The cabin steward

While all the members of a cruise ship crew work hard to assure that passengers experience a wonderful holiday, one crew member in particular is essential to a fine cruise experience – your cabin steward.  He or she serves as your cabin attendant for the length of your cruise.  They will visit your room twice a day to make your bed, service  your bathroom, remove any rubbish, replenish your towels, take away used glasses or room service trays and do other basic cleaning chores.

Stewards seem to have a built-in radar that alerts them when you leave your cabin in the morning.  When you come back, you’ll find that everything is clean and fresh, with beds made and towels back on the racks.  While you’re out at dinner, your cabin steward will refresh your cabin once again, turning down the bed, leaving a treat on your pillow and perhaps an adorable “towel animal” on the bed.

Here are some ways to thank them for their hard work.

1. A Simple Hello

I’m guessing there are probably a lot of guests that don’t even really say much to their cabin steward during the duration of their cruise, unless they need something.  Make a point of it to not be that person,  say hello every time you see your steward, ask how their day is going, or tell them thank you for doing such a great job. You’ll learn  where they come from and a little about their family and culture.

2. Ask What They Like (Buy it in Port)

If you want to personalize your thank-you even more, ask your steward what they like.  It could be a chocolate or something small that they’ve had their eye on but haven’t bought anything.  Then, try to find it in one of your ports during the cruise, and leave it in your room for them to find at the end of the voyage. (But make sure you leave a note so they know it’s theirs and not something you accidentally forgot!)

3. Cash

If there’s something that anyone can always use more of, it’s good old cash.  Crew members know they’re doing a good job when their guests leave them nice tips. Most attendants are supporting their families at home.

4. Send a Note to the Hotel Director (Mention Steward’s Name)

Wouldn’t your day be brightened if you found out someone spoke to your boss about what a wonderful job you’re doing?  The exact same thing applies for cabin stewards – and any crew member.

5. Remember Their Name (for the Guest Survey)

When your cruise is over and you’re back home, chances are the cruise line will send you an email survey to complete  to find out about your experience.  Remember your cabin steward’s name, so you can write about what an awesome job they did.

6. Keep Your Cabin Clean

This isn’t as much of an outright act of thankfulness for your steward as it is a simple courtesy to make their job easier.  While no one expects you to keep your cabin spotless every day, do try to keep your room tidy.  This means not leaving dirty underwear on the floor or shaving cream all over the bathroom.   If you make a 2-minute effort to tidy up before leaving your room, your steward will notice and be very thankful.

How do you thank your cabin steward?   Let me know.