t get charged for the items the cruise line charges u for.
~We are always very generous and leave cash in an envelope with this note.
*****
NCL will not open the partition between cabins on the balcony.
NCL only provides one cabin service now. They used to provide an additional turn down service daily but now the staff has more than double the cabins to clean.
We place our room service breakfast order prior to going to bed by filling out the form and leaving it on our cabin door in the hall to be delivered by 7am. It’s important we feel that passengers should also make sure to tip the delivery person in cash each delivery. On NCL there is a charge for room service all day including continental breakfast.
lol “…a few requests…”
You sound like an absolute nightmare
Always love your videos, thank you. On the thought about tipping your cabin attendant, we have always followed a routine when we cruise that I truly believe has made out cabin attendant experience/relationship one that is always above and beyond. I am a frugal traveler but with that said, I am NOT opposed to spending money, I just want it to be money well spent. Upon arriving to our cabin on every cruise we have ever gone on, we leave a pre-written letter/note to the cabin attendant. We introduce ourselves, let them know we are experienced cruisers and most of all THANK them in advance for all they are going to do to make our trip amazing. If we have any requests (egg crate, empty the fridge, extra towels, etc. we list them) and along with the note we paperclip a $100 bill to the paper. The note is in an envelope that we address to "Our Cabin Steward" and we leave it on the bed (or hand it to them if we run into them). Yes, that is a heft tip, but it has always been worth every penny. We find that we get extra effort and extra attention whenever we do that. (Remember, the definition of TIPS is: To Insure Proper Service. It is intended to be done BEFORE any service is done, not after. Somehow the definition over time made people do it at the end which honestly is counterintuitive. Everyone rises with motivation and expectation. Just my two cents.) I would rather give a $100 to the cabin attendant upon embarkation day than blow it in the casino or the spa. For $100, I get suite type luxury service and attention while staying in an interior or balcony room. ;) Happy cruising! Keep up the videos.
I think this would be very effective.
I get great service from my stewards without tipping first.
So do you also give another tip at the end of the cruise as well? I like the idea of tip at beginning.
I love the idea of a note with your requests, especially since my spouse and I both have ADHD and tend to forget to do stuff. I'd rather write my note now and make my requests, print it out, and pack it with my documentation stuff so I make sure it's taken care of.
(Remember, the definition of TIPS is: To Insure Proper Service.)
If I was their employer and they did not give proper service without being tipped for it I'D SACK THEM. You don't get tipped for just turning up to your job you get tipped for service above and beyond what is expected (except in America I guess where they don't pay people properly to start with.). Btw I do tip at the end, what service I received during will determine the size of tip that I leave.
The Blanket is awesome to take outside and watch the movie
I've given the cabin attendants a card with tip at the beginning of my cruise.... telling them how excited I am to be on the trip and that I will keep my cabin as tidy as possible. (usually with a smiley face) They always seem so enthusiastic and eager to be helpful..... even if I don't ask them for a single thing during the cruise. They know that they are appreciated from Day 1!!!!
Great idea!!
I love this idea
About to go on my first cruise. How much do you tip the attendant?
@@georgiahilton6051Me too. So I’m wondering the same thing.
Same - we also paid for gratuities in advance but I would like to go above and beyond because they do for me. Not sure how the gratuities in advance work - 🤷♀️
The Carnival blue blanket is phenomenal, very large, super warm and fantastic to the touch.
I leave $20 a day as I do ask for hangers on the first day and ice daily. I clip the money with their card on the wall that is easily spotted so they know it’s for them. Last day, our Stewart came to say good bye. I asked if he would enjoy the bottle of wine we never opened along with the rest of the small bags of variety of snacks. I told him, I hope he doesn’t and to throw it out and he can enjoy it! He said sure and would share with some other crew members.
I meant to add, the last day the $20 was in a personal thank you note and it was great I could give it to him in person.
On my last cruise, I kindly asked for a bucket of ice. That way, I could have cold water as it melted. My steward brought me a bucket of ice every day and we really appreciated it. It is also pleasant when you are going to a very warm destination to always have chilled water in the cabin.
I got this on my last cruise as well. Fresh ice each evening. It kept me I. Fresh, cold water all night.
On Carnival last year (our first cruise) masks were no longer required and we meant to pack them anyway but then forgot. They made an announcement that the port required masks, and we immediately panicked. Our cabin steward was in the hallway and as soon as we asked, he quickly whipped two masks out of his cart like magic. He did the same when we needed a pen the next day. Little things, but he was so prepared! Also he made the best towel animals!
What carnival cruise will you be on?
What ports did you visit where you needed masks?
When we cruised in Hawaii, m.y sister (who lived on Oahu) gave beautiful leis. To preserve them she told us to soak them in cold water. So the first day of our cruise we filled tHe basin and put the leis in. Our cabin steward was surprised and asked why we were drowning our flowers! We explained it him. He was a really helpful chat and took special pains to look out for our then 10-year-old daughter.
As soon as I arrive I ask the cabin attendant to empty the minibar so I can use it store fruit, yogurt, and juices that I bring back from the buffet.
My first and only Carnival experience a year ago we were at dinner and for whatever reason it was taking along time to get our food mainly our desserts and my two nieces wanted to go catch a show so they never got their desserts they were excited about. The next evening, the waitress was very apologetic and was able to have the check prepare the previous nights desserts for the girls even though it wasn't on the menu. We thought that was pretty awesome to go out of her way to even ask the chef much less make it happy :)
Just came off a cruise with Royal Caribbean and rented a scooter from Special Needs at Sea. The scooter was waiting for me outside my cabin. At the end of the cruise RC made it much easier instead of leaving in cabin as instructed but to leave the scooter in designated lounge area and they transported me in a wheelchair from that area to disembark the ship. Your information is always very helpful.
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing this
When we went on a 15 day cruise, I made a quilt for the cabin stewart to show our appreciation. When we gave it to him, he left without saying anything. I worried for a couple of days that I had done something wrong. When we were leaving, I saw him and asked if I did something wrong. His reply was that he was emotional and had to leave.
Is it ok to give a gift like that?
As a fellow quilter, what a thoughtful gift. I'm emotional and would hae left too - being a natural 'hugger'. The ship policy may be NOT to hug/touch passengers...
Also a quilter. What a beautiful gift. I understand why he was so touched.
❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️
Quilts are bulky. Their rooms are small. Luggage space flying home will definitely be a problem.
Kind gesture but not practical.
So sweet
We had our cabin steward repair a handbag. He took it away, and brought it back in perfect shape. Also had them help with a damaged suitcase once. They have provided us with a needle and thread.
That’s a really good one I would not have thought of. Thanks for mentioning
Three out of three cruises I've been on, the cabin stewards were great. The second cruise I went on was on a Norvwegian cruise with my mom and some friends. My mom uses a CPAP machine and the steward brought distilled water right away without us even asking. The last cruise I went on was with Royal Caribbean and my girlfriend wanted firmer pillows and our steward even took us to the supply room to show us what pillows they had so my girlfriend could pick them out :)
L
I have always tipped my cabin Stewart on the first day anywhere between $50-100 and another $50-75 on the last day. This all depends on the length of the cruise. One time, without asking, the cabin Steward decorated our room with a bunch of birthday balloons and banners when he found it it was my wife's birthday. He also left two huge cupcakes with candles as well. Regardless, it does pay to be super nice to your cabin steward. They have a tough job and 99.999% of the time they try very hard to go up and beyond to make your cruise enjoyable.
This is on top of the pre paid gratutiies
I didn't know about the coffee maker or mattress topper. Great tips! Water is usually extra (at least in my experience) even with drink packages, when brought to the cabin. However, we were given this tip by one of our cabin stewards. Ask for a pitcher of water to be delivered with your complimentary continental breakfast order, and they will bring it. Now, bare in mind that a pitcher of water will not usually be part of the menu items. We were told to write it in, and its worked like a charm every time we've done it.
Some cruise line don't have mattress toppers...but what they will do is put a few of those douvets (the heavy bedspread) on the bed. They made mine very comfy
On Cunard my steward had a broken sandal fixed for me❣️
What cruise line had coffee makers to use in your room?
Oh really? I have a little ☕one I was going to bring with me. If this is confirmed I will save the suitcase space! Nice.
I didn't hear her say anything about coffee makers, was that in the video?
I do $20 and would consider $40 or $50 but a hundred us a little steep
Over the years I have requested so many things that you have mentioned and received them without delay from my cabin Stewart. 1 filling the ice bucket daily. 2. a mattress topper. 3. corkscrew. 4. wine glasses. 5. Extension cord. 6. Removal of a piece of furniture, or removing a large additional comforter so we could have more storage space.
Have had very good interactions with our cabin stewards and other staff. Definitely tipped at the end and along the way. I have mobility issues and everyone was so helpful. We always made sure to be polite, smile, and thank the staff. Courtesy goes a long way to making a cruise a positive experience for everyone.
Excellant video! As I adjust more and more to the cruising lifestyle, it's videos like this and the comments that make things better. As for tipping, my personal guideline is $20 / day no matter the length of the cruise. I had been giving it all at the end, but may wind up splitting it in half based on some comments. Half up front and the other half at the end. The Stewards are working 7 days a week, long shifts every day. They're human just like the rest of us. A tip at the start can boost morale since they are coming off a cruise that just ended and they may be tired.
NCL no longer has coffee makers in most cabins. When I asked my cabin Stewart, he told me that they are now by request only. I requested one and he gladly brought it for me. He also restocked supplies regularly. This is great if you like your first cup before going for breakfast in the morning.
I ask for a packed lunch for days off the boat from room service...a big tip helps
Pack what you want in the windjammer sandwiches fruit cookies. You paid for it
@@lauriemoser4208 Do people use ziplock bags or containers for that?
Do you pay for lunch since you order it from room service?
One thing I forgot on my last cruise was a small sewing kit. Thankfully my cabin steward overheard me in the hallway and brought me 2 small sewing kits , just in case....lol and saved the day. 😊
We always make our requests for extra towels, daily ice, etc, on first meeting with steward, along with $20 or so (depending on length of trip), and always receive excellent service. We tip again at the end additional to prepaids. They work very hard and always take great care of us!
Asked cabin steward to empty the fridge so I could put my own items in it - did so, no problems.
I'm so excited, my husband and I are going on our 2nd Alaska cruise. It is a nice change from our usual Caribbean cruises. In every cold drink, we both like a lot of ice. We always ask the cabin steward for ice twice per day. We mostly cruise with Celebrity and they still have cabin service twice per day anyway, so it's always been done without a problem. We hadn't thought about keeping the ice bucket in the fridge until one of your viewers mentioned it, but we will try that as well.
Cabin attendants work so hard. I always try to show my appreciation with cash tips (trust me, those automatic gratuities don't go as far as people think; sooooo many staff members share them) and by mentioning them by name in cruise line surveys and reviews. I also try to be kind and respectful to them at all times; too many people just aren't that way to service staff.
Thanks, Ilana, for another great vid!
I LOVE the towel animals! I think I squealed every time we came in & they’d left 1! I didn’t realize we could request them! Omgosh I’m so excited!!
The best cruise steward I had was on the Carnival Ecstasy. He was outstanding. He told me all the freebies I didn't know that were available to us. He made sure every day that any thing we may have needed was taken care of immediately. He did his job so well that even though we prepaid gratuities we gave him even more
Excellent tios and concise delivery. I've been on 11 cruises and I still learned several tips from this video! Thank you so much. Please know I think you're one of the best cruise tipsters out there because the video didn't have a lot of unnecessary chatter.
Totally agree - there was no unnecessary chatter.
Went on my first cruise with 2 other people (my daughter-in-law and her mom). I saw the couch in the cabin and asked the steward for an extra blanket/pillow since that’s where I was sleeping. I’m far from picky and easygoing. He was so sweet and turned that couch into a comfortable bed. I was so happy! I felt like a queen. He teased me during that whole cruise about how excited I was about that. 😂
You must have booked a cabin that sleeps 3 and the couches are the intended 3rd bed unless there is one that drops down from the ceiling. I’m curious as to where you thought you were going to sleep?
@@nonnauu3977It was a balcony cabin that slept 3. I wasn’t sure the sleeping arrangements when I got there so I figured I’d just take the couch instead of trying to fit all 3 of us in one bed. I’d sleep on the balcony if I had to 😂. I just have a hard time sleeping with anyone next to me so I opted for the couch. All I needed was a blanket and I’m good as long as nobody is next to me while I sleep. When I checked the website it didn’t say much about the sleeping arrangements but all my friends that have cruised told me it might be a tight fit so I thought we would be in one big bed or a trundle. It’s amazing how many can fit in one cabin though.
We just got off of the NCL Sun last Wed. our cabin attendant Wendy was amazing. I had brought along some little candy treats and left a note each day telling her thank you and here is a little pick me up to get her through the day. I also went to our Chamber of Commerce and picked up some little trinkets like flashlights and a blanket that had our city name on it these I gave out at the end of the cruise just as a little thank you the crew loved them and kept showing them off to the other crew members. We also left a generous tip for her as well. it was the little small things that they really appreciated.
Great idea about Chamber of Commerce!
Brilliant AND thoughtful!
Have taken several Holland America cruises with my elderly mom. Cabin stewards have been very helpful in providing CPAP extension cord, bath stool and arranging for Installation of hand held shower spray (best to request some of these in advance), Also asked that mini fridge be emptied of items for sale on first day so it could be used to store goodies purchased ashore. Requested fresh fruitwas provided daily. Coffee delivered to cabin each morning.
I have requested a blue blanket and when it was delivered, it was WARM!! I thought that was a nice touch.
Awesome!
Pillows the ones I had in the room was horrible. He can back with a down pillow I told him he was my hero!
Thank you for All of your videos. This one was a great help. We are going on our very first cruise with NCL Encore this Sunday 6/25/23 to Alaska. Watching all of your videos and help from your followers I believe we are ready. I am disabled and all of yours and everyone else’s tips made me feel at ease. I did order a scooter to make it easier on myself. Thanks to everyone. Knowing what I can order ahead of time, shower stool, distilled water etc.. Now knowing how the Cabin Stewart can help and what to tip. Thank you. I’m so excited now. Plus your followers rock. Thank you all for your support and input for this first timer ❤🥰
Have an amazing cruise!! I agree the comments section is a huge resource 👏
I have found that the stewards are not as visible as they used to be. Sometimes I don’t see mine for days. I know it’s because they have to do 2 to 3 times more work than before. Given that, it’s a miracle they can get anything done. They deserve an extra “thank you” tip and a hand written note of thanks.
I was on NCL in April and they provided me with a scooter company for my husband, they put it in my cabin we didn’t have to pick it up or bring take it back, they did it all. That helped a lot it was great!
Did it cost extra? You could take it off ship?
I have asked for a shower seat, at booking, on my cruises and had one delivered to use. I have mobility issues and need one when I can not get a handicapped room. I have also been offered a riser with bars for the toilet if needed. I find in the smaller head (bathroom) I have plenty to hold onto to get off the toilet. Since the shower seat is not needed by my roommate we have put it outside on the balcony when not in use, when we had a balcony room, lol. I have cruised about 50 times on all the big cruise lines and some lines that are not around anymore. I have had the gambit of room stewards. Some excellent and some very bad. The worse was on Carnival in a suite with 4 women. The steward refused to put the sofa up during the day and left it made into a bed. It was a pain to try and get around it and with luggage from 4 women, it made it even worse. We had to walk single file and sit on the beds to pass. It really was a terrible experience. We asked repeatedly and the steward refused to put it up during the day. One of the best I remember was on Princess on a Mediterranean cruise. We did a balcony breakfast coming into Venice and the steward packed everything up and placed the leftovers in our small refrigerator! I remember the steward was like a ninja and seemed to always get every thing done when we were out. My boyfriend and I requested ice and when he found we went through a lot, he brought us 2 ice buckets filled. We drank a lot of water. Maybe it is me, but since my sweetheart passed away and I travel with just women, I do not feel I get as good of service. I do not know if they think I will tip less or what. The last cruise I was on, 15 days Panama Canal cruise, we did not meet our steward until day 5! We kept asking to meet him as I needed some things. Another room steward helped me and was always around when I went looking for help. I ended up tipping him a big tip at the end and thanked him for his over and beyond help. And I do mean over and beyond!!!! We did not have a handicapped room and to get my scooter inside the room required me taking the seat off and tipping the scooter over on it side to get it though the door. I asked the door width before this cruise and was given the wrong dimension. I own 2 scooters and could have brought the smaller one if I had been given the correct information. That was not that hard to do as my scooter base only weight about 30 lbs but it was awkward. If the other room steward would see me come down the hall, he would come and help me get the scooter in the door. I could do it all myself, but he was too sweet and wanted to help. My room steward when I saw him would walk away. I tipped my room steward too but the steward that was NOT mine but always helping me got a big tip when I left the cruise. Kindness goes a LONG way in my book.
We just finished our cruise about a week ago and it was on carnival Sunshine and they were still providing fans upon request
I love the cabin stewards. They really do make the cruise special. I prepay the gratuities, but I make sure to bring at least $20/day plus an extra $50 for the last day for them. I can’t imagine the sacrifice these people make being so far from home and having to clean so many rooms with a smile no matter how tired or sad they may feel that day.
that blue carnival blanket is a GOD SEND. all the staterooms I've been in have been sooooo cold. im so glad im not alone with my obsession with that blanket.
I ask my Steward for just that my ice buckets and they put it in my fridge. daily, and you're right on the first day, and they never forget on every cruise with Carnival. I just learned about bathrobes and slippers in September 2022 from your channel.❤ So, since then, I have asked for one on day one cruising with Carnival. Thank you! Love your channel.
When we added my disabled sister to our cabin last minute, no ADA rooms were available but Carnival did provide a shower chair and an additional welcome letter to her saying to call if there was anything else they might could help her with.
Great to know about all these extras our cabin attendant can help with. I do like to tip at the beginning especially since I ask for daily ice refills. I also leave a thank you note for the attendant with another tip at the end. I bring sticky notes to alert him/her of needs and appreciation during my stay.
Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. For us, the cabin steward is the most essential crewmember for our comfort and enjoyment of the cruise. We’ve been on over a dozen cruises and have always had good cabins stewards. My wife uses a wheelchair and often we ask that extra furniture be removed for the week or that furniture be rearranged. Without their help in doing this, the cabin would be inaccessible. Last year, my wife was not able to get into the bathroom unless they removed the sofa (and this was a so-called wheelchair accessible room). The cruise line (Celebrity) was very accommodating, and but it was really the room stewards that did the heavy lifting. Our room steward is usually the only crewmember that we give an extra gratuity to because he or she deserves it.
We generally cruise with Princess and Celebrity - both cruise lines allow you to bring wine on board to consume in your cabin. When we arrive, we always ask for 6 wine glasses and every steward has provided them ( or let us know to call room service to ask for them if that is ship's policy). Room stewards are the unsung heroes of the cruise lines. Right after Covid re-sails, we got into the habit of bringing small treats or personal items for the staff because during that time, many crew members were not allowed to disembark at ports (changing policies in various ports regarding Covid). I would make up "goodie bags", with deodorant, disposable razors, socks, candy bars, etc. and leave them for the room steward or other staff members. I also asked the staff if they had a favorite snack or need we could purchase for them at port. They were so-o-o appreciative. (we never took any payment from them, it was our added gratuity) Kindness goes a long way. During those trying times, their crew store "might" get supplies, but treats sold out quickly. I still try to do some version of that, even if things are back to "normal". It makes me feel good and kindness can be done even when the pandemics are over. just MHO.
On most of the Princess ships, you need an extension cord for the CPAP machine. Invariably the cord is a nuisance on the floor during the day. For the first time in the 20 or so cruises that we needed the cord he took the time to plug it in behind the TV, which is a feat in itself. WOW 👌
We cruised on RC & I asked the steward if they had something to put under the mattress to raise up the head; he found a wooden wedge that worked great. My husband was able to sleep so much better with his BIPAP.
Going on a 14 day cruise in August.
Never occurred to me to request this. Great tip on elevating the head of the mattress as we use this feature at home. Saves me from overindulging on the drink package just to fall asleep on a flat mattress Lol
On recent cruises, we have been surprised to find extra towels (in addition to the 4 in the bathroom) in one of the storage bins in the closet. Very convenient! and no need to ask for extras! Extra blankets are usually available if needed--very helpful if one person likes the cabin cooler than the other does.; We had a suitcase repaired on the ship at no charge, even though I told them it had been damaged by the airline.
Our travel agent always notes on our reservations that my husband uses a CPAP. We've never had an issue getting an extension cord and distilled water in our cabin. I've found it helpful to write down all our requests i.e. CPAP necessities, daily ice, robes, number of daily towels needed, etc. When the cabin steward comes to introduce him/herself, I give them the list. This has worked very well. We have a lot of cruises under our belt. I have to say that we have never had a bad cabin steward. They all have been very attentive and friendly. I will admit that we miss the twice a day cabin service simply because we don't get to have as much interaction with the steward. On the post cruise survey I praised our steward and mentioned him by name, but I also mentioned that I preferred twice a day service because I missed the more frequent interactions with the steward.
We took a cruise on princess last September and they provided distilled water for my c-pap free. We are scheduled on Carnival in September this year and they said I have to buy it from the cabin steward for $3 per gallon!
@@darreledwards5094 that's good to know. We have a Carnival cruise planned for next January from Galveston. Usually, we cruise on RC. They provide distilled water for free.
@darreledwards5094 Did you need to use the ship's extension cord? And is the reason for it to reach your bed, or to fit the outlet properly? I ask because my CPAP plug is pretty long.
@1founddaughter740 Most of the plugs are at the desk area so you'd need an extension cord to reach your bed.
@@darreledwards5094 Another commenter suggested, request a pitcher of water on your room service breakfast as a write in.
Royal Caribean Alaska Cruise. We found a washrag-sized Towel bird in our cabin on the second to the last day. I asked her how much to take it home as I felt that this was a genuine souvenir not made (Well... assembled on the ship) in China as the vast majority of all knick-knacks all throughout the ship and excursions were. It was free and now lives in a beautiful glass case we found at Hobby Lobby when we returned home.
Im a future cruise newbie on the oasis of the seas this September and you have helped me to be more educated and ready for this cruise. Now the foldable hangers and fan are next on my list. Thanks for all you do.
Don't forget to pack an adaptor.youll need it
Get the fan! I use mine all the time now, not just for cruising
@@katiereed8361 Yes! I use my 'cruise fan' on my desk, in my Jeep, bring it to hotels when I travel!
We just got off that Ship! It's wonderful
I just got the foldable hangers. They're nice and worth it.
We have found that leaving a small gift, either daily or a few times on our cruise, really puts a joyful smile on the cabin stewards face. It can be some candies or small items from home or a little something from our island visits from the day. May times the steward does not get off the ship at the ports, so we have found this to be a delight for them.
Lol, nobody wants your snacks they want CASH.
We have been blessed with our butlers on Saga cruises. Always so attentive and helpful and although gratuities are included, we always give them some money in a card (I bring notelets from home so I can personally let them know how grateful we are) at the end of the cruise. On one cruise, my husband had written a note for himself to remember to book the specialty dining room on a specific day - he left the note with various bits on the desk when we left the cabin - when we came back, we found a note saying that the reservation had been made! We did not think that this was something we would expect our butler to do, but he did! How about that for going above and beyond? Just wonderful. They are treasures!❤️
A top sheet! If the bed is topped with a duvet, often there is no sheet between you and the thick duvet. My sis-in-law clued me into asking to have the bed made with an extra sheet so I would be able to throw off the duck feathers if I got too warm.
Every single day, I give them extra money ($20 - $40) in addition to their regular tips!! I think they work soooo hard for us and I soooo appreciate them! #LoveToCruise
Im a newbie going on my first cruise to Alaska on Celebrity in late August. They've been super accommodating so far - offered a medical fridge for my Diabetic Dad, extension cords and distilled water at no extra costs for CPAP machines, a shower stool, and lots more. Can't wait to see how it all works out!
Excellent! I’m so glad to hear your experience so far
We've also requested all those things from celebrity and every thing was in our cabin. My husband also had a mobility scooter delivered on each cruise. We ordered ensure for our next cruise and they provide it free. awesome!!! Happy cruising 😊
Good video. Thank you. Generally the water from the tap in the cabin bathroom is Reverse Osmosis water so no need to buy distilled water for a CPAP.
On our Panama Canal cruise, our room steward had some wonderful ideas where we could go on the ship for special viewing locations (through several unmarked doors for hidden balcony type spaces.
When we were on the Mardi Gras last year, in a Havana Cabana, the chairs sat so low to the ground on the balcony. I asked our steward if there was a way to get a higher chair like in a regular balcony. He brought one that was perfect for my husband who had issues from getting up from a low chair due to his recovery from an auto immune issue. It was so appreciated.
The fan you showed with the USB port and not electric is FANTASTIC.
Yes you can ask for a balcony blanket on Carnival. We used it for our Alaska cruise, it was big enough to fit a twin bed. My husband and I shared it in Tracy Arm Fjord. It was PERFECT.
As for medical needs, like sharps containers, wheelchair/scooter rental etc, we've contacted the "special needs" dept on Carnival and Royal and were provided medical things like sharps and distilled water.
Thanks for the info, we just got off a cruise on the Norwegian Pearl and our Oceanview Obstructed cabin just had a tiny ottoman at the desk with no chair. We are looking at a longer cruise (Port Canaveral to Iceland) on the Norwegian Jade and the Oceanview cabins (not Obstructed from now on) look identical to the one we had, so I am planning on asking the cabin attendant to remove the useless ottoman and find us a chair. Thanks to you, I'm more confident that he'll say yes (and I won't need to "borrow" one from a public room at say 4 am).
Thanks for sharing 👏
5:06pm EDL time I have a CPAP and have requested cord and distilled waster from 3 different cruise lines and have never been charged for the water. Just FYI. Love your tips!
On the many princess cruises, on various 10:46 ships, if you qualify for a handicapped cabin, any category, the roll in showers have always had a fold down shower seat.
Great tips! I travel with a Cpap and always call the cruiseline ahead and ask for distilled water and in one case an extension cord. I have yet to be charged for the water, but I know they can sometimes do so. Its easier than trying to buy it before embarkation. One time, they forgot the the extension cord, so I asked my steward when we arrived. By the time we got back to change for dinner, the cord was installed and taped to the floor so there would not be a tripping hazard. I'm glad the newer ships have an outlet by the bed.
I've asked oir butler (offishial job name in Yacht club on MSC ship) to get me firmer pillow and help with souvenirs and few times information about different things, but I am truly tried do not bother her much. She was amazing tiny lady and I left her 50 pounds note for 6 days cruise and we gave each other massive hug. Lovely thoughtful staff at Virtuosa.
On the NCL Breakaway, we were able to ask for an electric coffee maker to the cabin. This was recently - in January 2023, and we did receive this to our cabin.
We also requested bathrobes on that cruise, and found them to be significantly better quality than the ones we received to our cabin on our Carnival cruises.
You did a fantastic job of presenting this topic, and I’m sure many people will find it very helpful!
Oh really? I have a little ☕one I was going to bring with me. If this is confirmed I will save the suitcase space! Nice.
I did not know NCL did this. I just took a cruise on the Getaway and would have like a coffeemaker in the room.
Back in January of 2023, my brother in law also got a coffeemaker in his cabin on the Breakaway. I don't drink enough coffee to do this myself, but it was greatly appreciated.
@@GlennBrockett I brought my own water boiler on. It was useful for hot tea on the balcony at 7am without needing to get dressed for the buffet.
I took you up on your idea about leaving our cabin steward a special little treat with a positive note daily I think he really enjoyed it and it was really fun. ❤
I've been cruising with Royal Caribbean for most of my cruises. I always ask for extra hangers and the cabin steward is very good about getting those for me. I also get a robe if there is not one already in the cabin. I've asked for refills of ice for the ice bucket and that is a nice extra. I always ask that the bed be set up as a queen but have usually done this in advance of the cruise with a customer service agent and it may be the default setup (esp if you are solo) but helps to have that arranged in advance. They are very accomodating of requests (cabin stewards) and just need to know what extras you might want. I tip them well for their extra attention to my cabin and doing a great job to add comfort to my stay.
I sail Carnival quite a bit. Those blue blankets are FABULOUS! I cart it around everywhere. I’m basically Linus of the cruise ship! Sometimes the bedding is too heavy or too warm. Take it off - blue blanket. Lido deck movie time gets windy & chilly sailing out of northern ports - blue blanket. Casino A/C freezing you to death - blue blanket. I love it so much I bought one for my house!
Every cruise I’ve been on (Carnival) the cabin attendant has always gone up and beyond for us. We don’t tip at the beginning but we always have a smile, small talk and are polite every time we see them .. and that goes a long way! Regarding the fan, I need the noise so I wouldn’t rely on an outside source.
Tipping half in advance is far more desirable, imo, than a smile, small talk and politeness. Money pays the bills and supports the families back at home not smiles and small talk; something they must endure with a smile whether they want to or not.
Pay them up front and then again at the end of the trip for the very, very stressful jobs they do.
@@AaaBbb-pg8lj I definitely agree that they have to endure A LOT! That’s why we always tip generously as well as leave a bag full of necessities for them. I’m going on a cruise in August, I will try the half upfront. When would I give it? The first encounter? First time they clean the room?
🎉first cruise in august but the hope is we start cruising a lot next June 2024 with retirement ! Your videos teach me so much thank you ! Such good info ❤glenda
That’s awesome!!
Great video. I requested most of these and received them. I always tip generously
I have chemical allergies so I always ask special needs prior to cruise to have my cabin ionized. I remind my room steward to not use clearers in my cabin only water
One that I would add is that some cruise lines will allow you to have a kettle delivered to your room, by your cabin steward - particularly useful if you're a Brit like me who loves a tea/coffee in the morning before you brave opening the cabin door! With some lines (P&O for example) you'll have a kettle as standard, but my recent trip on MSC World Europa didn't have kettles in the cabin, but they had loads on board to give me one when I requested!
Great to know
Ooooh I shall remember this. P&O Australia doesn’t have kettles in the room and I badly miss not being able to make a cuppa whenever the fancy takes me. I already bring my own teabags and coffee bags
You do a great job encouraging your viewers to share their thoughts, experiences, and suggestions. I enjoy your channel. Thank you for sharing.
I really appreciate that! Thanks for being here
Besides tipping, which we always do, and a thank you note, what are ways that we can make things easier/better for our cabin attendant? Not leaving a huge mess behind when we leave the cabin is, of course, a given, but what are other things we can do? Even on vacation, I can't turn off the "mom" instinct and the want to make things better for others.
Awe! That’s kind of you. Sounds like you’re a great guest
One thing we like to do is ask the room attendant if we can pick anything special up for them when we go into port. Do they like a special snack, need OTC meds, crave certain fast food, want a souvenir to send home, etc. Usually one out of 3-4 cruises will ask for something, especially when we impress upon them it’s something we really want to do for them. We always bring a little something special for our RA, from our home state. Usually something edible, since they don’t have much storage space in their living quarters.
@@constanceworden487that is so lovely, great idea.
@@constanceworden487 this is a great idea.