There is a moment on almost every cruise when someone realizes they have been doing it wrong.

It usually happens quietly. Maybe you see a neighbor on their balcony, wrapped in a plush bathrobe, coffee in hand, ocean air rolling in like it was ordered specially for them. Or you overhear someone casually mention they had the dining room pack up dessert to take back to their cabin. Or you stumble into afternoon tea and wonder why no one told you this was a thing.

Here is the truth we have learned, cruise after cruise.

Cruise ships are full of perks that people assume cost extra. In reality, many of them are already included in your fare. They are not hidden. They are not secret. They are simply unadvertised.

And the key to unlocking them is surprisingly simple.

You just ask.

At Blind Travels, we love this kind of travel knowledge. Not because it makes us feel clever, but because it makes cruising easier, more comfortable, more fun, and more accessible for everyone. Whether this is your first cruise or your fifteenth, there is something here you probably did not know.

Let’s dig in.

Cabin Comforts You Already Paid For

Your cabin might look basic when you first walk in. Do not be fooled. With a few polite questions, it can feel like an upgrade you never paid for.

Bathrobes

Many cruise lines reserve bathrobes for suites, but most ships have extras onboard. Ask your room attendant if bathrobes are available. More often than not, they will happily bring one.

You will understand why this matters the first morning you step onto your balcony wrapped in a robe, coffee in hand, ocean stretching out in every direction.

Cruise lines where this is commonly available include Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Availability can vary, but asking costs nothing.

Slippers

Slippers are rarely placed in standard cabins automatically, but they are often stocked onboard. Ask your room attendant. They will usually bring a set, no problem.

Pillow Upgrades

If the pillows are not working for you, ask. Many ships offer memory foam, hypoallergenic, or firmer pillow options. Your room attendant can check what is available and swap them out.

Princess and Celebrity are especially known for pillow menus, but most lines have alternatives if you ask.

Mattress Toppers

If the bed feels too firm, ask if a mattress topper is available. This is a game changer for anyone with joint pain or sleep sensitivity.

Extra Towels

Cabins are stocked with just enough towels. If you want more, especially for port days or beach excursions, ask your room attendant. They are happy to provide extras.

Outdoor Blankets

Cruising somewhere cool or breezy? Ask for an outdoor blanket. Perfect for balcony time when the temperature drops.

Wine or Champagne Glasses

Want to enjoy a bottle you brought onboard or a drink from the bar in your cabin? Ask for proper glassware. Room attendants can usually bring wine or champagne glasses.

Daily Ice Bucket Refills

You can set a time for your ice bucket to be refilled daily. Just ask and let your room attendant know when works best.

Towel Animals

Yes, they are still a thing. If you miss them or your cabin did not get one, ask your room attendant if they have time. Kindness and curiosity go a long way here.

Chocolates at Turndown

They have not disappeared entirely. If you miss the classic pillow chocolates, ask politely at turndown. You may be surprised.

Laundry Bags and Loyalty Laundry Perks

Many cruise lines offer complimentary laundry perks for higher loyalty tiers. Even without that, laundry bags are available by request. Check your app or ask your room attendant.

Pressing and Ironing

You cannot bring your own iron onboard, but you can usually borrow one for free. Some lines will even offer a complimentary pressed item or two. This is rarely advertised. Just ask.

Food and Drinks That Feel Like a Hack (But Aren’t)

Dining is where people assume the biggest paywalls exist. In reality, flexibility is often built right in.

Multiple Appetizers or Desserts

Cannot decide? Say so. Ordering two appetizers or desserts is usually no problem at all in the main dining room.

Off Menu Favorites

If you loved something from the night before, ask if it is available again. Many kitchens will happily prepare it if they can.

Gluten Free, Vegan, and Allergy Friendly Options

Cruise dining rooms are excellent at accommodating dietary needs. Let your dining staff know and they will guide you through options or arrange alternatives.

Takeaway Snacks

Want to bring food back to your cabin? Ask your server for a to go tray. They will pack it up for you.

Pastries at Coffee Bars

Not all pastries are behind a paywall. Many coffee bars offer included pastries, but the signage is not always clear. Ask the barista.

Afternoon Tea

One of our favorite cruise traditions. Afternoon tea is often included and offers tea, sandwiches, and desserts. Ask guest services or dining staff when and where it is held.

Ice Cream and Gelato

Beyond the buffet, many ships offer included scoops of ice cream or gelato. Ask a staff member where to find them.

Refillable Water and Ice

Tap water onboard is fully purified and safe to drink. Bring a refillable bottle or tumbler and fill it at the buffet. You can ask for ice as well.

Room Service Continental Breakfast

Continental breakfast is almost always included. Fill out the breakfast card and wake up to coffee, juice, and pastries delivered to your door. Or in our case, coffee before you go have coffee.

Coffee Cards and Bonuses

Some ships offer coffee punch cards that include a free drink after a certain number of purchases. Ask what is available onboard.

Spa, Fitness, and Wellness Perks That Hide in Plain Sight

Spas feel expensive, but not everything there costs extra.

Free Sauna Access

On older ships, sauna access is sometimes free. Ask at the fitness center if the sauna is available for complimentary use.

Free Fitness and Pool Classes

You do not need a special plan to attend many fitness classes. Ask at the gym or spa what free classes are offered that day.

Spa Samplers on Embarkation Day

Embarkation day often includes complimentary mini treatments or massages. These are usually only offered that day. Stop by the spa and ask.

Port Day Spa Discounts

Spa services are often discounted on port days when most passengers are ashore. Ask the spa desk what specials are available.

Citrus Water and Cool Towels

After returning from port, look for citrus water and cool towels. They are often set up near gangways or outside the spa and are free.

Entertainment You Already Paid For

Cruise entertainment is one of the biggest values onboard, and it is all included.

Broadway Style Shows

World class entertainment, night after night. Check your daily planner or app and go. Some shows are genuinely spectacular.

Movies at Sea

Many ships show movies in theaters or lounges. Some even host outdoor movie nights. Watching a movie on deck while cruising through the Caribbean is one of those travel moments that sticks with you.

Themed Buffet Nights

Seafood night. Mexican night. Regional cuisine nights. These themed buffets are included. Check the daily planner or ask crew members what is coming up.

Event Freebies

Themed parties often come with souvenirs or giveaways. Arrive early and ask staff what is being handed out.

Raffles and Giveaways

Onboard shops often host free raffles and drawings. You can win everything from small prizes to serious perks just by showing up.

Casino Complimentary Drinks

You do not need a drink package. If you are actively playing, ask a server for a drink. A glass of wine while playing is often complimentary.

Free Drinks at Events

Captain’s dinners and loyalty events often include free drinks. If you have cruised with a line before, check your invitations.

Practical Help That Makes Cruising Easier

These are the things that quietly make a cruise smoother.

Wheelchair Assistance

You can request wheelchair assistance for boarding and disembarking. This is free and available to anyone who needs it.

Printed Daily Planners and Menus

Physical copies are always available. Ask your room attendant or guest services to have them delivered to your cabin.

Pack and Play and Baby Gear

Traveling with little ones? Cribs, pack and play, and other baby gear are available. Ask your room attendant.

Playing Cards and Postcards

Guest services often has postcards and playing cards available for free. Just ask.

Excursion Towels

If you are heading out on an excursion, request towels in advance. You are responsible for bringing them back onboard.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Many guest services desks carry basic motion sickness aids. It never hurts to ask.

Libraries and Quiet Spaces

Some ships still have libraries or quiet reading areas. Ask guest services where to find them.

Wake Up Calls

Yes, they still exist. You can request wake up calls if you prefer not to rely on your phone.

Lost and Found Magic

Lost something? Report it. Cruise ship lost and found systems are surprisingly effective.

Loyalty and Insider Access

This is where asking really pays off.

Tote Bags and Loyalty Gifts

Many cruise lines have past guest or loyalty gifts that are not for sale. Stop by guest services and ask what is available.

Stackable Loyalty Discounts

Loyalty discounts can sometimes stack with other offers. Ask if your loyalty level applies before making a purchase.

Exclusive Invitations

Bridge tours, gallery walkthroughs, behind the scenes events. Guest services is the gateway to these experiences.

A Quick Word on Asking

This only works if you ask kindly.

Cruise crew members are professionals who deal with entitlement all day long. A friendly tone, patience, and appreciation will get you much further than demands ever will.

You are not gaming the system. You are simply using it the way it was designed.

Final Thought

Cruise ships are built to delight quietly. The perks are there, waiting for curious travelers to discover them.

If you want to go deeper, explore more cruise tips and accessibility focused travel advice in our Cruise Travel Hub.

And we want to hear from you.

Have you found a cruise perk that surprised you? Something fun, helpful, or completely unexpected that was included when you asked? Send us a message through our contact page or reach out on social media. This list is always growing.

Until we explore again.

See you at the gate!

Ted and Fauna