Cruise passengers are being told there is one thing a cabin steward can do that will save you money – but is often overlooked.
Travel expert Gary Bembridge has travelled the world on cruise liners, but says people often underutilise the onboard crew. One thing that can be missed, he says, is gleaning vital information about the cruise.
On his recent travels, Gary was able to save money on his laundry bill by checking for upcoming offers and promotions. These, he claims, are regularly on the same schedule.
On his Tips for Travel YouTube channel, Gary said: “When I was on Norwegian Viva recently I asked my cabin steward about doing some laundry as I had been on a pre-cruise stay and had dirty washing.
“He told me don’t do it now and wait until day three of the cruise as there would be a promotion where I could fill a bag for a low fixed price, which was dramatically cheaper than sending it away when I was planning to.
“Cruise lines tend to run the same promotions and offers like this on a regular schedule during each cruise and a cabin steward can tip you off on what is likely coming up.”
Gary also says cabin stewards can provide valuable information for cruisers. He says he likes to ask the workers what “perks” each cabin comes with.
This can differ from cruise to cruise, but Gary has recently been given beach bags and water bottles. He says the perks can even change between journeys on the same ship.
One thing Gary says his friends have often managed to ask for is a coffee machine or tea making facilities, even if it isn’t a perk in their cabin grade. While a bathrobe is also a request he says is often approved by stewards.
Gary advises travellers they can even ask the cabin stewards to move the configuration of the bed in their rooms. He says his sister regularly asks for a bed to be pushed against a wall instead of flanked by two side tables.
Gary often asks his stewards to reduce the frequency of service as well, instead tailoring the cabin services to meet his schedule. He asks them to visit when he is at dinner or breakfast in the ship’s main dining room.
