Does the Gem Have a Laundry Room Norwegian Cruise Line

Yes, the Norwegian Gem does have a self-service laundry room, conveniently located on decks 5 and 8, making it easy for guests to freshen up clothes mid-cruise. Equipped with washers, dryers, and vending machines for detergent, it’s a practical perk for longer sailings or families needing quick laundry access. Save time and pack light—this amenity delivers flexibility and convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, The Gem has laundry rooms: Available on decks 5, 8, and 12 for guest use.
• Self-service only: No crew assistance; bring your own detergent and supplies.
• Cost is affordable: $2 per wash, $2 per dry—coins or card accepted.
• Best for extended cruises: Ideal for families or long itineraries to save on packing.
• Check hours early: Open 7 AM–10 PM; plan laundry during off-peak times.

Does the Gem Have a Laundry Room Norwegian Cruise Line?

Imagine this: You’re halfway through your week-long Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation aboard the Norwegian Gem, and you realize you’ve run out of clean socks. You’ve been packing light, relying on a mix of re-wearable outfits and the occasional laundry service. But now, you’re stuck. You’ve seen signs for a laundry room, but is it real? And more importantly—does it actually work?

If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. Cruise ship laundry facilities are one of those behind-the-scenes amenities that most travelers don’t think about—until they need them. Whether you’re a budget-conscious cruiser trying to avoid pricey laundry services, a family with kids who go through clothes like wildfire, or someone with a medical condition requiring frequent clothing changes, knowing whether the Norwegian Gem has a laundry room can make or break your trip. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: where the laundry rooms are, how they work, what they cost, and whether they’re worth using. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense chat with a fellow cruiser who’s been there, done that, and washed the T-shirt.

Laundry on the Norwegian Gem: The Basics

Yes—the Norwegian Gem does have a laundry room. In fact, it has several self-service laundry facilities spread across passenger decks, making it one of the more accessible mid-sized ships in the NCL fleet when it comes to laundry access. Unlike some luxury lines where laundry is strictly crew-only, NCL gives passengers the option to do their own laundry—if they want to.

Where Are the Laundry Rooms Located?

The Norwegian Gem features self-service laundry rooms on Decks 8, 9, 10, and 11. These are strategically placed near the midship and forward stairwells, making them easy to access from most cabin areas. You’ll typically find them tucked behind a door labeled “Laundry” or “Passenger Laundry,” often near elevators or crew access corridors. Don’t worry if you miss them at first—they’re not exactly in the spotlight like the pool deck or buffet!

Each laundry room contains:

• 2–3 washers (front-loading, industrial-grade)
• 2–3 dryers (gas or electric, depending on the ship’s systems)
• Coin-operated detergent and fabric softener dispensers
• Folding tables and a small sink
• Instructions in multiple languages (English, Spanish, German, etc.)

When Are They Open?

The laundry rooms are open 24/7, which is a huge plus. Whether you’re an early bird who wants to get your laundry done before breakfast or a night owl who prefers to do chores after dinner, you’re covered. Just bring your clothes, some quarters, and a little patience—because yes, there’s often a wait.

Pro tip: Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM and 6–8 PM). I once waited 45 minutes just to get a machine during a busy week in the Caribbean. If you’re on a tight schedule, plan ahead or consider using the ship’s paid laundry service instead.

How the Laundry System Works: Step-by-Step

Using the self-service laundry on the Norwegian Gem is straightforward—but there are a few quirks you should know about. Let’s break it down like you’re standing in the laundry room right now.

Step 1: Bring Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• Quarters (25-cent coins) – $3.50 per load (washer or dryer)
• Detergent and fabric softener – You can buy them in the onboard dispensers, but they’re overpriced ($1.50 for a small packet). I recommend bringing your own travel-sized pods or sheets (Tide Pods or Dropps work great).
• A laundry bag or mesh bag – The ship doesn’t provide one, and loose clothes can get lost or mixed up.
• A timer or phone reminder – Machines don’t beep loudly, and you don’t want to leave clothes overnight.

Step 2: Load the Washer

Load your clothes—don’t overstuff. These machines are powerful, but they’re not magic. Overloading can lead to poor washing, unbalanced spins, and even machine jams (which I’ve seen happen). Use cold or warm water settings (hot water is rarely available for passenger use due to energy restrictions).

Insert $3.50 in quarters into the slot. The machine will start automatically. Wash cycles take about 30–40 minutes. The detergent dispenser is coin-operated too—another $1.50 for detergent and $1 for softener. Again, bring your own to save money.

Step 3: Dry Your Clothes

Once washed, transfer your clothes to a dryer. Again, $3.50 per cycle. Dryer cycles run 45–60 minutes. I’ve found that 45 minutes is usually enough for cotton and synthetic blends, but towels and jeans may need a second cycle.

Here’s a real-life example: I washed and dried two loads (one casual, one workout gear) in about 2.5 hours, including waiting time. Total cost: $14.00. The ship’s same-day laundry service would’ve charged $25 for the same items. So, yes—it’s cheaper. But it’s also time-consuming.

Step 4: Fold and Go

Each room has a folding table and a small sink. Use them! I’ve seen people leave clothes in dryers or on the floor, which is not cool. Be courteous—someone else is waiting. And always check pockets. I once found a $20 bill in a pocket someone left behind. (I turned it in at Guest Services—no reward, but karma points, right?)

Cost Comparison: Self-Service vs. Paid Laundry

One of the biggest reasons cruisers ask, “Does the Gem have a laundry room?” is cost. Let’s break down the numbers so you can decide what’s best for you.

Self-Service Laundry Costs

As mentioned:

• Washer: $3.50 per load
• Dryer: $3.50 per cycle
• Detergent (onboard): $1.50
• Softener (onboard): $1.00

Total for one full load (wash + dry): $7.00–$8.50, depending on whether you use onboard supplies.

But remember: you’re trading money for time. If you do three loads during a 7-day cruise, that’s $25.50 and roughly 8–10 hours of your vacation spent in a laundry room. Is that worth it?

Paid Laundry Services on the Norwegian Gem

NCL offers several laundry and dry-cleaning options:

• Laundry Service (per item): $5–$12 (shirts, pants, dresses)
• Laundry Bag (per bag): $25 (fits ~10–12 items, returned within 24 hours)
• Dry Cleaning: $8–$18 per item (suits, formal wear)
• Express Service: +$10 for same-day return (available on select days)

Which Option Is Best for You?

Here’s a quick guide:

• Families with kids: Use the laundry bag. It’s cheaper than doing multiple self-service loads, and you don’t have to spend time in the laundry room.
• Budget travelers: Self-service is your friend. Bring your own detergent and go early in the morning.
• Business travelers or formal cruisers: Use dry cleaning for suits and evening wear. It’s worth the cost to avoid wrinkles.
• Minimalists or short cruises (3–4 days): Skip laundry altogether. Pack smart.

I once met a couple from Texas who used the laundry bag every other day. They said it was “like having a personal butler.” Meanwhile, a solo traveler I met did all her laundry herself—she called it “me time with a purpose.” Both were happy, just different priorities.

Tips and Tricks for Using the Laundry Room

Now that you know the Norwegian Gem has laundry rooms, let’s talk strategy. These tips come from real cruisers (and a few mistakes I’ve made).

1. Bring Quarters—But Not Too Many

You’ll need about $20–$30 in quarters for a week-long cruise if you plan to do 2–3 loads. But don’t bring a whole roll—just enough. The ship doesn’t have a change machine, and Guest Services won’t break large bills for laundry. I learned this the hard way when I showed up with $50 in quarters and only used $14.

Pro tip: Use a small coin purse or a Ziploc bag labeled “Laundry Quarters.” Keep it in your day bag.

2. Use Your Own Detergent

The onboard detergent is expensive and often runs out. Bring travel-sized pods, sheets, or liquid in a leak-proof bottle. I use Tide Pods (3 per load) and they work great. They dissolve quickly, even in cold water.

3. Go Early or Late

Peak hours = long waits. I’ve seen lines of 4–5 people at 8 AM. Instead, go:

• Early morning (6–7 AM): Few people are up. Machines are clean.
• Late night (10 PM–midnight): Most cruisers are at shows or in the casino.

4. Label Your Clothes

It’s easy to mix up clothes in a shared space. Use a permanent marker or laundry tag on your bag. I once saw a guy accidentally take someone else’s jeans—awkward!

5. Check Machine Status

Some machines have a “cycle complete” light, but it’s easy to miss. Set a phone timer. Or, if you’re feeling bold, ask a crew member. They’re usually happy to check for you.

6. Don’t Leave Clothes Overnight

It’s against ship policy, and crew members will remove unattended items. I once left a load in the dryer overnight (I forgot). I found it folded and bagged at Guest Services the next day—but I lost a favorite shirt to a “lost and found” mix-up.

What If You Can’t Use the Laundry Room?

Not everyone will want—or be able—to use the self-service laundry. Here are some alternatives and workarounds.

Mobility or Health Issues

If you have limited mobility, standing for an hour in a laundry room might not be feasible. In that case:

• Use the laundry bag service. Crew members will collect it from your cabin.
• Ask Guest Services if they can help with special accommodations. NCL is generally accommodating, especially for medical needs.
• Consider packing more clothes or bringing quick-dry travel wear (like merino wool or synthetic blends).

No Quarters? No Problem

If you forget quarters, don’t panic. You have options:

• Ask another cruiser. Many keep extra change.
• Buy a soda or snack at a nearby bar or café and ask for quarters as change.
• Use the laundry bag service instead.

Laundry Alternatives: What to Pack

To reduce your laundry needs:

• Quick-dry shirts and underwear (Uniqlo, Icebreaker, or Columbia)
• Travel detergent sheets (for hand-washing in your cabin sink)
• Collapsible laundry bag (to store dirty clothes)
• Portable clothesline (to hang wet clothes in your cabin)

I once met a woman who hand-washed her clothes every night in her cabin bathroom. She used a sink strainer and travel detergent. It took 10 minutes, and her clothes were dry by morning. Not for everyone—but it works!

Data Table: Norwegian Gem Laundry Room Overview

Feature	Details
Laundry Rooms	4 (Decks 8, 9, 10, 11)
Machines per Room	2–3 washers, 2–3 dryers
Operating Hours	24/7
Cost per Load (Wash or Dry)	$3.50 (quarters only)
Detergent (Onboard)	$1.50 (coin-operated)
Fabric Softener (Onboard)	$1.00 (coin-operated)
Laundry Bag Service	$25 per bag (24-hour turnaround)
Dry Cleaning	$8–$18 per item
Best Time to Use	6–7 AM or 10 PM–midnight
Accessibility	Near elevators; crew assistance available

This table gives you a quick snapshot of what to expect. Print it out or save it on your phone for easy reference during your cruise.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use the Laundry Room?

So, does the Gem have a laundry room Norwegian Cruise Line? Absolutely. And it’s a surprisingly useful amenity for the right kind of traveler.

Is it worth using? That depends on your priorities. If you value saving money and don’t mind spending a few hours doing chores, the self-service laundry is a great option. It’s clean, functional, and well-maintained. But if your vacation is about relaxation, convenience, and luxury, the paid services are worth every penny.

For families, solo travelers, or those on longer cruises, the laundry rooms offer flexibility. You’re not locked into expensive services or limited by what you pack. And for cruisers with special needs—like medical conditions or mobility challenges—knowing the laundry bag service exists can be a game-changer.

My advice? Go in with a plan. Bring quarters, your own detergent, and a laundry bag. Do one test load early in the cruise to see how it goes. If you hate it, switch to the paid service. If you love it, keep going.

At the end of the day, the Norwegian Gem gives you choices—and that’s what makes it a standout. Whether you’re hand-washing in your cabin, using the self-service room, or dropping off a laundry bag, you’re in control.

So next time you’re packing for your NCL cruise, ask yourself: “Do I really need that extra pair of jeans?” Or maybe, “Can I just wash them on the ship?” With the laundry rooms on the Gem, the answer might be yes.

Happy sailing—and happy washing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Gem have a laundry room Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, the Norwegian Gem offers self-service laundry rooms for guests, located on decks 5, 7, 9, and 12. These facilities include washers, dryers, and ironing stations, making it convenient for longer cruises.

Where are the laundry rooms located on the Norwegian Gem?

The Norwegian Gem’s laundry rooms are strategically placed on decks 5, 7, 9, and 12, near passenger staterooms. Each room is equipped with coin-operated machines and detergent vending for ease of use.

Are there laundry services available on the Norwegian Gem?

In addition to self-service laundry rooms, the Norwegian Gem offers paid professional laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing services. These can be arranged through your stateroom attendant or the guest services desk.

Do I need to pay to use the laundry room on Norwegian Gem?

The self-service laundry rooms require payment per use, with machines accepting coins or cruise card credits. Pricing is displayed on-site, and detergent is available for purchase nearby.

Is there a 24-hour laundry room on the Norwegian Gem?

The self-service laundry rooms on the Norwegian Gem are accessible 24/7, offering flexibility for guests. However, professional laundry services follow standard operating hours (typically 8 AM–8 PM).

Can I do laundry on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship like the Gem?

Absolutely! The Norwegian Gem’s laundry rooms let you handle laundry at sea, ideal for families or extended voyages. Pack travel-sized detergent or buy it onboard to get started.