Are you going on a cruise for the first time and curious about what’s included in your cabin? Cruises are all-inclusive vacations, and you’ll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of complimentary items waiting for you in your cabin. Let’s take a look at some of the free perks you can find in your cruise cabin.
Continental Breakfast Room Service
On most cruise ships, Continental Breakfast room service is usually free. But, if you order hot breakfast items from the room service menu, expect to pay a room service fee, which usually ranges from $8 to $10 per order. Typical Continental Breakfast items include croissants, muffins, coffee, tea, cereal, fruits and yogurt.
Towels
Bath and beach towels are complimentary and included in your cruise fare. You can expect to receive fresh towels daily from your cabin steward. While beach towels are free to use, remember that you will be charged a fee if you lose them.
Tote Bags
Some cruise ships give free tote bags, which come in handy on port days! For example, Celebrity Cruise and Holland America gives free tote bags to their cruise passengers.
Ice
You can ask your cabin steward to fill your ice bucket with fresh ice every day. There is no additional fee for the ice service.
Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash
Cruise ships provide complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, so you don’t need to pack your own. You’ll usually find dispensers in the shower that you can easily use.
Mini-Fridge
Using the mini-fridge in your cruise cabin is free, so you’re welcome to store your own drinks and snacks without any charges. However, you will be charged if you consume the snacks and drinks that are stocked in the mini-fridge. Note that the bottled water in your room is not free.
Extra Hangers
Cruise cabin storage is often quite limited. A simple way to maximize your space is to request extra hangers. You can ask your cabin steward for additional hangers, and there’s no charge for this service.
In-Room Safe
The safe in your cruise cabin is free for you to use to store valuables. It’s smart to use it for storing your passport, jewelry, and cash.
Nightly Turndown Service
Many cruise ships offer complimentary nightly turndown service, where your cabin will be tidied up, fresh towels will be provided, and chocolate will be left on your pillow. It’s a luxurious treat to come back to a freshly prepared room! Unfortunately, some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, have chosen to discontinue this nightly service.
Robes
Many cruise ships offer complimentary robes, but usually only for premium accommodations, like spa or suite cabins. Celebrity Cruises does provide free robes for all cabins, even non-suite cabins. Check out 11 Fun Things to Pack on Your Next Cruise
Pillows
Many cruise ships offer a variety of pillow options, allowing you to request a change or additional pillows from your cabin steward at no extra charge. Some cruise lines, like MSC Cruises, even provide a pillow menu, allowing you to swap your current pillow or order more without any additional cost. Check out I Went on My First MSC Cruise, Here is My Honest Review
Comforter
If your comforter isn’t quite right—too hot or too cold—you should ask your cabin steward for another one. It’s free to request for a different comforter. If you get hot at night, ask for a summer weight comforter so it’s cooler, and you’ll sleep better. If you get cold at night, ask for a winter weight comforter to keep you warm and cozy at night. Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here are 10 Things I Hate About Cruising
Umbrella
Some cruise ships, such as Celebrity Cruises, provide free umbrellas to passengers. They even give their suite passengers more premium, larger umbrellas. Check out Is Celebrity Cruise Really More Upscale? Honest Review
Reconfigure Beds
You can request for your beds to be reconfigured at no extra charge. Just ask your cabin steward, and they will be more than happy to help you. They will even brainstorm the best bed configuration with you so you’re comfortable in your cruise cabin. This photo is from a cabin on Princess Cruise. Check out 6 Free Cruise Activities on Princess Cruises that You Need to Know About