For some cruisers, privacy matters more than daily service and that’s perfectly fine. Royal Caribbean makes it easy to limit or refuse housekeeping during your cruise.

How Housekeeping Normally Works

Every stateroom has an assigned room attendant who handles cleaning, towel exchanges, trash removal, and bed-making. Traditionally, service happens twice a day in a suite- once in the morning and once in the evening- and once-daily service for regular staterooms.

How to Refuse or Limit Housekeeping

If you prefer not to have anyone enter your stateroom:

1️⃣ Let your stateroom attendant know on Day 1.
They’ll introduce themselves shortly after you board. Just say, “I prefer not to have daily service, but I’ll set my trash and towels outside.” They’ll make a note in their system.

2️⃣ Use the door magnet or tag.
Many ships provide magnets or door tags that say things like “Sleeping Off the Adventure” (do not disturb) or “Ready for Adventure” (service requested). Keep “Sleeping Off the Adventure” visible when you don’t want anyone to enter.

3️⃣ Request supplies as needed.
You can call your attendant using the stateroom phone or catch them in the hallway to ask for clean towels, extra toilet paper, or other items. On some ships there’s also a QR code you can utilize to reach out to your stateroom attendant.

4️⃣ Leave trash and towels outside your door.
This is completely normal but can be a tripping hazard for other guests so planning a time with your steward so the items don’t remain for long would be ideal. They’ll replace or collect them without entering your cabin.

5️⃣ Tipping and gratuities stay the same.
Gratuities are said to be pooled among a variety of crew members. Refusing service doesn’t remove your daily gratuities, and some guests choose to keep them as is.

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Why Some Guests Decline Housekeeping

• Privacy and security preferences
• Infants or naps during the day
• Work-from-sea setups
• Health concerns or immune sensitivity
• Simply not needing the daily reset

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Bonus Tip

If you’re someone who prefers to handle your own cleaning, bring:

• Travel-size disinfecting wipes
• A small pop-up hamper or laundry bag
• A few extra trash bags (for snacks, bottles, etc.)

These make it easier to maintain your cabin without needing full service.

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FAQs

Q: Can I refuse housekeeping completely?
A: Yes. Just tell your stateroom attendant you’d prefer no service. They’ll still help with essentials if you ask.

Q: What if I’m not in the room when they come by?
A: You can leave the “Do Not Disturb” magnet or tag up whenever you don’t want them to enter.

Q: Will declining service remove gratuities?
A: No. Gratuities are said to be distributed across a variety of crew members.

Q: How do I get new towels or take out trash?
A: Leave items outside your door, or request replacements through your attendant or the Royal Caribbean app chat feature (available on select ships).

Q: Can I lock my stateroom to prevent entry?
A: Yes your stateroom locks automatically when closed. Housekeeping can access it only with their crew key, and they’ll never enter if your “Do Not Disturb” sign is visible.