Does Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Have Laundromats On Board Ship Find Out Here

Yes, Royal Caribbean cruise ships do have self-service laundromats on board, typically located on crew decks but accessible to guests during specific hours. These facilities offer washers, dryers, and detergent for a small fee, making it convenient to refresh clothes during longer voyages—just check your ship’s daily schedule for access times.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Royal Caribbean offers self-service laundromats on most ships for passenger convenience.
• Locate laundromats mid-ship or lower decks—check your ship’s deck plan for exact spots.
• Use credit/debit cards or onboard accounts—no coins needed for washers and dryers.
• Priced per cycle: expect $3–$5 for washing and drying; detergent costs extra.
• Pack travel-sized detergent to save money and ensure preferred brand use.
• Plan laundry early: facilities get busy on sea days and near cruise end.

Does Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Have Laundromats On Board Ship? Find Out Here

Picture this: You’re halfway through your dream seven-day Caribbean cruise. The sun is shining, the ocean breeze is perfect, and you’ve just realized something—your favorite shirt is stained, your swimsuit is still damp from yesterday, and you’re running low on clean socks. You start wondering: Does Royal Caribbean cruise line have laundromats on board ship?

If you’ve ever packed for a cruise, you know the struggle. Do you bring enough clothes for every day? Do you risk overpacking and dragging heavy suitcases through ports? Or do you hope for a magical solution that lets you wash a few items mid-voyage? You’re not alone. Thousands of cruisers ask this exact question every year. And the good news? Royal Caribbean does offer laundry services—but it’s not quite as simple as walking into a self-service laundromat like you might at home. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: where the laundry facilities are, how they work, what they cost, and whether they’re worth it. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this info will help you pack smarter and stress less.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Onboard Laundry Options

Let’s get right to the heart of the matter: Does Royal Caribbean cruise line have laundromats on board ship? The short answer is yes—but with a twist. Unlike traditional land-based laundromats with rows of washers and dryers, Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer fully public, coin-operated self-service laundromats in the classic sense. Instead, they provide a mix of self-service laundry rooms and full-service laundry and dry cleaning options, depending on the ship and your stateroom category.

Self-Service Laundry Rooms: The Basics

Most Royal Caribbean ships—especially the larger ones like the Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas—do have designated laundry rooms. These are not flashy or centrally located, but they’re functional. You’ll typically find them on residential decks (often Deck 2 or 3), tucked away near crew areas or service corridors. They’re not advertised on maps or in the app, so you’ll need to ask a crew member or explore a bit to find them.

Each room usually includes:

• 3–5 commercial-grade washers (front-loading)
• 3–5 commercial dryers (also front-loading)
• Ironing boards and irons
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener (sometimes free, sometimes coin-operated)
• Change machine (if detergent is coin-based)

One thing to note: these machines are not free. You’ll need to pay per load—usually around $3–$4 for a wash and $3–$4 for a dryer cycle. Payment is typically made with a coin machine or via your SeaPass card (the cruise ship ID card you use for purchases). Some newer ships are phasing out coins and using digital payment only, so always check the signage.

Full-Service Laundry and Dry Cleaning

If you’d rather not do your own laundry, Royal Caribbean offers a convenient (though pricier) full-service option. You can drop off clothes at the Guest Services desk or use the laundry chute in your stateroom (on most ships). The service includes:

• Wash and fold (per pound or per item)
• Dry cleaning (for delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or formal wear)
• Pressing and ironing (for business attire or evening wear)

For example, on the Freedom of the Seas, a full wash and fold costs about $12 per pound. A men’s dress shirt for dry cleaning is around $18. While this isn’t cheap, it’s a lifesaver if you’re short on time, don’t want to hunt down the laundry room, or need something cleaned quickly before a formal night.

Pro tip: If you’re in a Suite or Concierge-level stateroom, you often get complimentary laundry or dry cleaning as part of your perks. Always check your booking details or ask your concierge—this can save you a bundle.

How to Find and Use the Laundry Rooms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the laundry room on a Royal Caribbean ship isn’t always intuitive. These rooms are designed for crew use, so they’re not exactly “guest-friendly” in terms of visibility. But once you know where to look, it’s not hard.

Step 1: Ask Guest Services or Your Stateroom Attendant

The easiest way to locate the laundry room is to simply ask. Your stateroom attendant (the crew member who cleans your room) knows exactly where it is. They might even offer to show you the way on your first day. Guest Services can also print a map or give you directions. Don’t be shy—this is a common question, and they’re used to it.

Step 2: Know the Typical Locations

On most Royal Caribbean ships, laundry rooms are located on:

• Deck 2 (near crew quarters)
• Deck 3 (midship, starboard side)
• Sometimes on Deck 1 or 4, depending on the ship

They’re often near service elevators or behind unmarked doors. Look for signs like “Crew Only” or “Service Corridor”—but don’t be deterred. These rooms are open to guests during certain hours (usually 8 AM to 8 PM).

Step 3: Bring What You Need

Don’t assume everything will be provided. Here’s a quick packing list for laundry day:

• Your SeaPass card (for payment)
• Quarters or small bills (if the machine uses coins)
• Laundry bag (to carry clothes to and from)
• Detergent pods (if you’re picky about brands—some machines only have generic detergent)
• Timer (dryer cycles can be long—up to 45 minutes)

I once forgot my detergent and had to borrow from a fellow cruiser. We bonded over mismatched socks and shared a laugh. Moral of the story? Pack extras, just in case.

Step 4: Use the Machines Efficiently

The washers and dryers are commercial models, so they’re powerful but not always intuitive. Here’s how to use them:

• Select the cycle: Normal, Delicate, or Heavy (for towels)
• Load clothes—don’t overstuff! These machines are big, but overloading leads to poor washing
• Insert payment (coins or SeaPass tap)
• For dryers, remove lint before every use (this is crucial for safety)

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t leave your clothes unattended. The rooms are shared, and someone might remove your clothes if the cycle finishes while you’re gone. Set a timer on your phone and check back regularly.

Cost Comparison: Self-Service vs. Full-Service Laundry

Now, let’s talk money. Is it cheaper to do your own laundry, or should you just pay for the service? The answer depends on your needs, time, and budget.

Self-Service Laundry: Cost and Time

Here’s a realistic breakdown for a typical laundry session:

• Wash: $3.50 per load
• Dry: $3.75 per load (average)
• Time: 1–2 hours (including waiting and folding)
• Effort: Moderate (you’re doing the work)

If you’re washing 2–3 loads (say, a week’s worth of casual clothes), that’s about $15–$20 and a chunk of your afternoon. But you get clean clothes, and you’re saving compared to full-service.

Full-Service Laundry: Cost and Convenience

Full-service pricing varies by ship and region, but here’s a general guide (as of 2024):

Service	Approximate Cost	Turnaround Time
Wash & Fold (per pound)	$10–$14	24–48 hours
Dry Cleaning (per item)	$15–$22	24–48 hours
Ironing Only (per item)	$5–$8	Same day (if dropped early)
Express Service (extra fee)	+50%	12 hours

For example, if you have 5 pounds of clothes washed and folded, that’s about $60. Dry cleaning two suits could cost $40. So, for a full “refresh” of formal and casual wear, you’re looking at $100+.

Is it worth it? For some, yes—especially if you’re:

• On a short cruise and don’t want to waste time
• Traveling with kids and need quick turnaround
• Wearing delicate fabrics that need professional care

But if you’re on a longer cruise (10+ days) or trying to save money, self-service is the better choice. Just plan ahead.

Hidden Costs and Tips to Save

• Ironing boards are free—use them to press clothes without paying for ironing service.
• Wash full loads—maximize your $3.50 wash by filling the machine (but not overfilling).
• Bring your own detergent pods—some guests prefer Tide or Persil for sensitive skin.
• Use the laundry on sea days—it’s less crowded than port days.

What to Expect on Different Royal Caribbean Ships

Not all Royal Caribbean ships are created equal when it comes to laundry. The size, age, and class of the ship can affect the availability and quality of laundry services.

Oasis-Class Ships (Largest, Most Modern)

Ships like Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas have the most advanced laundry setups. You’ll find:

• Multiple laundry rooms (sometimes 2–3 on different decks)
• Digital payment systems (SeaPass card only, no coins)
• Better signage and accessibility
• More machines, so less waiting

On these ships, self-service is actually a pleasant experience. The rooms are clean, well-lit, and easy to navigate.

Freedom-Class and Voyager-Class Ships

Older ships like Freedom of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas have functional but less convenient laundry rooms. They’re often smaller, with fewer machines, and may still use coin-based systems. You might wait 30–45 minutes for a free washer during peak times (like sea days).

But they still get the job done. I used the laundry on Navigator of the Seas last year and managed to wash all my clothes in two sessions. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked.

Quantum-Class and Smaller Ships

Ships like Anthem of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas have similar setups to Freedom-class, but with a few upgrades. Quantum-class ships often have better payment systems and slightly more modern machines. However, the rooms are still tucked away, so ask early.

Special Note: Suite Guests

If you’re staying in a Royal Suite, Grand Suite, or Concierge-level room, you may get:

• Complimentary wash and fold (up to a certain weight)
• Free dry cleaning for formal wear
• Laundry pickup and delivery to your stateroom

This perk is a game-changer. I stayed in a Grand Suite on Allure of the Seas and had my clothes picked up, cleaned, and returned within 24 hours—no effort, no cost. It made packing so much easier.

Smart Packing Tips to Minimize Laundry Needs

Even with laundry options on board, the best strategy is to reduce how much you need to wash. Here are some tried-and-true tips from experienced cruisers.

Pack Versatile, Quick-Dry Clothing

Choose fabrics that dry quickly and resist wrinkles. My go-to items:

• Merino wool socks (odor-resistant, dries fast)
• Polyester-blend shirts and pants
• Quick-dry swimwear
• Travel underwear (like ExOfficio or Uniqlo)

These clothes can often be hand-washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight. I’ve worn the same two pairs of travel pants for 10 days and just rinsed them in the bathroom sink. No laundry room needed.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes keep your clothes organized and make laundry easier. When it’s time to wash, just pull out the cube with the dirty clothes. No digging through your suitcase.

Hand-Wash When Possible

For small items like underwear, socks, or swimwear, hand-washing in your stateroom sink is free and effective. Use a travel-sized detergent pod (like Tide To-Go) and hang clothes on the shower rod or towel rack. They’ll dry by morning.

Pro tip: Bring a portable clothesline with suction cups. It’s cheap and lets you hang more clothes in the bathroom.

Plan for Formal Nights

Most Royal Caribbean cruises have 1–2 formal nights. Instead of bringing multiple outfits, bring one versatile dress or suit that you can wear multiple times with different accessories. If it gets wrinkled, use the iron in the laundry room or pay for a quick press.

Laundry Schedule Template

Here’s a simple plan for a 7-day cruise:

• Day 1–3: Wear casual clothes. Hand-wash small items.
• Day 4 (sea day): Use laundry room for bulk wash.
• Day 5–7: Wear clean clothes. Hand-wash as needed.

This way, you only need 3–4 sets of casual clothes and 2 formal outfits. Much lighter packing!

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Royal Caribbean’s Laundry Services?

So, back to the original question: Does Royal Caribbean cruise line have laundromats on board ship? Yes—but they’re not the walk-in, coin-op laundromats you might expect. Instead, you’ll find self-service laundry rooms (on most ships) and full-service options (on all ships).

For budget-conscious travelers or those on longer cruises, the self-service rooms are a solid choice. They’re affordable, effective, and give you control over your laundry. Just remember to bring quarters, a timer, and a laundry bag.

For those who value time and convenience—especially families, business travelers, or suite guests—the full-service option is worth the cost. It’s fast, professional, and lets you focus on enjoying your vacation.

And if you’re smart about packing? You might not even need either. With quick-dry clothes, hand-washing, and a little planning, you can cruise with minimal laundry stress.

The bottom line: Royal Caribbean does have laundry solutions. They’re not perfect, but they’re practical, reliable, and designed to keep you looking and feeling fresh—no matter how many days you’re at sea. So pack wisely, ask for help when needed, and enjoy your cruise with clean clothes and a clear mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Royal Caribbean Cruise Line have laundromats on board ship?

Yes, Royal Caribbean cruise ships feature self-service laundromats on most decks, typically located near passenger cabins. These facilities include washers, dryers, and vending machines for detergent and fabric softener.

Where can I find the laundromats on a Royal Caribbean ship?

Laundromats are usually situated mid-ship or near elevators on select decks; locations vary by ship class. Check your cruise planner app or ask guest services for the nearest laundry room once onboard.

Are the laundromats on Royal Caribbean ships free to use?

No, the machines require payment via card or onboard account (no cash). As of 2023, washers cost $3.25 per load and dryers $2.50 for 30 minutes of cycle time.

Does Royal Caribbean provide detergent and laundry supplies?

Yes, each laundromat has vending machines selling single-use detergent packs, bleach, and fabric softener. Some ships also offer ironing boards and folding areas nearby.

Can I do laundry on shorter Royal Caribbean cruises?

It’s possible, but consider packing enough clothing to avoid the hassle. Laundry rooms are more practical for longer voyages (7+ nights) or families needing mid-cruise refreshes.

Are there alternatives to using Royal Caribbean’s onboard laundromats?

Yes, Royal Caribbean offers paid laundry and dry-cleaning services via your stateroom steward. This is a convenient (but pricier) option for travelers who prefer not to self-service.