Cruise towel animals are part craft and part surprise. This comparison looks at how Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line approach towel animals today, what styles you will likely see, and how to request them if they are not automatic.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean still features towel animals on many sailings. Frequency can vary by ship and schedule. Royal even shares an official folding booklet online.
Reference: Royal towel folding booklet PDF - Carnival continues the tradition fleetwide, though you may not see them every night. Guest demand, time, and local restrictions can affect frequency.
Reference: Carnival explains frequency - Norwegian Cruise Line stopped default nightly towel animals in 2019 under a sustainability effort. Availability today is often by request and can vary by ship and steward. Some reports mention priority when traveling with younger kids.
References: People article on NCL change · TPG overview
Niko’s Note 🐾 If towel animals make your day, tell your room steward on day one. A friendly request and a thank you note go a long way.
Side by Side Snapshot
| Aspect | Royal Caribbean | Carnival | Norwegian Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default expectation | Common on many sailings, not always nightly | Common across the fleet, sometimes not nightly | Not default since 2019 sustainability shift |
| By request | Yes, ask your steward | Yes, you can ask if you did not receive one | Often yes, availability varies by ship and team |
| Signature vibe | Classic cruise mix… swans, elephants, monkeys | Playful and frequent, plus deck takeovers on some sailings | Case by case… more likely when requested |
| Official reference | Royal booklet PDF | Occasional notes from brand channels and coverage | 2019 change covered by press: People, TPG |
| Demonstrations | Common on sea days by activities team | Often a fun show or takeover event | Occasional demos vary by ship |
Events and frequency vary by ship and sailing. Always confirm with your steward once onboard.
Does NCL still do towel animals
Short answer There is no fleetwide nightly program today. In 2019 Norwegian removed default towel animals during turn down service to reduce laundry and water use. On many sailings you can request towel animals from your steward and the team may provide them when time allows. Families with younger children sometimes report better success after requesting politely.
References for the change and current context
- Press coverage of the 2019 shift: People
- Broad overview of which lines still do them and how to request: The Points Guy guide
Tip On NCL, make the request on day one, mention any kid birthdays in your party, and leave a kind note. Thank the steward if they are able to make it happen.
Royal Caribbean… What You Will See
- Style Classic cruise animals with a tidy silhouette.
- Where to learn Royal publishes a public towel folding booklet with step by step diagrams. Use it to practice at home and match the onboard style.
Link Royal towel folding booklet PDF - How to ask Tell your attendant you enjoy them. If frequency dips, a friendly check in is fine.
Carnival… What You Will See
- Style Playful and frequent, often with a towel folding demo on sea days. Some sailings also do a towel animal takeover where chairs or venues fill with critters for photos.
- Frequency note Carnival has stated that frequency can change based on time, logistics, and local restrictions.
Link Coverage of frequency context - How to ask If you did not receive one, ask your steward and mention any kids or special occasions in your cabin.
Norwegian Cruise Line… What You Will See
- Style Case by case, typically when requested.
- Background The brand moved away from default towel animals in 2019 under a sustainability effort to reduce laundry.
Links People article on the change · TPG overview - How to ask Make a polite day one request with your steward. Thank them if they can accommodate.
How To Photograph Each Line’s Style at Home
Use our Pillar tutorial for base folds, then style to match brand photos.
- Royal Clean edges, bright white towels, animals perched on the bed.
- Carnival Fun poses and props, place animals in playful spots.
- NCL Keep it simple and tidy, then add a small note card to thank your steward if you received one onboard.
Keep Folding
- Pillar: Cruise Towel Animals… Swan, Elephant, Hanging Monkey
- Sizing: Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face
- Hanging: Binder Clip Hanger Hack for the Monkey
- Display: Display Ideas… Keep Your Towel Animals Alive Longer
FAQ
Are towel animals guaranteed on any line No. They are a tradition and a treat, not a guaranteed room amenity.
Can I ask for a specific animal You can ask, but it depends on the steward’s time and training.
Will asking for towel animals reduce my steward’s time for cleaning Room teams balance many tasks. Be kind with requests and express thanks.
Do any lines offer classes so I can learn onboard Yes. Look for towel folding demos on sea days in the daily schedule.
