On every cruise ship, you’ll find a Guest Services desk ready to help with just about anything that goes wrong or feels confusing during your trip.
It’s essentially the ship’s problem-solving center, the place that quietly keeps everything running when passengers hit a snag.
I’ll admit something. I’m not the type who loves standing in line to ask for help, and I definitely don’t show up hoping for freebies. Still, it’s reassuring to know there’s a team you can rely on when you really need something.
What I’ve done in this guide is put together the most common things you can request.
Not everything is guaranteed on every ship, and not every request is appropriate for every situation. And since lines can get very long, try to go only when it truly matters so the passengers dealing with time sensitive issues aren’t stuck waiting.
Print or Scan Important Documents
Not many people know this, but Guest Services can usually print or scan documents for you, often free of charge or for a very small fee.
This comes in handy if you need: a printed boarding pass for your return flight, a scanned medical form, a copy of travel insurance paperwork, or a printed map or itinerary for an excursion
Some guests assume they’ll have access to a personal printer like in a hotel business center, but on most ships, this service is handled directly at the desk.
If you know you’ll need prints, ask during the first days of the cruise. Last minute rushes (especially the night before disembarkation) can mean long, frustrating lines.
Baby Supplies
Traveling with a baby on a cruise can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to avoid packing half the house.
What many parents don’t realize is that Guest Services may have a small stash of baby essentials available upon request.
Usually, a few practical items that can make life easier: bottle warmers, diaper disposal bags, crib sheets, baby blankets, or even a portable crib if one wasn’t placed in your room on arrival.
Availability varies a lot from one cruise line to another, and even from ship to ship. Some ships stock only a couple of items, while family-focused lines tend to have more.
Seasickness Remedies
If you’re caught off guard by motion sickness, guest services can often provide free over-the-counter seasickness medication.
Unfortunately, this is not the case on all ships, and some cruise lines charge extra for these medications (usually a few dollars).
For this reason, I recommend that you always bring something for seasickness from home.
Repair Luggage
If your luggage gets damaged during boarding, guest services can often help arrange for repairs, such as fixing zippers or wheels​.
In case the luggage cannot be repaired, they can usually give you a form to request compensation.
Set Up the Internet
Another thing you can ask is for help connecting your smartphone to the ship’s WI-FI.
This is usually not a difficult thing to do, but some less tech-savvy passengers may struggle with it.
Let me also remind you that you will need a specific package to use the connection, and unfortunately, it’s among the things that are always overpriced on cruise ships.
Currency Exchange (usually limited)
Need cash in a different currency? Many guest service desks provide currency exchange options, but availability can vary depending on the ship and destination​.
My advice is not to change money, especially if you stay in a port with a different currency only for one day. Also keep an eye on exchange rates, on the ship they may be higher than usual.
Additional Toiletries
In your cabin, you will definitely find shower gel, shampoo, and probably other basic toiletries.
However, If you need extras like toothpaste, a razor, shaving cream, lotion, mouthwash, or feminine hygiene products, you can ask Guest Services or your cabin steward for them.
Some ships also offer deodorant, cotton swabs, or a nail file if needed. Availability varies, but it’s always worth asking before buying something onboard.
Organize Special Occasions
Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, guest services can help plan celebrations, including arranging cake, flowers, and decorations.
You just have to make sure you give enough advance notice. It would usually be best to mention if you want to celebrate something already during the booking process.
PRO TIP: Some cruise lines offer discounts or special deals for honeymooners or those celebrating an anniversary. Be sure to mention it when you book!
Emergency Laundry Service
If you need emergency laundry service, guest services can arrange a pick-up and, on some ships, even offer same-day service.
If you want to be even faster, they can give you information about the self-service launderettes on the ship. On some ships, you can find them on every cabin deck.
Provide Hypoallergenic Pillows
If you have allergies, you can ask for hypoallergenic pillows or extra blankets.
You can also ask your cabin steward if you happen to see them—but let’s be honest, they often work so efficiently that your room is cleaned before you even notice!
For serious allergies, I highly recommend notifying the cruise line before your trip to ensure they can provide the right assistance onboard.
In addition, remember to take a look at the 10 surprising things your cabin steward can bring you on a cruise.
Extension Cords
Some devices, like CPAP machines, require extension cords—but since passengers typically aren’t allowed to bring their own, guest services often have them available to loan.
Usually, extension cords are not allowed, but exceptions can be made for medical reasons, so remember to bring a document certifying your need.
Mail a Postcard
On many ships, you can drop off postcards at guest services, and they’ll take care of mailing them while you’re at sea.
On my last cruise, there was a designated box at the front desk. They didn’t have envelopes, though, so bring a few from home if you think you will need them.
Blankets or Towels
If you tend to get cold easily, you can request extra blankets or a heavier one.
In addition, remember that your cabin has a thermostat for the air conditioning, allowing you to adjust the temperature as you like.
If you’re using the pool or heading on a beach excursion, you can ask for additional towels as well. Some cruise lines even offer larger or more plush towels upon request.
PRO TIP: If you’re going on a beach excursion, avoid bringing large, heavy towels—they’ll take up all the space in your backpack or bag!
Book Sold-Out Shows
If your preferred onboard show is fully booked, Guest Services can sometimes find you last-minute availability.
In particular, they may have availability of some special seats such as those dedicated to people with disabilities.
To avoid being left without a seat, I always recommend booking in advance. Often, you only need to use the cruise line’s official app to make reservations.
Medical Coolers
For those who need to store medication requiring refrigeration, guest services can provide special coolers​.
In most cabins, you will find coolers, but they are designed only for drinks and a few snacks and do not reach very low temperatures.
Arrange Shore Excursions
If your preferred shore excursion is booked, guest services might be able to arrange an alternative or put you on a waiting list.
On some ships, there may also be a desk dedicated only to excursions. However, as I have told you many times, to avoid these problems always book the things you are interested in well in advance.
In this article, you can find a list of all the essential things you need to do before the cruise.
Earplugs
Do your husband or traveling companions snore? Unfortunately, the cabins on cruise ships are very small, so you can hear all the noises.
Fortunately, guest services on many ships have earplugs you can use to reduce noise and sleep better.
I tried them once, and they were not of great quality. If you already know you’ll need them, buy good ones before you depart!
In addition, take a look at these tips to sleep like a baby on a cruise ship.
Handle Complaints
For any major concerns during your cruise, guest services are your go-to place to submit complaint forms and resolve issues​.
Remember to express your complaint always in a polite and composed manner. Everyone can make mistakes, and on the ships, I have always found people ready to help.
Provide Extra Deck Chairs
If you have a balcony and would like extra chairs for lounging, you can request them at the guest service desk.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t always possible—it depends on the size of your balcony.
If you’re thinking about making some changes, check out 8 ways to instantly make your cruise cabin more comfortable.
Facilitate Room Service Adjustments
Want an item not on the room service menu? They can often make special accommodations​, especially if you have allergies or if you follow special diets.
As I mentioned earlier, it is not always easy to accommodate all guests, so it is important to let them know before departure if you have special needs.
Replacement Keycards
If you lose your room key or need extra keycards, go to the guest services to ask for replacements​.
Some hotels charge an extra fee if you lose your key, and they have to issue a new one. This has never happened to me on a cruise,e but please always be careful where you leave it so you don’t lose it.
Playing Cards or Other Games
Another thing not many people know is that you can ask Guest Services for games to help pass the time.
It’s super handy, especially if you’ve got kids and you’re waiting to disembark and need to keep them entertained.
They usually have things like playing cards, puzzles, or coloring books. Of course, it all depends on what the ship has available, so it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case. I recommend checking out the list of 20 things you should always pack in your cruise carry-on.
In addition, if you want to disembark smoothly, I recommend reading the 10 disembarkation tips every cruiser needs to know.
