towel animals on a cruise

Cruise Ship Towel Animals: Way More than You Ever Expected to Know

By Molly Fergus

Hunnicut Real Estate

Grace Pilecki Reynosa

Marina Kihanmahd

Lori Ryerson

Austin Penta

David Taylor

Jessica Puckett

Cassie Shortsleeve

Arati Menon

Katysha Ware Meeks

Shawna Zimmerle

Paola Lopez-Senna

Bertha Aleman

Sunkissed Adventures

Brenda Moore

Gary Freeman

Our readers' choice cruise rankings look at the big things that make or break a trip—dining, service, cabin amenities—but as we were reading the results we found ourselves wondering about the little stuff…like towel animals, those silly terry cloth lobsters, swans, and frogs that end up on your bed after housekeeping tidies up.

Turns out we’re not the only ones thinking about them.

“If we don’t make them, [people will] go straight to guest services and complain that there are no animals,” says Carnival’s senior housekeeping manager Marcin Myszewski, about how popular the critters are onboard.

Carnival Cruises literally wrote the book on these animals ( Carnival Towel Creations , which sells about 6,000 copies each month), and it first appeared on the company's cruise ships about 15 years ago. As Myszewski tells the story, a housekeeping member from Thailand started folding his guest’s clothes into the shapes of animals while making the rounds; guests liked it, and other staff members picked up the technique and moved onto towels.

It’s become standard practice, with about 100 animals on the roster and more coming—Myszewski says they’re trying to fashion a koala and kangaroo for the line’s first cruise to Australia this fall.

Even so, he doesn’t teach the skills to housekeeping or provide much guidance at all. New staff members learn the techniques from other staffers and get a fair amount of creative freedom.

“We tell the stewards that it’s important to make different ones every day,” Myszewski says. “They see the guests and understand what they like. If it’s a kid, they’ll make a little monkey or a duck or a chicken. They can make entire humans from the towels, but some guests get scared and complain.”

Carnival isn't the only line that has the animals these days, so we asked our Facebook fans to share their favorite photos from their own cruise experiences. They certainly delievered—swinging monkeys, entire menageries, even life-sized humans all folded from stacks of white terry cloth.

Check out the photos above, and tell us: **What's the coolest towel animal you've ever seen? **

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The Truth About Cruise Ship Towel Animals

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you’ve probably encountered those cute and creative towel animals that magically appear in your cabin each evening. But have you ever wondered about the truth behind these whimsical creations? In this article, we’ll uncover the secrets of cruise ship towel animals, from their origins to the intricate techniques used to bring them to life. Get ready to discover the fascinating world of towel origami and gain a newfound appreciation for the talented crew members who make these delightful creatures. So, grab a towel and let’s dive into the truth about cruise ship towel animals!

Table of Contents

The History of Cruise Ship Towel Animals

Origins of towel folding tradition.

The tradition of towel folding can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it is believed that servants would place folded towels in the shape of animals on the beds of pharaohs. This practice was meant to symbolize wealth and luxury. Over time, towel folding became a popular form of art and decoration in various cultures, including Japan and Europe.

The transition to cruise ships

The tradition of towel folding found its way onto cruise ships in the late 20th century. It is said that the practice began on Carnival Cruise Line in the 1980s when a steward spontaneously folded a towel into a swan and placed it on a guest’s bed. The guest was delighted by this unexpected surprise, and the trend quickly caught on among the cruise staff.

Role in enhancing cruise experience

Towel animals play a significant role in enhancing the overall cruise experience for passengers. They bring an element of fun and surprise to the cabins, creating a whimsical atmosphere for guests. These towel creations also provide a unique touch of personalization, making each cabin feel special and welcoming. Many passengers look forward to returning to their cabins each day to see what creative towel animal awaits them.

Preparing Towel Animals

Material requirements.

To create towel animals, cruise ship staff typically use white towels, although colored towels may be used for special occasions or themed nights. The towels should be large enough to allow for various folding techniques. Other supplies, such as rubber bands or clothespins, may be used to secure the folds and hold the shape of the animals.

Time taken to create each animal

The time required to create a towel animal varies depending on the complexity of the design. Simple animals like swans or elephants may only take a few minutes to fold, while more intricate designs like monkeys or snakes may require up to 15 minutes. Cruise ship staff are trained in the art of towel folding and can create these animals efficiently.

Behind-the-scenes: Who makes these animals?

On cruise ships, the responsibility of creating towel animals usually falls on the cabin steward or housekeeping staff. These dedicated individuals undergo training to learn different folding techniques and are responsible for creating towel animals for each cabin on a daily basis. They take pride in their work, knowing that these creations bring joy to passengers and enhance their overall cruise experience.

Types of Towel Animals

Commonly seen towel animal types.

There are several towel animal designs that are commonly seen on cruise ships. These include swans, elephants, monkeys, rabbits, and dogs. Each animal is carefully folded to resemble its real-life counterpart, bringing a touch of whimsy and charm to the cabins.

Variations based on cruise lines

While the basic towel animal designs may be similar across different cruise lines, there can be variations in the specific techniques used or the level of intricacy in the folding. Some cruise lines may have their own signature towel animals that are unique to their brand, adding an extra touch of exclusivity and individuality to the experience.

Rare and unique towel animals

In addition to the commonly seen towel animals, there are also rare and unique designs that can surprise and delight passengers. These rare creations may include more complex designs, such as intricate sea creatures like dolphins or octopuses. These special towel animals are often reserved for special occasions or higher-tier cabins, adding an extra element of surprise and luxury.

Learning the Art of Towel Folding

On-board classes and workshops.

Many cruise lines offer towel folding classes or workshops on board, giving passengers the opportunity to learn the art of towel folding themselves. These classes are often interactive and fun, allowing guests to try their hand at creating their own towel animals under the guidance of experienced cruise staff. It’s a great way for passengers to learn a new skill and take home a unique souvenir from their cruise.

Tips and tricks for beginners

For those looking to try towel folding at home, there are some tips and tricks that can help beginners get started. It’s important to start with simpler designs and gradually work your way up to more complex animals. Following step-by-step tutorials or watching instructional videos can also be helpful. Having the right tools, such as large towels and rubber bands, can make the folding process easier. And most importantly, patience and practice are key to mastering the art of towel folding.

Unexpected benefits of learning towel folding

Learning towel folding can have unexpected benefits beyond just creating cute and whimsical decorations. The process of towel folding can be therapeutic and relaxing, providing a sense of calm and focus. It can also be a fun activity to do with family or friends, fostering creativity and teamwork. Plus, being able to fold towels into unique shapes can impress guests and add a touch of flair to any gathering or event.

The Roles of Towel Animals in Cruise Hospitality

Bringing fun and surprise elements.

One of the primary roles of towel animals in cruise hospitality is to bring fun and surprise elements to the guest experience. When passengers return to their cabins after a day of exploring the ship or enjoying on-shore activities, discovering a towel animal waiting for them adds an element of joy and excitement. It creates memorable moments and enhances the overall cruise experience.

Promoting cleanliness and organization

Towel animals also play a role in promoting cleanliness and organization on cruise ships. When towels are creatively folded into animal shapes, it helps to visually distinguish them from used towels, reducing the risk of guests using towels that have already been used. Additionally, the presence of towel animals encourages guests to neatly arrange and respect the towels, minimizing clutter and maintaining a clean cabin environment.

Significance in attracting children and families

Towel animals hold particular significance in attracting children and families to cruise ships. Kids are often fascinated by the whimsical and playful nature of these creations, and they serve as a form of entertainment for young guests. The presence of towel animals can make children feel more comfortable and excited about their cruise vacation, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that contributes to the overall success of the trip.

Incorporating Towel Animals into Cruise Themes and Events

Special occasions towel displays.

Towel animals are often used to enhance special occasions and events on board cruise ships. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon celebration, cabin stewards may go above and beyond to create elaborate towel displays that reflect the theme or mood of the occasion. These displays can serve as a special surprise for guests and add an extra touch of celebration to their cruise experience.

Role in theme nights or parties

Cruise ships frequently organize theme nights or parties to entertain passengers, and towel animals can play a role in enhancing these events. Cabin stewards may create towel animals that align with the theme of the night, adding to the overall ambiance and fun. Whether it’s a tropical-themed night with towel animals shaped like palm trees or a pirate-themed party with towel animals resembling parrots, these creations contribute to the immersive experience and enjoyment of the passengers.

Towel animal parades

Some cruise lines have taken towel animals to the next level by organizing towel animal parades. Cabin stewards, dressed in colorful costumes and armed with a variety of towel animals, parade through the ship’s public areas, showcasing their creations to the delight of passengers. These parades bring a sense of excitement and festivity to the cruise, allowing guests to interact with the towel animals and snap photos to capture the experience.

The Impact of Towel Animals on Environment Conservation

Cruise lines and water conservation.

Cruise lines are increasingly taking measures to conserve water and minimize their environmental impact. Towel reuse programs are a common practice on cruise ships, where passengers are encouraged to reuse their towels to reduce water and energy consumption. While towel animals may add a touch of charm to the cabins, cruise lines are mindful of the need to balance guest satisfaction with sustainable practices.

Towel replacement policies

To strike a balance between guest satisfaction and environmental conservation, many cruise lines have implemented towel replacement policies. Cabin stewards are trained to replace towels based on guest preferences or hygiene requirements, rather than automatically replacing them daily. This practice helps to reduce water and energy consumption while still allowing guests to enjoy the novelty of towel animals during their cruise.

Reactions and adaptation from passengers

Passengers have generally responded positively to cruise lines’ efforts in environmental conservation, including towel reuse and replacement policies. Many are aware of the importance of sustainability and are willing to embrace these practices in order to contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. Additionally, passengers appreciate that the presence of towel animals does not compromise these conservation efforts, as they can still enjoy the occasional surprise of a creatively folded towel.

Towel Animals as Cruise Souvenir

Towel folding kits for sale.

For passengers who want to bring a piece of the towel folding experience back home, some cruise lines offer towel folding kits for sale on board. These kits typically include a set of specialty towels, along with step-by-step instructions and tips on creating various towel animals. This allows passengers to continue practicing the art of towel folding and recreate the magic of cruise ship towel animals in their own home.

Towel animal-themed merchandise

Towel animals have become so popular among cruise passengers that they have inspired a range of towel animal-themed merchandise. From soft plush toys shaped like towel animals to keychains, t-shirts, and even hand towels featuring towel animal designs, there is no shortage of options for those who want to bring home a tangible reminder of their cruise ship towel animal experience. These souvenirs make for unique and cherished keepsakes.

Preserving and transporting towel animals

Passengers who want to keep their towel animals intact throughout their cruise can take steps to preserve and transport them. Placing the towel animals in sealable plastic bags or wrapping them in plastic wrap can help protect them from damage or unraveling. Some passengers may even opt to bring their own small travel-sized rubber bands or clothespins to help secure the folds while in transit. With proper care, towel animals can be taken home as special mementos of a memorable cruise vacation.

Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding Towel Animals

Critics and their arguments.

While towel animals are generally well-received by passengers, there are some critics who argue against their presence on cruise ships. One common argument is that towel animals contribute to unnecessary resource consumption, as they require water, energy, and chemicals for laundry. Critics also claim that towel animals can be seen as a form of over-the-top luxury and decadence, which goes against the principles of sustainable travel.

Cruise lines’ response

Cruise lines take these criticisms seriously and have implemented various measures to address the concerns surrounding towel animals. As mentioned earlier, many cruise lines have towel reuse and replacement programs in place to promote water and energy conservation. Additionally, some cruise lines have started offering guests the option to opt-out of daily towel replacements altogether, further minimizing their environmental impact.

Passengers’ perspectives

The perspectives of passengers on the controversies surrounding towel animals are varied. Some passengers appreciate the creative and playful nature of towel animals and see them as an integral part of the cruise experience. They feel that the environmental impact of towel animals is outweighed by the joy and happiness they bring. Others are more conscious of the environmental implications and are supportive of any efforts cruise lines make to minimize resource consumption.

Future of Towel Animals on Cruise Ships

Impact of technology and automation.

As technology advances, it is possible that towel folding could become automated in the future. Robotic systems may be developed to fold towels into animal shapes with precision and efficiency. While this may reduce the human touch aspect of towel animals, it could also lead to greater consistency and more intricate designs.

Evolving passengers’ expectations

Passengers’ expectations are constantly evolving, and cruise lines will need to adapt to meet these changing preferences. While towel animals have been a beloved tradition for many years, it is possible that future passengers may have different expectations regarding their cruise experience. Cruise lines will need to continue innovating and finding new ways to surprise and delight guests while still considering sustainability and resource conservation.

Trends and predictions for the future of towel animals

Looking ahead, towel animals are likely to continue playing a role in the cruise industry. However, there may be a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Cruise lines may explore alternative materials or techniques for creating towel animals that minimize resource consumption. Additionally, there may be an increased focus on customization and personalization, allowing passengers to request specific towel animal designs or themes tailored to their preferences.

In conclusion, towel animals have become an iconic and cherished tradition on cruise ships. From their origins in ancient cultures to their current role in enhancing the cruise experience, towel animals bring joy, surprise, and creativity to passengers’ cabins. While there may be controversies surrounding their environmental impact, cruise lines are taking steps to balance guest satisfaction with sustainable practices. As the future of cruising evolves, towel animals are likely to adapt and continue to be a cherished part of the cruise experience, delighting passengers for years to come.

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Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What Are Towel Animals?

Every night of your sailing on Disney Cruise Line, your stateroom host will leave you two little gifts in your stateroom: bedtime chocolates (one per person) and a towel animal. Towel animals are broadly what they sound like, animals fashioned from towels, but you’ll often find that your “towel animal” is formed from a blanket and sometimes the “animal” is really an object rather than a creature. In addition to towels and blankets, your stateroom attendant may also incorporate small stickers, the packaged chocolates, or even your sunglasses to be something like eyes or claws. Below are some examples of common towel animals.

Pre-pandemic, you might have found a towel animal in your Walt Disney World hotel room, but I haven’t encountered one on land in years. The good news is that towel animals are alive and well at sea. Its great fun to return to your room each evening and see your surprise new roommate. And it’s even more fun to try and speculate what the towel creation is supposed to be.

Towel animals have become so popular that DCL actually created two plush toys that look like towel animals (a monkey and an elephant), available for purchase.

If you’d like to know how to make towel animals yourself, take a look at your Personal Navigator app schedule. DCL sometimes offers towel-folding classes that result in animals. But be aware that, as my family found out , actually making towel animals is harder than it looks.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is an offshoot of our “ Disney in a Minute ” posts, “In a Jiffy” posts are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic, but here we focus on all thing Disney Cruise Line (DCL). Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

2 thoughts on “ Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What Are Towel Animals? ”

On my January 2023 cruise, there were a whole bunch of different towel animals by the pool. Not so in 2024, but I think it was because the weather was bad. As for chocolates, I sailed solo and got two chocolates. I guess they don’t want to leave only one.

I haven’t seen swans, elephants and the like in years, but we did get a set of towels folded into a Mickey head last week at Port Orleans Riverside.

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Towel Animals on Carnival

By A Travelin' Lady

Our fourth day on the Carnival Glory was in Belize. Sadly, I had to stay cooped up in the room because of severe sunburn. I barely could breathe without wanting to cry every time! It was the absolute worst.

So my friend went and scuba dived and had an amazing day and I stayed inside and edited some pictures from our trip. Even though I couldn’t go scuba diving I still had a great day on the ship!

My favorite part of cruises is the towel animals that get left on the beds and all over the room during the duration of the cruise. Like it makes me so pumped. So I wanted to make this blog and share all of my favorites that our amazing cleaners left for us!

They even took my glasses and I thought it was just about the cutest thing.

Does it get any cuter?! Goodness. I love the towel animals so much. If you love them as much as I do you will be happy to know that Carnival sells a book on ship, at Cherry On Top , where you can learn how to make these towel animals. Also just some advice – please wear so much sunscreen. I was honestly so upset I had to miss out because I thought the sun wasn’t going to affect my skin that much because it was cloudy, but I was so so wrong. Always remember your sunscreen y’all!

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival , the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind.

Related articles

Fun on deck.

https://www.carnival.com/onboard.aspx

How to Fold 7 Towel Animals

If you’ve gone on a cruise , you’ve likely been welcomed in your room with towels folded into animal shapes. These delightful animal friends are not only adorable but also quite creative. Have you ever tried making towel animals? If you’re like me, it probably ended up looking like a tangled mess of towels. It takes some skill to master folding towelse= into discernable shapes.

Here’s your chance to learn how to fold seven different towel animals. The animated gif files below show how to make them. Difficulty levels include Beginner, Ninja, and Graduate. Each comes with detailed written instructions. Impress your family and friends with your new skills! Great for parties, especially ones for kids.

Let us know in the comments if you tried making one of these towel animals, and if so how they turned out!

How to make a towel snake.

Difficulty:  Beginner |  Materials:  1 bath towel

Try it yourself:

• Step 1: Fold two corners diagonally until they meet in the middle.
• Step 2: Fold one long edge into the middle.
• Step 3: Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the towel into a long, cylindrical shape.
• Step 4: Holding the pointed end with one hand, use the other hand to twist the ‘bottom’ of the snake around itself twice.
• Step 5: Fold the pointed end down slightly to form the head.

How to make a towel baby monkey

Difficulty:  Beginner |  Materials:  1 hand towel, 3 rubber bands

• Step 1: Roll the long sides of the hand towel inwards so they meet in the middle.
• Step 2: Flip the roll upside down and fold it in half, allowing one side to be longer than the other.
• Step 3: Twist the top half of the roll upside down.
• Step 4: Place a rubber band around the fold at the top, spreading the towel out so it forms a head.
• Step 5: Place rubber bands on the side of each head to create the ears.

How to make a towel elephant

Difficulty:  Ninja |  Materials :  1 bath towel, 1 washcloth

Try it yourself: 

• Step 1: Start with the towel flat in a ‘landscape’ orientation.
• Step 2: Fold both sides of the towel lengthways into the middle.
• Step 3: Roll the short ends inwards until they meet in the middle and fold firmly in half.
• Step 4: Stand the U-shape up and push down on the top to ‘fluff’ it.
• Step 5: Lay the washcloth out to form the head. Fold the top two corners towards the middle, forming a triangle.
• Step 6: Roll the right side diagonally, then do the same with the left so they meet in the middle. Turn it over.
• Step 7: Under the two corners that are sticking up, fold down the cuff and pinch it at the back. Hold it tightly while turning the ears inside out.
• Step 8: Place the head onto the body.

How to make a towel swan

Difficulty:  Beginner |  Materials :  1 bath towel

• Step 1: Lay the towel flat in a ‘landscape’ orientation.
• Step 2: Fold the top corners inwards until they meet in the middle.
• Step 3: Roll the outside edges inward to the middle.
• Step 4: Make a downward fold about a third of the way up the ‘arrow’ shape, and an upward fold about two-thirds of the way up. This should form a ‘Z’ shape.
• Step 5: Lay the ‘Z’ down and squeeze the corners to keep the curves in place.

How to make a towel seahorse

Difficulty:  Ninja |  Materials :  2 hand towels

• Step 1: Lay one hand towel out. Roll the top and bottom diagonally so they meet in the middle.
• Step 2: Repeat step one with the other hand towel.
• Step 3: Place the long side of one towel in the opening of the other.
• Step 4: Secure the towels by wrapping them and tucking the back in.
• Step 5: Roll the ends to resemble the head and tail of a seahorse.

How to make a towel mouse

Difficulty:  Graduate |  Materials :  1 hand towel, 1 wash cloth

• Step 1: Lay the hand towel in a ‘landscape’ orientation.
• Step 2: Fold the lower third up, lengthways, then fold the upper third down over the top of it.
• Step 3: Fold the left corner inwards to form a triangle.
• Step 4: Roll the towel up, left to right.
• Step 5: Fold the washcloth corner to corner to form a triangle.
• Step 6: Fold the point in to meet the long edge.
• Step 7: Fold the left and right sides over so they meet in the middle.
• Step 8: Fold in half, then turn over and spread the ears apart.
• Step 9: Place the head in front of the body.

How to make a towel crab

Difficulty:  Beginner |  Materials:  1 hand towel

• Step 1: Fold the long ends of the towel inwards so they almost meet in the middle.
• Step 2: Repeat the process, folding inwards once more so they almost meet in the middle. Then, unfold on a third of the towel.
• Step 3: Roll the open end of the towel.
• Step 4: Holding the roll securely, find the corners of the towel on either side. Using a twisting motion, pull them out and curl them into the shape of crab claws.
• Step 5: Fold the remaining end halfway towards the roll. Fold once more to make the crab’s shell.

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Towel Animals on Cruise Ships Might Soon Become Extinct

Is one of the most beloved traditions of modern-day cruising about to disappear?

Passengers on several Norwegian Cruise Line ships in recent weeks have noticed they're no longer getting towel animals in their cabins as part of turndown service. The line says it's an effort to conserve resources.

"We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen by fostering a culture of awareness and respect for our world's resources," a spokesperson for the line said Tuesday in a statement to The Points Guy, confirming the change. "Our mission is to continually improve our sustainability culture through fresh innovation, progressive education and open collaboration."

Norwegian described the cutback as a test that, for now, only involves four of its 16 ships: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sun.

The line also noted that room stewards on ships implementing the change would still create towel animals for passengers, "upon request."

Towel animals are made with — you guessed it — towels. These must later be laundered on board ships, and critics have noted this has an environmental impact. Still, many longtime cruisers are smitten with the tradition and don't want to see it vanish. The test has lit up message boards in recent days at cruise fans sites such as CruiseCritic.com, where cruising regulars are speaking out both for and against the change.

"At Cruise Critic, we saw a fairly mixed reaction from our cruisers," editor-in-chief Colleen McDaniel told The Points Guy. "Many were sad to see a beloved tradition fading, while others were excited to see a cruise line proactively doing something to help the environment."

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the towel animal cutback could save money for Norwegian by reducing laundry volume on its vessels and allowing its room stewards to complete turn-down service more quickly.

The tradition of room stewards placing towel animals in cruise ship cabins during turndown service dates back decades, and is a common practice across many brands , including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Holland America.

Room stewards create everything from floppy-eared elephants to monkeys that hang from closet railings using towels that are often embellished with cut-out paper eyes and button noses. They'll also sometimes incorporate passenger items such as sunglasses or clothing into the creations.

The tradition has become so popular over the years that some cruise lines offer towel animal-making classes on board. The line perhaps best known for its towel animal creations, Carnival, has even come out with a book on how to make 40 of the most popular towel critters. Sold on its 26 ships and at Amazon.com, it's gone to reprint three times.

Carnival spokesperson Vance Gulliksen told The Points Guy the line has no plans to cut back on the tradition.

"We're continuing our towel animals as normal," Gulliksen said. "It's a signature element and a guest favorite."

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean also said the line had no plans to change its policy.

Should cruise lines continue to place towel animals in passenger cabins as part of turndown service, or are these much-adored cotton creatures about to go extinct? And if so, are towel swan arrangements at your favorite resort about to join the endangered list?

Disney Cruise Mom Blog

I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

Towel Animals

July 31, 2015 by Disney Cruise Mom 3 Comments

Today’s post is just for fun.  I didn’t feel like thinking very hard yesterday, so I thought I would try something different and take a departure from my helpful and informative posts and just focus on one of the simple pleasures of Disney cruises – towel animals!  I have done a pretty good job of remembering to photograph them on our cruises – I think I have only forgotten 4 or 5 times – but digging through all of our cruise photographs to find them all was another story.  Man I take a lot of pictures on vacations!!! For some reason I don’t think I am going to get any better at that.  Also, on our most recent cruise, we attending a towel folding activity where we learned how to make 3 different animals.  You can read all about that in this post .

Anyway, in no particular order, here we go……

I apologize for the blurry picture.  Anyone care to venture a guess on this one?

On pirate nights we have always gotten a monkey:

Is it a squid?  Maybe a lobster?

A dinosaur seems kind of random but I can’t think of anything else this might be:

I like how they switched it up a bit with the blanket!

I’m pretty sure this is a frog:

This one was cute:

I can’t for the life of me figure this one out:

Most definitely a lobster:

This was on pirate night of our Halloween on the High Seas sailing so instead of the usual monkey we got a ghost!

Another pirate night monkey:

Another possible dinosaur???

Whatever this was it was somehow decapitated before I could take a picture, poor thing.  I think it may have been an elephant.

An elephant that stole my sunglasses:

And again on a different cruise:

I like how they tried to change the pirate night monkey up a bit this time:

This is one of our all-time favorites:

I can’t decide between a shrimp or a scorpion:

Is it a dog?

I LOVE this crab!  It looks pretty easy to make, too:

Lobster, 2 ways:

And seal, 2 ways:

The girls guessed an alien on this one:

Another frog:

This one made us think of Stitch:

Not a clue:

2 types of dogs:

The classic swan:

And finally:  We love you too DCL!!!

July 31, 2015 at 1:54 pm

This is such a great idea for a fun, light post! I always enjoy seeing what you come up with to write about.

April 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm

This was such a fun post!!! I see lots of pics of your girls when they were much younger! So adorable!!! Which itineraries did yall sail before you started the blog? 😊

April 3, 2021 at 11:54 am

Oh man, that’s a good question! Before the blog, I think we did a 6 night from Galveston that went to Cozumel and Grand Cayman, a 7 night from Galveston that went to Key West, Nassau and Castaway Cay, and a 7 night from Port Canaveral that went to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay. It’s getting hard to remember after all these years! It’s great to hear from you – I hope you and your family are doing well!

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• Ask a Cruise Question

Do you keep your towel animals?

By RachieLnnn , April 20, 2007 in Ask a Cruise Question

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Do you keep your towel animals, or are you expected to leave them so that the cruise line can re-use the towels for future guests?

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I don't believe you are supposed to take them home!

We like to line them up on the couch during the week, or put them on the bed. On our last cruise, I got a little annoyed with our cabin steward, he never left enough towels for the two of us and I had to take the towel animal apart every day to have enough towels for showers.

No, you shouldn't take them with you. Like Happy ks, we keep ours somewhere in the cabin. Sometimes the steward takes them apart to make a new animal so if you want to keep them during your cruise be sure to tell them. I always take a picture to bring home. Also, if you move them very much they'll fall apart:(.

On our last cruise there was one I would have loved to bring home. Our steward made a tiny mouse that was half hidden under the turned down covers. It was so cute!

So enjoy them while you're cruising and take pics :) !

I like the hanging monkey! I don't believe we are to take them home. I never have.

I did a "fake" cruise at the adult senior center where I work and found a brochure online that taught you how to make the animals. It was a little unclear so it took me awhile, but I made a different animal every day and the clients loved it, they turned out pretty well! I made a bunny, a lobster, a monkey, a swan, and I can't remember the last one

I always put a sticky note on my mirror to ask our room steward not to remove the animals so at the end of the cruise I can take a picture of all my little towel animals together on the bed (with the little monkey hanging over them). Never tried to take any of them home . . . besides, they all fall apart anyway. I have bought a couple miniatures in the gift shop for some of my friend's kids. They are sooooo cute!

I agree...I never take them home, but I do take pics for the grandkids to see. Also, like Ladycaveat, I have bought the small towel animals to take home as little gifts for the grands. I did purchase a great little book on the how to's of making these little towel creatures on the Carnival Sensation. I have also read where other posters have bought them via Amazon.com. Plant....would love to see a picture of your little mouse - gg

EggDropErin

We also don't keep our towel animals. We have been known to take the little buggers apart when the need for an extra towel or wash cloth arises.

When we are on a line that does them we will set them aside so we can look at them, but usually after a couple of days the steward will take them away.

No we don't take them home, and actually if we are not careful when we move them they will fall apart, they are just towels folded a certain way,they look cute,but no they will not stay the way they are folded.

LadyC mentioned the small ones you can buy. I bought a couple of them for friend's grandkids last cruise, from the gift shop. They are really cute, and the kids loved them.

No, don't try to take the ones in your cabin home....they're just for your enjoyment while on the cruise.:)

Our room steward used my clip on sunglasses for the eyes on a crab art blanket.:) We learn so much from these board topics. It never occurred to us to remove the animals from the ship. Think of customs:eek: I like the idea of lining them up like a zoo.:cool: And the post it idea to alert the steward to leave the family of animals alone was great, they really want to please. Next cruise I will suggest towel art since all we've seen in our many cruises was blanket art. There certainly are more towels than blankets! I would be interested in the book on how to make them. Please post the title. Thanks to original poster you opened up a whole new thing to many of us. Thanks again, Paul & Trudi in San Diego;)

www.Amazon.com has "How to Make a Towel Monkey and other cruise ship favorites", a spiral bound book for $14.95 by Mulanax featuring 8 animals. also, "The Lost Art of Towel Origami" a paperback by Jenkins for $10.17. Seems like the one I got was around $8, on a Carnival cruise, following a towel animal demo. It is by far the best and has the following animals:bat, bulldog, bunny, cobra, cow, croc, deer, dinosaur, donkey, frog, 3 different monkeys, horse, iguana, 3 elephants, cat, lion, duck, lizard, lobster, pig, mouse, parrot, peacock, pig, polar bear, pup, rabbit, scorpion, seahorse, seal, snail, dog, stingray, swan, turtle, and a worm. There you go. I bet if you contacted "Carnival" they could direct you to the dept. to purchase one It is called "Carnival Towel Creations" (40 designs) and is a 2004, 2nd edition. Bet this was more info than most of you wanted to know. :D gg

Here it is !!!! I just typed in Carnival Towel Creations on yahoo and it took me directly to Carnival and the order form to order one from Carnival for $12.95. The exact book I have. There you go. :) gg

JillinCalgary

Can someone please post a picture of these towel animals!! I've been on 5 Princess Cruises (the last of which was 2 and a half years ago - perhaps this is a new thing?) and have never noticed them before! lol Maybe the room stewards just target certain rooms? Hmmm...

Editted to add.. Oops, I just realized I wasn't in the Princess forum. lol. Which line does these animals? Silly me.. :-)

Can someone please post a picture of these towel animals!! I've been on 5 Princess Cruises (the last of which was 2 and a half years ago - perhaps this is a new thing?) and have never noticed them before! lol Maybe the room stewards just target certain rooms? Hmmm...   Editted to add.. Oops, I just realized I wasn't in the Princess forum. lol. Which line does these animals? Silly me.. :-)

We get them on Carnival.

Those are great! My kids would love those! lol

They are really cute. It is fun to come back to your cabin and find one of those little critters perched on the bed. On our last Carnival Cruise, I bought the book mentioned in my last post. I also visited the ship gift shop and got two of the small towel animals for two of my grandchildren - a little pig and a puppy. Really cute and of course they are white terry towel material, but stitched, etc........so they don't come undone. The little ones love to sleep with them. The simple things in life make us smile don't they ?? :) gg

We had them on Disney and I've seen references to them on Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

I didn't have any towel animals on my RCCL cruise a few months ago.

NCL also had a rabbit, elelphant and monkey

Here are three of my favorites from my recent cruise on Holland America's Volendam.

Sally Forth

NCL also had a rabbit, elelphant and monkey   [ATTACH]42421[/ATTACH]   [ATTACH]42422[/ATTACH]

The monkey is my favourite. I just love how he hangs from the ceiling.

Sometimes the steward does not know how to make them or works too slow and does not have the time. I sailed with my DGD and after the 2nd night without one, asked. He (steward) asked another guy to make them for our cabin from then on. (Of course, he got a nice tip for being extra kind to DGD)

Yes, they always use hubby's sunglasses because he always leaves his out instead of putting them away. Once I left out my reading glassses and they used them!

I also remember my lazy daughter when she was still a kid, not putting away her night gown-we came back to our room and the steward had fashioned it into an anchor on one of the beds-this was on RCI ofcourse! so put away your undies or you may be surprised by what you find!

Hi everyone -

Thanks for the info! I didn't know you could buy miniatures in the shop!

And no, I will not bring them home! :)

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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What You Can (and Can’t) Take From Hotels, Planes and Cruise Ships

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Travel etiquette explained

A pair of guests were recently caught on CCTV stealing a horde of amenities from a hotel in Wales – from towels and a kettle to an electric fan. While most people don't tend to commit such grand heists when traveling, even those smaller pilferages (from bath towels to pens and paper) aren't the perfect crime: hotels can and will deduct what you’ve taken from your credit card, while airlines may fine you if you’ve walked off with something you weren’t supposed to.

Here we investigate the murky grey area of what you can and can't take from airplanes, hotels, or cruise ships. Click through the gallery to find out more...

Can take: the plane amenities kit

Can’t take: the blanket

Who knows why you’d want to take a blanket that has been drooled on by countless other travelers, but a fair number of people do. In business class, some have even been known to take the duvet and/or the pillow.

Several airlines have now added announcements or leaflets, telling customers to leave theirs in their seat upon leaving the aircraft, while others collect the items from passengers before landing.

Can take: all the snacks

Unlike the minibar in hotels, the snack box on a plane is a glorious free-for-all. Maybe don’t tip the entire thing into your bag, but definitely hoard some of the chips and candy bars for later.

Can’t take: headphones

Can take: plastic flatware

These come in handy later on for takeaway meals or eating on the go while away on vacation. Also, if the flatware doesn't come in a sealed bag, any airline will assume that you’ve used them and likely bin them, even if you haven't.

They're definitely there for the taking.

Can’t take: proper silverware

Taking silverware or condiment holders such as salt and pepper shakers is a no-no (and this also applies on cruise ships). In the end, the customer is the loser because any losses incurred by the company tend to manifest in penny-pinching elsewhere.

Can take: wine and miniatures

Some airlines give you wine and spirits in bottles rather than pouring them straight into your glass. Many travelers will save a bottle or two for later, and that's perfectly fine – just ask the flight attendant, rather than trying to grab anything from the trolley.

Can’t take: wine that isn’t given to you

This includes taking anything from the galley without permission. It also includes decanting the sparkling wine from premium economy galleys into a separate bottle, which is frankly just crass.

Can take: plastic tumblers

We're not sure why you’d want to, but if plastic tumblers are your thing, then filch away. Or, better yet, reuse them when the drinks trolley comes around again and reduce the amount of plastic that's wasted on planes.

Can’t take: glassware and cups

As much as you may get attached to the Champagne flutes, cups or nice wine glasses in your hotel room (or on the plane), you can’t pop them in your bag to take home. These are things that you will definitely get fined or charged for.

Can take: hotel miniature bath products

When it comes to hotel rooms, miniature bath products are yours to keep. In fact, this goes for pretty much any portable item you can use for showering, moisturizing, or cleansing. However – it's possible to go overboard.

A pair of hotel guests were recently shamed on social media after their enormous stash of mini toiletries, tea, coffee, and food was discovered by housekeeping staff. 

Can’t take: products from the cleaning cart

It’s not strictly outlawed, but unless you are asking for extra teabags or sugar, it’s frowned upon to raid the housekeeping cart. The miniatures are designed for use within your room on a daily basis, so no tipping an entire tray of shampoo into your bag on the way out.

Can’t take: bathrobes

You can wear them, snuggle in them, and go to sleep in them as long as they don’t leave the confines of your room. Some hotels have taken to writing notes on the hangar allowing you to purchase them, but be warned, they will charge your credit card if you take your bathrobe without paying up first.

Can’t take: bed linen

Some travelers aren’t put off by the fact that thousands of people have slept on the same sheets and happily stash them inside their suitcases. Don't do it – you'll pay the price (which is usually outrageous).

Can take: pillow mints

This is pretty much the only thing on your bed that you are allowed to consume or take home. The same applies to the complimentary cookies by the tea and coffee making facilities, if there are any.

Can’t take: the mattress

You might think it goes without saying that you can't steal the actual bed, back in 2014, one lady was caught on CCTV trying to wedge a double mattress from a Premier Inn in the UK into the elevator. Needless to say, she was not successful.

Can take: toilet paper/tissues

Super handy when you're on the go on vacation, toilet paper is usually fine to take, as long as you don't go overboard. This goes for tissues from the dispenser too.

Can take: tea bags/coffee/milk

Unless it’s expressly part of the minibar, tea bags and coffee provided are generally free to take. Be wary when it comes to pricier items such as Nespresso and other coffee pods, though, as these may not be included.

Can’t take: electrical items

It doesn’t matter how small the kettle is, you can’t pack it away to take home with you. Hairdryers usually aren’t a risk because they're often nailed to the wall, but a surprising number of people will also attempt to steal lamps and other gadgets.

In fact, a couple were recently caught on CCTV at a hotel in Pembroke Dock, West Wales pilfering everything from a lamp to an electric fan and TV remote. You're unlikely to get away with it and, bottom line, it's illegal.

Can take: magazines

This is a topic of contention but taking a magazine with you is generally OK, because it's left for your consumption – and it will likely soon be replaced with a new edition anyway. Maybe avoid taking the whole pile, though.

Can take: postcards

If they are clearly there for you to write a message to loved ones back home, by all means, take them. You can also pin them on your fridge as a reminder of your trip.

Can’t take: curtains

People have actually been known to unhook curtains from the room and stuff them into their suitcase – some years ago, a woman was caught on surveillance video as she was making several trips up and down the hallway, removing curtains, an iron with an ironing board, rugs and even a television from the room. Don't even think about it.

Can’t take: artwork

Some travelers might think it’s okay to nab the artwork or steal photo frames from a hotel room or cruise-ship cabin. But, as artwork – like the curtains – are part of the interior decor of the room, it’s not allowed at all.

It's pretty much certain that your credit card will be charged for the missing items.

Can take: welcome flowers

Some hotels may leave you with a couple of fresh flowers to welcome you into the room. You’re welcome to take these with you, although we’d rather not imagine what they’ll look like after being stuffed into a carry on.

Can’t take: plant pots

If you've got grand plans to smuggle that decorative plant pot from your hotel room or corridor, we'd suggest you think again. There's no question about it: that's stealing.

Can’t take: full-sized products

Most hotels or cruise ships have notices saying you will be charged for taking full-sized products, so just stick to using them in your room. And it’s definitely frowned upon to take the hand wash on a plane.

Can take: slippers

Cruise ship or hotel slippers are the only piece of clothing you can usually take, and if you’re lucky to stay in a room with waffle-fabric slippers and cushioning, you’ve hit the jackpot. However, be warned that some hotels have started charging for their slippers, so make sure there are no notices inside the room, in the wardrobe, or in the info leaflet.

Can’t take: towels

The most stolen item from hotels and cruise ships isn’t bathrobes, but towels. It’s so rife that, in 2019, Nimble Technologies created fabric tags with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking chips that can be sewn or put into bed linen and towels, remote controls, and even lamps.

Recently a TikToker named Téja Renée also sparked an online debate  when she reprimanded her friend for taking hotel towels – most of her followers agreed that this was crossing a line. Make sure you leave yours in your room.

Can take: stationery

Hotel and cruise ship stationery is perfectly fine to pilfer, but make sure you aren’t taking any of the leather binders the sheets may be tucked into. Similarly, pens are a grey area – many people take them, so hotels that don’t want to lose money in this area tend to provide pencils.

Can't take: the Bible

The Bible you find in your bedside dresser has most likely been provided by The Gideons International, a Christian organization that expects their donation to have a six-year life span. In fact, the organization estimates that a quarter of travelers thumb through the Bible in their hotel room, so leave yours behind for the next guest. 

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The Easy-To-Make Mistake That Drives Your Fellow Cruise Mates Up The Wall

Joining a cruise shares many similarities with other forms of travel, such as flying on a plane, hopping a train, or riding a bus, in that it comes with its own set of expected behaviors. Cruisers often get the short end of the stick when it comes to public perception, with many making the assumption that cruise joiners are often rowdy and boisterous, making others want to avoid taking a cruise altogether . But to be fair, most cruisers are there to enjoy a peaceful vacation while respecting fellow passengers. To ensure you're remembered for the right reasons, it's important to exhibit courteous behavior aboard. You can probably start by avoiding the one behavior that irks many a cruiser everywhere: being a chair hog.

It's normal to get excited about the prospect of lounging by the pool on the deck and enjoying some fun under the sun, but a common faux pas that frustrates many cruisers is the act of chair hogging. This is when people practically monopolize a lounge chair for extended periods, preventing others from having their turn. Although it may be tempting to reserve chairs for hours on end, maybe even for your entire group, this practice is frowned upon. Think of deck chairs as you would of overhead bin space on a plane : a shared resource meant to be enjoyed by every passenger on board.

Chair hogs are the bane of every cruiser's existence

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"Don't be a chair hog. It's the No. 1 complaint on cruises," said Nick Leighton, a seasoned traveler and etiquette expert, in an interview with CNN . "This is when somebody gets up at, you know, crack of whenever, runs to the pool deck, puts down blankets and all their stuff, and then disappears for hours, goes back to bed, maybe goes to have breakfast, maybe does something else and that chair is just now sitting vacant for hours and hours and hours."

You don't want to aggravate your fellow cruise joiners by taking faux ownership of a lounge chair, so avoid laying claim to one if you don't have any intention of returning to it until much later. That is, unless you want the hassle of retrieving your stuff elsewhere since some irked passengers take it upon themselves to confiscate the belongings of suspected chair hoggers. "Chair is not occupied...you can take it," Reddit user @trtviator  noted. "I don't GAF if a towel, banana or book is on it. It gets moved to the towel center."

Some cruise lines have even started cracking down on chair hoggers by being clearer about their policies. The likes of Celebrity and Carnival have begun posting notices on the deck that if a chair is unattended for a specified duration, any items placed on it will be collected and stored by the staff. Engaging in chair-hogging behavior is not worth the trouble (aka the risk of losing your personal items), especially since it also means disrupting someone else's peace.

Cruise etiquette 101

When you're on a cruise, you should steer clear of any actions that would only sour the experience of your fellow travelers. Think slamming the doors of your cruise cabin , cutting in line, smoking on the balcony, making noise in corridors, leaving your kids unsupervised and letting them inconvenience others, and so forth. Keep in mind that nearly everyone on board is a paying customer, so a sense of entitlement is unwelcome.

"When cruising, there are so many things to consider because you're essentially sharing a huge house on water with a bunch of people you've never seen and perhaps will never see again in (your) life," etiquette expert Jackie Vernon-Thompson told USA Today . "However, your attitude should not be, 'Oh, I'll never see them again so I can do whatever I want.' There are protocols to follow."

Cruise editor Carolyn Spencer Brown has one tip that can help keep yourself in check, and it's to periodically remind yourself that just like you, everyone else is just trying to have a good time and live their dream cruise vacation . "It's simple but basic," she explained to Condé Nast Traveler . "People might say 'I paid for this' but if that's how you feel, get a private yacht, buddy."

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On Tuesday, deputies responded to a welfare check at her apartment, where they found her 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter home alone.

Deputies said the apartment smelled of urine and had trash and leftover food thrown everywhere.

The children eventually told deputies that their mother left for a trip. While on vacation, the children said she would use a webcam and cell phone to check in on them.

KTRK reported that Williams returned home Wednesday night and initially lied about her identity.

Officials determined the children were healthy, and Child Protective Services released them to their aunt.

Williams was charged with abandoning a child with intent to return.

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Arrest made after 13-year-old girl shot dead in north lauderdale.

Ryan Mackey , Digital Journalist

NORTH LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a man Thursday in connection with a shooting that left a 13-year-old girl dead in North Lauderdale last August, authorities confirmed.

According to BSO, Christopher Ryan Marc, 22, of Pompano Beach, is facing one count of manslaughter with a firearm.

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The shooting was reported around 10:22 p.m. on August 21, 2023, near the 7400 block of Southwest 12th Court.

According to BSO, deputies responded to the scene and found Samiyah James suffering from a gunshot wound.

Authorities said deputies immediately started life-saving measures when North Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the scene. James was then transported to Broward Health Medical Center where she died at 11:31 p.m.

Neighbors told Local 10 News last year that James didn’t live in the neighborhood but was visiting a friend when she was shot.

“Preliminary investigation revealed there was an argument between James and occupants of a vehicle outside of a residence on Southwest 12th Court. At some point, a subject inside of the vehicle shot James. The suspect vehicle then fled from that location,” BSO said in a news release.

Through investigative methods, detectives said they identified Marc as the shooter.

Jail records show he is being held without bond at the Broward Main Jail.

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About the Author

Ryan mackey.

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

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