Can You Do Laundry on a Cruise?

Cruising is an exciting way to explore the world and take in new sights and experiences. What happens if you need to do laundry during your cruise? Is it even possible to do laundry on a cruise ship? We’ll answer that question for you here! This article will discuss your options for doing laundry while on a cruise ship.

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Packing light and “carry-on only” are very popular travel options, and for good reason. We have seen many flight cancellations, delays, and stories of lost luggage. I’m sure Apple is loving the increased sales of Air Tags. Whether you’re a light packer or an over-packer, you may need to launder some items while on a cruise vacation.

Cruise lines and even individual cruise ships vary their service offerings regarding laundry.

Nearly all cruise lines offer full-service options for a fee. This full service can include washing/drying/folding or special pressing services for your more formal attire. A small number of ships offer laundrette facilities for cruise passengers who want to toss in a load between dinner and a show. If the ship you’re sailing on does not offer a launderette space, I have a few tricks you may want to consider. Regardless of the offerings, I’ve got you covered.

Self-Serve Facilities – Launderettes

First, let’s discuss on-ship laundry facilities that cruisers can use. This is a great option, especially for families. I remember traveling with young children; someone always spilled ketchup or chocolate milk on their new shirt. (And then there were the messes with the kids) 😉

Having launderettes is a treat, but they are becoming MUCH less common. You can Google the name of the cruise you’ll be sailing on with the word “laundry” and see if the ship you plan to sail on has a facility for passengers. (Psst, I have them linked for you at the end of the post.)

If laundry rooms are available, be prepared with coins or small bills; some require cash, while others accept your cruise card. I recommend bringing your detergent instead of buying the pricey option available onboard. Check out these laundry sheets to eliminate the spill factor and liquid restrictions. They work great, and you won’t have to worry about liquids in your suitcase. I’ve used them many times for both machines and hand washing.

Carnival Cruise ships have traditionally been the best in this category, but the following is a list of cruise ships that do NOT have launderettes on board. Note that these are the newer ships, so, unfortunately, they seem to be phasing out this service.

Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, and Mardi Gras do not have washers and dryers but have ironing rooms on several stateroom decks and Valet Laundry service.
Carnival Firenze, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Venezia do not have washers, dryers, or ironing rooms but offer Valet Laundry service.

You Can do Laundry on a Cruise – In Your Cabin

Doing a little sink/shower washing can stretch your wardrobe and help you pack less overall.

As you develop your packing list, consider the fabrics that will serve you best. If cruising in the Caribbean, consider lightweight cotton or athletic breathable fabric. It does help to be strategic in this area. Athletic fabric can be quite especially easy to wash and dry quickly.

Over the years, I have developed a “cruise wardrobe.” My go-to items are wrinkle-free, lightweight fabrics. They wash easily and dry quickly. Many items come from everyone’s favorite source, Amazon, but some favorites also come from Athleisure stores like Athleta. Most fabrics are for active lifestyles and travel, so they are great options.

Laundry sheets – Laundry sheets have come a long way and are much easier to pack than liquid alternatives. A half sheet often works great for some sink/shower washing. You can hang your items to dry using clothespins or these easy-to-pack travel hangers.

Scrubba – If you want to up your travel washing game, check out the Scrubba Wash Bag. It’s essentially a portable washing machine. It’s so clever and takes up very little room in your suitcase. I have the mini.

Caution: If you choose to place items to dry on your balcony, do so with caution. It is discouraged by the cruise lines, especially when the ship is moving. Winds can be very strong, and you do not want to lose your laundry or for it to become ocean litter. Towel clips help secure your items outside (while in port).

Related Post: Cruise Outfit Planning

Self Laundry No-No’s

I love doing a bit of laundry in our cabin. It works great! However, keep in mind that irons and steamers are not provided and are not allowed onboard -(fire hazard). If you bring these items onboard, they will be taken and held for you until the end of the cruise.

Pro-tip for laundry on a cruise

Many ships have a retractable clothesline in the shower. You can also use the magnetic hooks to hang items in your cabin. The magnets are stronger when you hang them from the ceiling.

Related Post: Cabin Prep Kit

Laundry as a Loyalty Perk

Enrolling in the Cruiseline loyalty program is a good idea, even if you’ve cruised only once. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, have a laundry “perk” for their most loyal cruisers.

For example, when you reach the Diamond Plus level in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, you receive one free laundry bag per cruise. Hey! It’s something.

Carnival offers unlimited laundry to its top-tier cruisers, a great perk for anyone who likes to pack light for a cruise.

Laundry service from the cruise line

Full-service laundry services are available on nearly every cruise line and every ship, but as the saying goes, it’s gonna cost ya. However, the option may be worth the price! Most full-service laundry on a cruise ship is price per item, and you’ll need to provide a detailed inventory on the price sheet.