Why Do Cruise Lines Place Mats on Your Bed? (Here’s What NOT To Do With Them)

I was recently asked what the mats on cruise ship beds are for. You may find them on the beds when you first arrive in your room. If you have been wondering the same thing, this post is for you!

A viewers question:

Can somebody tell me please, why there seems to always be an oilskin type mat laid out on the bed? I admit i’m totally ignorant on cruise etiquette. I dunno, the mat on the bed looks uncomfortable, not the sort of snuggly thing you’d put on a bed. Genuinely interested. Thanks

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The mat is just a protective covering that cruise lines put on the bed when you first arrive.

Here is everything you need to know:

What Are They?

• These mats are often made from vinyl, faux leather, or other waterproof materials.
• They aren’t bedding – but rather a durable, protective layer placed on top of the quilt or bedspread.
• They’re usually rectangular and large enough to cover the main section of the bed where luggage or items are likely to be placed.

Why Are They Used?

1. A Protection Against Dirt:
   • Suitcases have often been left outside the ship or in the terminal before being transferred to the correct cabin, and they can get dirty.
   • The suitcases may have been in the hold of a plane before you get to the ship – again, lots of opportunities for them to get dirty.
   • The suitcase might even be wet if it’s raining when you board the ship.
   • When unpacking or packing, passengers often place luggage, shoes, or other potentially dirty items on the bed.
   • The mat protects the bedspread or sheets from dirt, dust, or grime that might transfer from these items or from the case itself.
2. Cleanliness for Passengers:
   • Mats create a clean surface for passengers to lay out their belongings, such as clothing, toiletries, or electronics.
3. Preservation of Bedding:
   • Cruise lines aim to maintain high standards of cleanliness.
   • Keeping the bedspread clean is crucial since it’s less frequently replaced or washed than the sheets.
   • The mat helps reduce wear, tear, and stains. In this way, the cruise line can replace their bedding less often.
4. Helpful for the Crew:
   • Cabin stewards are responsible for cleaning and preparing hundreds of rooms quickly.
   • The mat minimises the need for extra cleaning or laundry if guests place dirty items directly on the bed.

Is It a Common Practice?

• Many cruise lines provide these mats in all cabins, regardless of the ship’s size or the guest’s booking class.
• While the style and material of the mat might vary (some may look more like thick fabric or rubberised covers), the purpose remains the same across all cruise lines.

What Should You Do With It?

• Use It: 
  • The mat is for your convenience, so feel free to use it when unpacking or organising your belongings.
• Move It: 
  • If it’s in the way or you don’t plan to use it, you can fold it and set it aside.
• Leave It for the Crew: 
  • Once you’ve finished unpacking, leave it as you found it so the cabin stewards can prepare it for the next use.

This is what I tend to do. Once unpacked, I just leave the mat on the bed and it magically disappears before bedtime. I never have to think about it again…

Do You Have to Use It?

You don’t have to use the mat. It is an option, but if you don’t want to use it, you can simply fold it and put it to one side – or ignore it.

What Passengers Get Wrong…

• Some passengers mistakenly think these mats are part of the bedding or decorative items.
  • Their sole purpose is practicality. The crew fully expects you to use them to put your cases on.

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Why Do They Look So Uncomfortable?

The material and design prioritise durability, waterproofing, and cleanliness over aesthetics.

• This might make the mats appear stiff or out of place compared to the rest of the plush cabin decor.

Other Interesting Points:

• The mats are sometimes called luggage pads or bed runners, depending on their design.
• They’re a subtle way cruise lines try to balance luxury with practical concerns about dirt.
• Some cruiselines have mats that are emblasend with their branding, others supply plain mats.

Don’t…

#1. Sleep on Them

• These mats aren’t designed for comfort, and sleeping directly on them will be unpleasant.
• They’re often made of stiff, waterproof materials, so they will feel awkward and make noise when you move them.

#2. Leave Wet or Dirty Items on Them

• While they’re meant to protect the bed, you shouldn’t leave wet swimsuits, towels, or muddy shoes on the mat for an extended time.
  • It’s just good manners to avoid making the cabin steward’s job harder.
• The mats will disappear after the first day, so the cabin steward will have to remove any items left on them.

#3. Use Them for Food

• Cruise ships don’t expect guests to eat meals in bed (though snacks happen, let’s be honest!), but the mat isn’t a makeshift tablecloth!
• Spills can still be tricky to clean, and it is very bad manners…

#4. Fold It Up Dirty

• If you’ve used the mat for unpacking your luggage or laying out shoes, don’t fold it and put it back as if it’s unused.
• Leaving it as you found it (or just tidily placed to the side) makes it easier for the cabin steward to know if it needs cleaning.

Before You Go

Make sure you don’t get caught out on embarkation day by reading this article next:

7 Embarkation Day Mistakes That Catch Out Unsuspecting Cruisers

Here are the five things you should never leave until the day you disembark:

5 Things You Should NEVER Leave Until Disembarkation Day