Cabin stewards are honestly some of the hardest-working people on a cruise ship.
They’re sprinting up and down hallways, fixing tiny problems before anyone even notices, and somehow still smiling.
But there are a few habits that make a steward’s day way more stressful than it needs to be.
Some of these are so common that people don’t even realize they’re doing anything “wrong.” Here are the big ones.
1. Leaving the cabin in total chaos every single day
A little mess is normal. It’s a vacation. But there’s a difference between lived in and looks like a suitcase exploded.
If clothes are everywhere, wet towels on the floor, trash scattered, and the bathroom a mess, cleaning takes longer, which means less time for every other cabin on the list.
2. Treating the steward like a personal butler
It’s fine to ask for help. That’s literally part of the job.
What’s not fine is snapping fingers, barking orders, or acting like the steward exists to serve one cabin only.
They’re covering a whole section of rooms, not just one VIP suite. Respect goes a long way on ships.
PRO CRUISER: Many cruise lines offer personal butler service, usually in top tier suites, but that’s a completely different role.
3. Hanging “Do Not Disturb” all day, then complaining the cabin wasn’t serviced
This one happens constantly.
If the sign is out from breakfast to dinner, the steward can’t enter.
Then at 7 pm, some people suddenly complain that their cabin wasn’t cleaned.
Well, that’s because the cabin was basically locked out all day. Remember to remove the sign when leaving for breakfast or the pool. That’s usually enough for them to get in.
4. Putting used towels on the bed or mixing them into clean linens
Used towels on the bed are a classic move. So is wrapping wet towels inside clean sheets.
It creates extra work and sometimes extra confusion, especially if they’re trying to be fast and efficient.
Used towels belong in the bathroom. If extra towels are needed, just ask.
5. Shoving trash into random places
Some people hide trash in drawers. Behind the TV. Others stuff it in the mini fridge area.
There’s a reason stewards empty bins at certain times. If trash gets hidden, it smells. And it makes the cabin feel worse, not better.
6. Constantly rearranging furniture
Moving a chair or some other light furniture is not a big deal.
However, pushing beds around, dragging tables, or other heavy changes can get annoying.
Cabins are small and designed for quick cleaning. When everything is moved around, it slows down the whole process.
If you wanna move something, make sure that the cabin steward can still clean the cabin easily.
7. Leaving valuables out
Some passengers leave cash or jewelry just sitting out. Then they act weird, like the steward is untrustworthy for even walking into the cabin.
If something is important, use the safe.
Stewards don’t want the stress of being near valuables either. It puts everyone in a strange situation.
8) Asking for things one item at a time
Extra hangers. Then extra ice. Then extra pillows. Then more towels. Then a new blanket. Then a second robe.
None of those requests are crazy. The problem is the timing. A steady drip of little errands all day can destroy the schedule when multiplied across dozens of cabins.
It’s way smoother to bundle requests. Ask once, get everything done.
Here is a list of 13 free items your cabin steward can bring you on a cruise.
9. Being rude about rules the steward can’t control
Some passengers get mad about towel policies, chair hog rules, smoking rules, noise rules, minibar rules, and aim all that frustration at the cabin steward.
But they don’t make the rules. They didn’t invent the policy.
They’re just trying to do their job and keep the cabin comfortable. Yelling at them doesn’t magically change anything, it just ruins the vibe.
PRO TIP: If something serious comes up, it’s best to take it to Guest Services. They’re the ones who handle these situations.
10. Treating the steward like they’re invisible
Some passengers walk past their steward every day without a hello, without eye contact, without even a basic thanks. Like the person is part of the wallpaper. It’s weird.
A cabin steward is a human being doing a tough job in a tight schedule, far from home, on their feet all day. A quick greeting goes further than people think.
If the steward genuinely makes the cabin feel easy and comfortable, a small extra tip can mean a lot, and if that’s not possible, at least basic kindness counts.
Check out the article on why workers prefer cash tips, and don’t forget the 10 small gestures your cabin steward will really appreciate.
