7 Surprising Requests You Can Make on Luxury Ships

by Fran Golden

7 Surprising Requests You Can Make on Luxury Ships

by Fran Golden

On the most over-the-top cruise ships you are in for all sorts of indulgences — which is one reason you pay big bucks to sail. The idea is that your every wish is the crew’s command. But how far can you go? Our advice: Don’t be shy! The crew want you to walk away from your trip thrilled, and ready to book again. Here are seven things you may not know that you can request. 

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Deck towel service on Seabourn / Seabourn
Drinks on the veranda
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1. A Private Cocktail Party

If you’ve made new friends on your cruise, why not invite them over to your cabin for a cocktail party? After all, you already have a complimentary en-suite bar (one of the niceties of luxury cruises). Tell your butler or stateroom attendant that you’re entertaining, and they’ll put out a spread of munchies — which on a recent Crystal Cruises sailing included wonderful cheeses and cold seafood. 

If you’ve made new friends on your cruise, why not invite them over to your cabin for a cocktail party? After all, you already have a complimentary en-suite bar (one of the niceties of luxury cruises). Tell your butler or stateroom attendant that you’re entertaining, and they’ll put out a spread of munchies — which on a recent Crystal Cruises sailing included wonderful cheeses and cold seafood. 

Oceania Penthouse Suite Butler
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2. Luggage Cleaning

Seriously, when was the last time you gave your suitcase a good scrubbing? Even if the scuffs and smudges don’t bother you, they might bug your butler, who may take it upon himself to vacuum and clean your bags inside out. (Same goes for your scuffed shoes.) And if he doesn’t offer, just ask. You can also request assistance unpacking your bags and repacking them at the end of the cruise. There’s no charge for these services.

Seriously, when was the last time you gave your suitcase a good scrubbing? Even if the scuffs and smudges don’t bother you, they might bug your butler, who may take it upon himself to vacuum and clean your bags inside out. (Same goes for your scuffed shoes.) And if he doesn’t offer, just ask. You can also request assistance unpacking your bags and repacking them at the end of the cruise. There’s no charge for these services.

Take a note
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3. Personalized Stationery

This may be a small touch, but we love it: stationery printed with your name. Send notes to friends back home (what better way to brag about being on a luxury cruise) or use your stationery to pen notes to fellow passengers. Seabourn and Silversea provide stationery in all suites, while Crystal gives it to passengers in the fancier suites (or to people who ask nicely).

This may be a small touch, but we love it: stationery printed with your name. Send notes to friends back home (what better way to brag about being on a luxury cruise) or use your stationery to pen notes to fellow passengers. Seabourn and Silversea provide stationery in all suites, while Crystal gives it to passengers in the fancier suites (or to people who ask nicely).

Spa Suite bathroom on Seabourn Quest
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4. A Custom Bath

Many lines will draw your bath, but some make that experience even more special. On Seabourn cruises, your suite stewardess presents you with a menu of Pure Pampering bath oils, each with a different focus (relaxing, moisturizing). Make your choice and she’ll draw your bath. On Silversea, you might return to your suite after a long day of exploring to find a warm, scented bubble bath awaiting your arrival, without even asking.

Many lines will draw your bath, but some make that experience even more special. On Seabourn cruises, your suite stewardess presents you with a menu of Pure Pampering bath oils, each with a different focus (relaxing, moisturizing). Make your choice and she’ll draw your bath. On Silversea, you might return to your suite after a long day of exploring to find a warm, scented bubble bath awaiting your arrival, without even asking.

Hermes products on Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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5. Different Soaps

A good cruise line knows that cleanliness is next to godliness. On Seabourn, the suite stewardess will present several soap options on a silver tray, including L’Occitane, Molton Brown, and unscented options. On Silversea, choices include Bvlgari and Ferragamo. Stay in a penthouse — or above — suite on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and you can luxuriate in Hermès products.

A good cruise line knows that cleanliness is next to godliness. On Seabourn, the suite stewardess will present several soap options on a silver tray, including L’Occitane, Molton Brown, and unscented options. On Silversea, choices include Bvlgari and Ferragamo. Stay in a penthouse — or above — suite on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and you can luxuriate in Hermès products.

Prime Seven on Regent's Seven Seas Mariner
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6. Your Mother’s Meatloaf

Luxury ships may have wonderful, fancy cuisine, but we all get homesick now and then. Give the chefs 24 hours notice (or more, if you’re requesting something complicated) and they’ll prepare your choice of comfort food. On Regent Seven Seas Cruises, you can bring a favorite recipe from home and the crew will make the exact dish.

Luxury ships may have wonderful, fancy cuisine, but we all get homesick now and then. Give the chefs 24 hours notice (or more, if you’re requesting something complicated) and they’ll prepare your choice of comfort food. On Regent Seven Seas Cruises, you can bring a favorite recipe from home and the crew will make the exact dish.

Deluxe stateroom with veranda on Crystal Serenity
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7. Pillow Choices

If you love goose down, are allergic to feathers, or prefer memory foam, no worries. If you’re sailing on Silversea, there’s a pillow menu that lets you customize your sleeping style. (Silversea will also allow you to choose the firmness of your mattress.) On Crystal Cruises, allergy sufferers get allergen-free pillows — and more — in the hypoallergenic Deluxe PURE Staterooms, which are the only accommodations of their kind at sea. You’re sure to have a better night’s sleep.

If you love goose down, are allergic to feathers, or prefer memory foam, no worries. If you’re sailing on Silversea, there’s a pillow menu that lets you customize your sleeping style. (Silversea will also allow you to choose the firmness of your mattress.) On Crystal Cruises, allergy sufferers get allergen-free pillows — and more — in the hypoallergenic Deluxe PURE Staterooms, which are the only accommodations of their kind at sea. You’re sure to have a better night’s sleep.

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