From those in culinary services, housekeeping, youth staff, and more, you are sure to interact with lots of different crew members during your cruise.
While there is no denying that all crew members work to enhance your overall experience, there are some who can go above and beyond to make your cruise even more memorable. Sometimes it is the little things that matter most!
The next time you find yourself on a cruise, take a moment to seek out these crew members. Even if you do not introduce yourself at first, it is good to know what resources are available.
Read more: What are the crew areas like on a cruise ship?
Cruise director
If you attend any onboard activities or shows, you are likely to run into the cruise director at least once, as they are responsible for passenger entertainment. They might introduce a show or host a special event. Regardless, you will hear from the cruise director while onboard, even if just over the announcements.
Of course, they can help with other things, too. If you feel as though there is something missing, do not be afraid to seek out the cruise director to bring up your concerns.
The earlier you ask, the higher the chances are that the event will be able to be added to the schedule, if your request is something reasonable.
Read more: Tipping on a cruise ship: Guide and what to do
Stateroom attendant
Stateroom attendants are responsible for making sure that you cabin is clean and tidy throughout the cruise. While you should not expect them to clean your vanity full of clutter, your stateroom attendant will refresh your towels, make your bed, empty the trash, deal with maintenance issues, leave fun towel animals, and deliver important disembarkation documents.
On the first day of your cruise, seek out your attendant and introduce yourself. This is also an opportune time to mention if you have preferences, like fresh ice, wine glasses, additional hangers, or specific bed configurations.
Do not be afraid to strike up a conversation with them if you pass by them in the hallway! Smile and ask how their day is going before you head to breakfast.
Read more: What is a cabin attendant on a cruise ship?
A favorite bartender
Throughout your cruise, you are likely to favor certain venues over others. Once you have found your "go-to" spot (whether it is for the drinks, live music, or atmosphere), find out who the lead bartender is.
The lead bartender is more experienced than the others, meaning that they are fantastic mixologists who will be able to craft some of the best drinks!
Depending on how long they have worked for the cruise line, they may know some tricks and secrets, such as cocktails that are not listed.
Hotel director
The hotel director manages all aspects of the hotel-type operations onboard the cruise ship, including your cabin and housekeeping.
If you have a persistent issue with your stateroom that your attendant has been unable to resolve, the hotel director is a great resource. Simply call or visit guest services to get their extension.
Suite Concierge
Some suites come with the perk of a concierge. It is their job to make sure that you are having a great cruise vacation, whether that is resolving issues, assisting with booking add-ons, and more.
If you are unsure of which specialty restaurant to eat at or what to do in port, they will offer recommendations to help you make the best decision for you and your travel party.
When debating whether or not to splurge on a suite, you need to think about how much you value the benefits that come with it, such as the concierge, priority boarding, etc.
Casino host
If you are someone who likes to gamble, you will want to meet the casino host. Not only are they able to answer questions about the casino itself, but they are a great resource if you have any questions about casino loyalty programs.
Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, has the Carnival Players Club. Passengers who are 18-years-old and older are able to join the program and earn points while playing table games and slots. The more points that you accumulate, the more perks you will receive, such as free drinks in the casino and invitations to tournaments.
Per their website, "...on Carnival you earn free drinks twice as fast as on any other cruise line… plus you’ll always have full access to our casino bar menu."
Read more: Cruise Age Restrictions: How Old You Have to Be to Sail, Drink, Gamble and More
Shipboard medical team
In the event that you need medical assistance, it is important that you know where the medical center is. All oceangoing cruise ships are required by law to have at least one doctor and two nurses onboard.
While you do not have to make time to visit the center on the first day, you should make note of where it is located on a deck plan. Nobody wants to get sick while on vacation, but it does happen from time to time.
It is almost important to know that, due to restrictions onboard the ship, the medical center is not a full-scale doctor's office or pharmacy. It is going to be a compact facility, and if you need serious medical attention, you will be sent to a hospital on land. Plus, you should also expect to pay, as medical services are not included in the cost of your cruise.
Read more: I had to go to a cruise ship medical facility. Here's what happened and how travel insurance worked
Youth staff
If you have children, introducing yourself to the youth staff and getting them registered for the youth clubs is something that should be on your embarkation checklist.
Getting off on the right foot might make a world of difference in your child's experience. Plus, it might ease your mind knowing who is going to be caring for your child while you get some much needed adults-only time.
And if any issues happen to arise, you will know who to contact first. They will be able to help escalate the problem to the Youth Director, if the need should be that severe.
Read more: 5 Kids' Cruise Lines the Whole Family Will Love
Head waiter
Head waiters are responsible for ensuring guest satisfaction in regard to the food. If you are ever unhappy with the quality of your meals during your cruise, this is who you should make a point to speak with. They are one step above waiters and report to the maître d'.
Moreover, one of the most important things to do on embarkation day is visit the main dining room to speak with the head waiter to confirm that you have the seating you want, whether it is traditional or flexible. If you are traveling with a large group, you can also make sure that your reservations linked.
Plus, you can go ahead and peek into the dining room and find your table.
Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation tips and tricks
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
