Does Princess Cruise Lines Provide Shampoo What You Need to Know

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines provides complimentary shampoo in all staterooms, ensuring guests have essential toiletries during their voyage. Each bathroom is stocked with eco-friendly, premium-brand shampoo and conditioner, so you can pack light without sacrificing comfort.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Cruises provides shampoo in all staterooms, so packing your own is optional.
• Eco-friendly dispensers are used in most cabins—check your ship’s policy before sailing.
• Bring travel-sized backups if you have sensitive skin or prefer specific brands.
• Premium suites offer upgraded toiletries—inquire about perks when booking higher-tier cabins.
• Contact guest services pre-cruise to confirm current amenities or request special items.

Does Princess Cruise Lines Provide Shampoo? The Full Breakdown

Picture this: you’ve just boarded your Princess Cruise, the ocean breeze is in your hair, and you’re ready to unwind. But then you open your cabin’s bathroom—no shampoo, no conditioner, just a bar of soap. Panic sets in. Did I forget to pack shampoo? It’s a common worry, especially for first-time cruisers or those switching from all-inclusive resorts where toiletries are a given.

The good news? Princess Cruise Lines does provide shampoo, but the details might surprise you. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, an eco-enthusiast, or someone with sensitive skin, knowing what’s included (and what isn’t) can make or break your trip. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned from my own Princess Cruises, plus tips from seasoned travelers, so you can pack smarter and relax harder.

What Toiletries Does Princess Cruise Lines Provide?

Let’s cut to the chase: Princess Cruises provides basic toiletries in every cabin, but the specifics depend on your room type and ship. Here’s the lowdown:

Standard Cabins (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony)

In most standard staterooms, you’ll find wall-mounted dispensers in the shower with:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash

The dispensers are refillable (more on that later), and the products are branded as “Princess” or “Carnival Corporation” (Princess’s parent company). Think of them as the cruise line’s version of a mid-tier hotel amenity—functional, not fancy. I’ve used them on my last two Princess trips, and they’re fine for short cruises. But if you have thick hair or dry skin, you might want to bring backups.

Mini-Suites, Suites, and Higher Categories

Splurging on a suite? You’ll get a slight upgrade: full-sized, branded bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. These are often from eco-friendly brands like EcoPure or Sea & Stream, which are better for the environment and your skin. One friend who stayed in a suite raved about the lemongrass-scented shampoo—it left her hair soft and didn’t irritate her sensitive scalp. But again, don’t expect luxury spa-level products here.

What’s *Not* Provided?

Princess Cruises doesn’t include:

• Hair styling products (gels, serums, etc.)
• Toothpaste or toothbrushes
• Razors
• Makeup remover
• Moisturizer (though body wash is included)

Pro tip: If you forget something, the ship’s gift shops (like the “Princess Plaza”) sell travel-sized toiletries. But prices are steep—think $8 for a tiny shampoo bottle. Save money by packing a mini-kit from home.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries: The Dispenser Debate

Princess Cruises has a major focus on sustainability, and their toiletries are part of that effort. Here’s what you need to know:

Wall-Mounted Dispensers: Pros and Cons

Most ships use refillable dispensers to reduce plastic waste. The pros:

• Eco-friendly: Less single-use plastic.
• Cost-effective: No tiny bottles to replace.
• Space-saving: Frees up room in your luggage.

But there are downsides:

• Hygiene concerns: Dispensers are wiped down, but you’re sharing a reservoir with the previous guest. (I once saw a murky residue in a conditioner dispenser—yikes.)
• Product limitations: You can’t choose the brand or formula. If you have allergies, check the ingredient list (more on that below).
• Leakage: Some travelers report dispensers dripping after showers.

Are the Toiletries Actually Eco-Friendly?

Princess claims their shampoos and conditioners are “biodegradable and phosphate-free.” But independent tests are mixed. A 2022 Cruise Critic review found the products were “moderately eco-friendly” but contained sulfates (which can irritate skin). If you’re serious about sustainability, consider bringing your own plastic-free shampoo bars or refillable travel bottles (more on this in the “Packing Tips” section).

Special Considerations: Hair Types, Allergies, and More

Princess’s provided shampoo isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to navigate it based on your needs:

For Sensitive Skin or Scalp Conditions

The shampoo and conditioner contain common allergens like:

• Sulfates (SLS)
• Parabens
• Fragrance

If you have eczema, psoriasis, or fragrance sensitivities, bring your own hypoallergenic products. I once met a cruiser with a latex allergy—the dispensers’ rubber seals triggered a reaction. The staff helped by providing a latex-free alternative, but it took 24 hours. Don’t risk it!

For Curly, Thick, or Chemically Treated Hair

Princess’s shampoo is a “2-in-1” formula (cleansing + light conditioning), which can be drying for textured hair. One traveler with 3C curls told me it made her hair frizzy. If you have:

• Curly/wavy hair: Bring a co-wash or sulfate-free shampoo.
• Chemically treated (colored, relaxed): Pack a color-safe shampoo.
• Fine/thin hair: The provided shampoo is lightweight—it might work for you!

For Kids and Families

Princess’s shampoo is safe for kids, but it’s not tear-free. If your child has sensitive eyes, pack a gentle, kid-friendly formula. The ship’s Discovery at SEA program (for kids) sometimes offers mini toiletries, but it’s not guaranteed.

How to Pack Smart: Shampoo Edition

Even with free shampoo, smart packing saves stress and money. Here’s my tried-and-true strategy:

1. Assess Your Hair’s Needs

Ask: Will Princess’s shampoo work for me? For example:

• Short trip (3-5 days): The provided shampoo might suffice.
• Long cruise (7+ days): Bring backups. Hair needs change in saltwater/humidity.
• Special hair care: Always pack your own (e.g., dandruff shampoo, keratin treatments).

2. Choose the Right Travel Containers

Skip the flimsy plastic bottles. Try:

• Silicone travel bottles: Leak-proof, reusable, TSA-compliant.
• Shampoo bars: Solid, plastic-free, last longer (e.g., Ethique, HiBAR).
• Refillable spray bottles: For leave-in conditioners or serums.

Pro tip: Label your bottles to avoid mix-ups. I use colorful washi tape!

3. Pack a Mini “Emergency Kit”

Include:

• Shampoo + conditioner (travel size)
• Hair ties/scrunchies
• Comb/brush
• Hair oil (for post-pool shine)
• Hair clips (to keep hair off your face in windy ports)

Store it in a waterproof bag—cruise bathrooms get steamy!

4. Use the Ship’s Amenities (Wisely)

Princess’s shampoo is free, so use it for:

• Washing swimsuits (the saltwater smell!)
• Cleaning makeup brushes
• Shampooing pets (if you’re traveling with a service animal)

Real Talk: Pros, Cons, and What You Can’t Control

Let’s be honest: Princess’s shampoo is a mixed bag. Here’s the unfiltered truth:

The Good

• Free: No extra cost, even in standard cabins.
• Convenient: No last-minute pharmacy runs.
• Eco-friendly effort: Dispensers reduce plastic waste.
• Consistent: The formula is the same across ships (no surprises).

The Not-So-Good

• Quality: It’s “good enough,” not luxurious. Don’t expect salon-level results.
• Hygiene: Dispensers aren’t sterilized between guests.
• No customization: Can’t choose for your hair type or allergies.
• Port stops: Some excursions (e.g., beach days) require extra washes—do you really want to use the ship’s shampoo twice daily?

What You Can’t Control (But Should Know)

• Refill schedules: Staff refill dispensers daily, but delays happen. If yours is empty, call Housekeeping.
• Ship variations: Older ships (e.g., Caribbean Princess) might have older dispensers. Newer ships (e.g., Enchanted Princess) have modern, touch-free systems.
• Port regulations: In some countries, you can’t bring certain toiletries ashore (e.g., reef-safe sunscreen rules in Hawaii). Check local laws!

Data Table: Princess Cruise Toiletries at a Glance

Cabin Type	Shampoo Type	Conditioner	Body Wash	Eco-Friendly?	Allergens?
Standard (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony)	Wall-mounted dispenser	Wall-mounted dispenser	Wall-mounted dispenser	Yes (refillable)	Sulfates, parabens, fragrance
Mini-Suites & Suites	Full-sized branded bottle	Full-sized branded bottle	Full-sized branded bottle	Yes (often eco-brands)	Fragrance (less sulfates)
All Cabins (Extra)	Bar soap (bathroom)	None	None	Yes	Fragrance

Final Thoughts: To Bring or Not to Bring?

So, does Princess Cruise Lines provide shampoo? Yes, but whether you should rely on it depends on your needs. Here’s my final advice:

• For casual cruisers: The provided shampoo is fine for short trips. Pack backups for longer voyages.
• For hair enthusiasts: Bring your own. Your curls, color, or scalp will thank you.
• For eco-warriors: Use the dispensers but bring a shampoo bar for extra washes.
• For families: Pack kid-safe products and a mini-kit for emergencies.

Remember: Cruising is about relaxation, not stressing over shampoo. Whether you use Princess’s toiletries or your own, the real luxury is the ocean view, the laughter at dinner, and the freedom to unplug. So pack smart, embrace the adventure, and let the sea air do the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Lines provide shampoo in their cabins?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines provides complimentary shampoo in all staterooms. The shampoo is part of their eco-friendly, full-size bathroom amenities, which are replenished daily upon request.

Are the shampoos provided by Princess Cruise Lines high quality?

Princess Cruise Lines offers premium, eco-conscious shampoo from brands like Gilchrist & Soames. These products are designed to be gentle on hair and the environment, meeting most travelers’ needs.

Can I request extra shampoo from Princess Cruise Lines?

Absolutely! Princess Cruise Lines encourages guests to request additional shampoo or other toiletries through their stateroom steward or via the MedallionClass app. Housekeeping will promptly restock your supplies.

Does Princess Cruise Lines offer shampoo for specific hair types?

While Princess Cruise Lines provides a standard shampoo for all guests, they do not currently offer specialized formulas for different hair types. Consider bringing your preferred shampoo if you have specific needs.

Is the shampoo provided by Princess Cruise Lines cruelty-free or vegan?

The shampoos and toiletries used by Princess Cruise Lines are cruelty-free and often vegan, sourced from sustainable brands. Check the packaging or ask staff for specifics about ingredients or certifications.

Do I need to bring my own shampoo on a Princess cruise?

No, you don’t need to pack shampoo since Princess Cruise Lines provides it. However, if you have allergies or prefer a specific brand, bringing your own ensures you’ll have a comfortable trip.