22 First-Class Cruise Perks You Can Get Without Paying First-Class Prices

10. Ask for Free Perks on Embarkation Day

Embarkation day is your golden window to ask—politely—for upgrades, extras, or small luxuries that can dramatically elevate your experience. Crew members are typically at their most accommodating when the ship first fills up, especially if the sailing isn’t at full capacity. Want a table by the window in the dining room? Ask the maître d’. Prefer extra pillows, softer bedding, or even a memory foam mattress topper? Your cabin steward likely has options in stock. Looking for a behind-the-scenes galley or bridge tour? It never hurts to ask at guest services—especially if you mention you’re celebrating something special like a honeymoon or milestone birthday. Many ships also keep extras like espresso machines, aromatherapy diffusers, or pillow menus on hand for top-tier guests—but they’re sometimes offered to anyone who requests them (especially in higher-category cabins). Kindness and curiosity can unlock a surprising number of first-class comforts—often for free.