How Much Does Laundry Cost on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Laundry costs on Norwegian Cruise Line start at $3.50 per item for wash-and-fold service, with dry cleaning and pressing priced higher—typically between $7 and $15 depending on the garment. Self-service laundromats are available on select ships, offering a budget-friendly option for longer cruises, though availability varies by itinerary and vessel.

Key Takeaways

• Laundry costs vary by service type and cabin class on Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Self-service is cheapest at $3–$5 per load; ideal for budget travelers.
• Full-service laundry averages $15–$25 per load—convenient but pricey.
• Suite guests get perks like free or discounted laundry services included.
• Pack smart to save—minimize laundry needs and avoid mid-cruise costs.
• Check your cruise details for updated pricing and package deals.

Why Laundry Matters on a Cruise

Let’s be honest—packing for a cruise is a balancing act. You want to bring enough clothes to look great in photos, stay comfortable by the pool, and dress up for dinner, but you also don’t want to lug around a suitcase the size of a small car. After a few days at sea, that fresh wardrobe starts to look… well, a bit lived-in. Suddenly, the idea of doing laundry in the middle of the Caribbean (or Alaska, or the Mediterranean) doesn’t sound so crazy. But here’s the real question: how much does laundry cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s cheaper to pack extra clothes or just do a quick wash-and-fold mid-voyage, you’re not alone. I’ve been on several Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ships, and I’ve faced the same dilemma: do I hand-wash my swimsuit in the cabin sink (spoiler: it never dries), or bite the bullet and pay for onboard laundry? The good news? NCL offers a range of laundry services—but the prices might surprise you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from self-service options to full-service dry cleaning, so you can make smart, budget-friendly decisions without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, understanding how much laundry costs on Norwegian Cruise Line can save you time, stress, and a few extra bucks.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Laundry Services

NCL doesn’t just offer laundry—they offer choices. And that’s a good thing, because every cruiser has different needs. Some want to pack light and do a full refresh mid-cruise. Others just need a quick fix for that one wine-stained shirt. Let’s break down the main services available across most NCL ships.

Self-Service Laundry Rooms (Coin-Operated)

One of the most budget-friendly options is the self-service laundry room, often called “laundromats” on board. These are available on many NCL ships, especially the larger ones like the Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Joy. The rooms are usually located on crew-access decks (often Deck 3 or 4) and are open 24/7.

• Machines: Washers and dryers are coin-operated, but don’t worry—you don’t need to carry loose change. You load funds using your cruise key card.
• Cost: As of 2024, a wash cycle costs $5.50, and a 30-minute dry cycle is $3.50. Some ships offer a combo deal: wash + dry for $8.50.
• Supplies: Detergent pods and dryer sheets are sold at the front desk for $1–$2 each. Bring your own if you’re sensitive to fragrances.

Pro tip: Bring a small mesh laundry bag to keep delicates from getting tangled. I learned this the hard way when my favorite silk blouse turned into a ball of knots. Also, machines can be busy in the mornings and evenings—go mid-afternoon for shorter lines.

Full-Service Wash & Fold

If you’d rather not spend an hour folding socks in a tiny cabin bathroom, NCL’s full-service option is a game-changer. You drop off your clothes at a designated laundry counter (usually near the front desk or guest services), and they’re washed, dried, and folded within 24 hours.

• Cost: $2.50–$3.50 per pound, depending on the ship and itinerary. Most cruisers report an average of $15–$25 for a medium load (about 5–7 lbs).
• Turnaround: Typically next-day service. Drop off before 8 a.m., pick up after 6 p.m.
• Best for: Families, cruisers with limited mobility, or anyone who wants to maximize their vacation time.

I tried this on a 7-night Alaska cruise. I dropped off a week’s worth of casual wear (jeans, tees, socks) and paid $22. Not cheap, but it meant I could pack half as much and still feel fresh. The clothes came back neatly folded and smelling like ocean breeze—seriously, their detergent is amazing.

Dry Cleaning & Specialty Services

For formal wear, suits, or delicate fabrics, NCL offers dry cleaning and hand-ironing services. This is ideal if you’re cruising during a special event or have a formal night on the itinerary.

• Dry cleaning: $12–$25 per item (e.g., blazer, cocktail dress).
• Ironing only: $7–$10 per item. Great if you just want to freshen up a wrinkle-prone shirt.
• Alterations: Some ships offer minor tailoring (hemming, button repair) for $15–$30, but availability varies.

On a recent Caribbean cruise, I paid $18 to dry clean a linen blazer that got soaked in a sudden downpour. It came back looking brand new. Not a budget move, but worth it for a favorite piece.

How Much Does Laundry Cost on Norwegian Cruise Line? A Price Breakdown

Now, let’s get specific. The cost of laundry on NCL isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the service, ship size, itinerary, and even the time of year. Below is a detailed look at current pricing (as of 2024), based on data from NCL’s official website, cruise forums, and my own experiences.

Self-Service vs. Full-Service: Which Saves You More?

To compare, let’s say you have 5 lbs of laundry (roughly: 2 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 5 t-shirts, 10 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks).

• Self-service: 1 wash ($5.50) + 1 dry ($3.50) = $9.00 (plus $2 for detergent). Total: $11.00.
• Full-service wash & fold: 5 lbs × $3.00/lb = $15.00.

So yes, self-service is cheaper—but it costs your time. If you value convenience over savings, full-service might be worth the extra $4. For families, the math changes. A 15-lb load (common with kids) costs $45 with full-service but only $15 in self-service (3 wash + dry cycles). Suddenly, the time investment feels justified.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

While the base prices seem straightforward, there are a few “gotchas”:

• Lost items: Rare, but it happens. Always double-check your bag before dropping it off. I once lost a favorite pair of socks—lesson learned.
• Overweight fees: Some full-service counters charge extra if your load exceeds 10 lbs. Ask about limits when you drop off.
• Peak-time surcharges: On busy sailings (e.g., holidays), prices for dry cleaning may increase by 10–20%.
• Key card reload fees: If you run out of funds for self-service, reloading $20+ may incur a small fee (usually $1–$2).

Price Variations by Ship and Itinerary

Here’s where things get interesting. NCL’s newer ships (like Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva) tend to have updated pricing and more self-service machines. Older ships (e.g., Norwegian Sun) may have fewer options or higher per-pound rates.

• Alaska cruises: Full-service rates average $3.25/lb (higher due to shorter turnaround in port days).
• Caribbean cruises: $2.75/lb average. More self-service availability.
• European cruises: Prices can spike—up to $3.75/lb—due to higher operating costs.

Always check your cruise planner app or ask guest services on embarkation day for the exact rates on your ship.

Saving Money: Budget-Friendly Laundry Strategies

Laundry on a cruise doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, you can keep costs low without sacrificing clean clothes. Here are my top tips from years of cruising.

Pack Smart to Minimize Laundry Needs

The best way to save on laundry? Do less of it. Start with your packing list:

• Choose quick-dry fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and bamboo blends dry fast if hung in your cabin.
• Bring odor-resistant clothes: Merino wool socks and tees stay fresh longer. I pack 5 pairs of merino socks for a 7-night cruise and only wash them once.
• Use layering: A lightweight cardigan or shawl lets you wear the same shirt multiple times without it looking stale.

I once packed 10 outfits for a 10-day cruise and only used laundry services once. How? I repeated tops, wore the same jeans for 3 days, and hung damp clothes over the shower curtain rod to dry overnight.

DIY Hand-Washing (Yes, It’s Possible!)

For small items, hand-washing in your cabin sink is free and effective.

• What to wash: Underwear, socks, swimsuits, delicate blouses.
• Supplies: Travel-sized detergent (I love Woolite pods), a small towel, and a sink stopper (if your sink doesn’t have one).
• Method: Soak for 10–15 minutes, gently squeeze, rinse with cool water, then roll in a towel to remove excess water. Hang to dry overnight.

On a recent cruise, I hand-washed 8 pairs of underwear and 5 swimsuits over 3 days. Cost: $0. Time: 20 minutes total.

Use Self-Service Laundry Like a Pro

If you opt for self-service, maximize efficiency:

• Go early or late: Avoid peak hours (8–10 a.m. and 6–8 p.m.). I hit the laundromat at 10:30 a.m. and had the whole room to myself.
• Pre-sort clothes: Separate lights and darks before you go. Saves time at the machine.
• Bring a book or headphones: Drying takes 30 minutes. Use that time to relax.

One cruiser I met saved $50 by doing all laundry mid-cruise and re-wearing outfits for the second half. Smart!

What to Expect: Real Cruiser Experiences

Let’s get real—what do actual passengers say about laundry on NCL? I’ve scoured forums like Cruise Critic and Reddit, plus my own trips, to share honest feedback.

Positive Experiences

Most cruisers praise NCL’s convenience and cleanliness:

• “Worth every penny”: A family of four on Norwegian Escape used full-service for 20 lbs of laundry. “We paid $60, but it meant we could pack carry-ons only. So worth it!”
• “Surprisingly fast”: A solo cruiser on Norwegian Getaway dry cleaned a suit for $22. “I wore it to the captain’s dinner the next night. Looked perfect.”
• “Clean machines”: Multiple reviewers noted that self-service machines are well-maintained and rarely out of order.

Common Complaints (and Fixes)

No system is perfect. Here’s what some cruisers didn’t love—and how to avoid the same issues:

• “Long wait times”: Full-service can take 24–48 hours on busy sailings. Fix: Drop off early in the cruise. Don’t wait until the last two days.
• “Lost socks”: A few reviewers reported missing items. Fix: Take a photo of your bag before dropping it off. Use a bright-colored bag for easy identification.
• “High dry cleaning prices”: $25 for a dress? Ouch. Fix: Iron it yourself with a travel steamer (available in some cabins) or use wrinkle-release spray.

Pro Tip: The “Laundry Day” Hack

One cruiser shared a genius idea: designate a “laundry day” mid-cruise. Do all your laundry at once, then enjoy the rest of the trip with clean clothes. No more mid-week panic about dirty socks!

Comparing NCL to Other Cruise Lines

How does Norwegian stack up against competitors? Let’s look at the big players.

Royal Caribbean

• Self-service: $5.50 wash, $3.50 dry (similar to NCL).
• Full-service: $3.00–$3.50/lb (slightly higher).
• Dry cleaning: $15–$30/item (about the same).

Verdict: NCL and Royal Caribbean are neck-and-neck. NCL wins for more self-service availability on newer ships.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Self-service: $5.00 wash, $3.00 dry (cheaper).
• Full-service: $2.25–$2.75/lb (lower per-pound rate).
• No dry cleaning: Only wash & fold available.

Verdict: Carnival is more budget-friendly but lacks premium services. Great for casual cruisers.

Princess Cruises

• Self-service: $6.00 wash, $4.00 dry (higher).
• Full-service: $3.50–$4.00/lb (most expensive).
• Laundry packages: 50 lbs for $120 (better value for families).

Verdict: Princess charges more but offers better deals for bulk loads. Ideal for longer cruises.

Quick Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Wash Cost (Self-Service)	Dry Cost (Self-Service)	Full-Service Rate (per lb)	Dry Cleaning (avg. item)
Norwegian Cruise Line	$5.50	$3.50	$2.50–$3.50	$12–$25
Royal Caribbean	$5.50	$3.50	$3.00–$3.50	$15–$30
Carnival	$5.00	$3.00	$2.25–$2.75	Not available
Princess	$6.00	$4.00	$3.50–$4.00	$18–$35

Final Thoughts: Making Laundry Work for You

So, how much does laundry cost on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer is: it depends. But with a little know-how, you can keep costs low and stay fresh without sacrificing your vacation. Self-service is the cheapest option (under $10 for a small load), while full-service wash & fold offers unbeatable convenience for $15–$30. Dry cleaning is pricier but essential for formal wear.

The key is to plan ahead. Pack smart, use hand-washing for small items, and time your laundry drop-off early in the cruise. And remember—laundry isn’t just about clean clothes. It’s about peace of mind. Knowing you have a backup plan means you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the sunset, trying the chocolate buffet, or dancing under the stars.

Whether you’re cruising for 4 days or 14, NCL’s laundry services are there to help. Just don’t wait until your last pair of clean socks is gone. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) With this guide, you’re ready to tackle laundry like a pro—and keep your cruise budget intact. Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does laundry cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Laundry costs on Norwegian Cruise Line vary by service type, with self-service machines starting at $3 per wash and $3 per dry cycle. Professional laundry and pressing services range from $5 to $20 per item, depending on garment type and turnaround time.

Are there self-service laundry facilities on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Yes, most Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer self-service laundry rooms with coin-operated or card-based washers and dryers. These are ideal for travelers wanting to save money or wash clothes mid-cruise.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer dry cleaning services?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line provides professional dry cleaning and laundry services at an additional cost. Prices typically start around $10–$20 per item, depending on the fabric and garment complexity.

Is laundry included in the price of a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise?

No, laundry services are not included in the base fare and require separate payment. However, suite guests may receive complimentary pressing or laundry credits as part of their perks.

What’s the cheapest way to do laundry on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The cheapest option is using the onboard self-service laundry facilities, which cost around $3 per wash or dry cycle. Bring your own detergent to avoid extra fees and plan ahead to minimize loads.

Can I get my laundry done quickly on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, Norwegian offers express laundry and pressing services for an added fee, often with same-day turnaround. Check with the guest services desk for availability and pricing based on your sailing schedule.