12 Free Perks You Can Get On Cruises (If You Know to Ask)

While you can spend lots of money on a cruise ship, you don’t have to. Cruises offer a chance for a carefree vacation where you don’t overspend and break your budget to have a good time. 

You can score many freebies and services included in the overall price you paid for the cruise, and taking advantage of them will help you stretch your travel budget.

Even the most seasoned vacationers may not know these 12 things you can get for free on a cruise ship.

You might have booked your room because it was a better deal than other options, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. Before the cruise begins, watch for price changes and deals on better rooms, and then call the cruise line and ask if you can upgrade.

Upgrades are also sometimes available after the cruise begins. If you earned onboard credit during booking, you may be able to use it for a free upgrade after you reach the first port.

Forgetting essential toiletries like toothpaste or a razor doesn’t have to mean going without. You can ask the front desk if they have any available. Some cruise lines pass these items out complimentary to passengers who need them, so it’s always worth an ask.

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, you might just want to save space in your luggage and leave it at home because most cruise lines provide them. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line only provide shampoo and no conditioner, though, so you’ll want to check your specific booking for details.

On some cruise lines, you can get a free bathrobe to use during your trip. It depends on the cruise line, your room, and sometimes your cruise level.

However, some passengers say anyone can ask for and receive a robe. No matter the stipulations, it’s worth asking for a robe if one didn’t come with your room.

After a long day, you might not want to get dressed up to go to dinner. Or, you may not want to leave your cabin early enough to get breakfast in a restaurant.

Whatever your reasoning, some cruise ships, including Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Disney Cruise Line, offer free room service. Their options may include breakfast, sandwiches, salads, or snacks, but check with your specific cruise line for details.

Many cruise ships provide free ice cream or frozen yogurt, making the perfect dessert or snack. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both have this freebie, and you can get soft-serve ice cream whenever you want without paying anything extra.

One of the most exciting parts of a cruise is all the activities on the ship. From swimming to sunbathing and relaxing, you can experience rejuvenation. However, when you want to do something exciting, you can join in on a free game or activity.

You may find free trivia competitions, game shows, or themed dance parties for passengers to participate in. 

The activities differ for each ship, but one fun mention is that Princess Cruise Line offers pickleball on some ships. Not only do you get to join in on the fun, but you may walk away with a prize.

Most entertainment on a cruise ship is included in the cost of your vacation. You can enjoy comedy shows, musical performances, broadway-style performances, and more. Be mindful of reservations, though, because some shows require them for popular performances.

When packing for a cruise, you can save space in your luggage by skipping beach towels. This way, you have more room for other things and don’t have to worry about shoving wet towels into your luggage when it’s time to go home. 

Most cruise ships provide them for free, with towel stations around the pool deck where you can exchange your dirty towel for a fresh one when necessary.

The bed in your stateroom might not be as comfortable as you hoped. Luckily, you can request a mattress topper when you get onboard. 

Frequent passengers say to ask as soon as you board because they offer limited mattress toppers, and they go to those who request them first.

If you can’t decide between two entrees or you’re still hungry after your first, you can order a second entree. 

The specifics vary by ship, with Norwegian Cruise Line allowing passengers to order two at once and Royal Caribbean having a “clean your plate” policy, where you must finish your first entree before ordering a second. 

Some passengers say Royal Caribbean isn’t always strict on that policy, so you could always ask for both entrees together.

People sometimes assume they should bring their own clothes hangers. You can skip this item, though, and save space in your luggage because cruise ships have them for free. 

If you need more hangers than you find upon arrival, you can ask for extras to hang up all your clothing.

Your friends and family back home will know you were thinking of them if you send a postcard or deliver it to them in person when you return home. 

While you can buy postcards during your vacation, you can sometimes get them for free on the cruise ship. Ask at the guest service desk about this perk.

While you can spend lots of money on a cruise, you can take advantage of these perks and keep more cash in your wallet. With all these free amenities, you can have a memorable, exciting vacation without breaking your budget.

You may be able to snag other freebies or perks during your vacation, too. From free drinks or food to complimentary spa services, it’s always worth asking because the worst that’ll happen is that they say they can’t do it.