Which Cruise Lines Have Laundry Facilities for Travelers

Most major cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess—offer self-service laundry facilities on every ship, typically located on passenger decks and accessible 24/7 with a keycard. Budget and luxury lines like MSC and Regent also provide washers and dryers, though some premium brands (e.g., Viking Ocean) include complimentary laundry as part of their all-inclusive packages.

Key Takeaways

• Most major cruise lines offer self-service laundry rooms for passenger use on most ships.
• Royal Caribbean and Carnival provide affordable laundry packages to save time and packing space.
• Norwegian Cruise Line includes free laundry access on select long-duration sailings.
• <>Check your ship’s deck plan online to locate laundry facilities before boarding.
• Premium lines like Viking Ocean offer complimentary valet laundry on select suite categories.
• Always bring detergent pods or coins—supplies aren’t always provided onboard.

Why Laundry Facilities on Cruise Ships Matter

When planning a cruise vacation, most travelers focus on destinations, dining options, and entertainment. However, one critical yet often overlooked aspect is laundry facilities. Whether you’re on a week-long Caribbean getaway or a month-long world cruise, the ability to wash clothes onboard can be a game-changer. Packing light is a smart strategy, but doing so means you’ll likely need to refresh your wardrobe mid-trip. Cruise ship laundry services—ranging from self-service machines to full-service valet options—can save you from lugging around bulky suitcases or wearing the same outfit for days. For families, extended trips, or travelers with limited mobility, access to clean clothes without the hassle of finding a laundromat onshore is invaluable.

But not all cruise lines offer the same level of laundry convenience. Some provide state-of-the-art, coin-operated machines with folding tables and ironing stations, while others limit access to crew-only facilities or charge premium rates for dry cleaning and pressing. This guide will explore which cruise lines truly prioritize guest laundry needs, how to use these facilities efficiently, and what to expect in terms of cost, convenience, and quality. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or a luxury cruiser, understanding your laundry options can significantly enhance your onboard experience.

Top Cruise Lines with Self-Service Laundry Rooms

Royal Caribbean International: Modern and Accessible

Royal Caribbean stands out as one of the most guest-friendly cruise lines when it comes to laundry facilities. Most of their ships—including the Quantum, Oasis, and Freedom classes—feature multiple self-service laundry rooms strategically located on passenger decks (typically midship or near elevators). These rooms are open 24/7 and include:

• Commercial-grade washing machines and dryers
• Coin-operated systems (quarters only, no bills)
• Folding tables, ironing boards, and irons
• Laundry detergent and softener vending machines

For example, the Symphony of the Seas has 12 laundry rooms across 14 passenger decks, ensuring minimal wait times. Pro tip: Bring a roll of quarters from home—many ports don’t have easy access to coin exchanges. Royal Caribbean also offers a Laundry Card system on newer ships, where you preload a card with credit (USD) for easier use.

Carnival Cruise Line: Budget-Friendly and Practical

Carnival understands that their core demographic—families and budget travelers—often need laundry access. Their ships, such as the Carnival Horizon and Mardi Gras, include self-service laundry rooms with:

• Front-loading washers and dryers (eco-friendly models)
• Coin-operated machines (accepts quarters and $1 coins)
• Free detergent pods provided
• Clear signage with multilingual instructions

One unique feature is Carnival’s Laundry Alert System: when your cycle finishes, the machine lights up and sounds an alert. This prevents “laundry hogging” in busy periods. Note: Carnival’s laundry rooms are smaller than Royal Caribbean’s, so plan to go early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Convenience with a Twist

NCL’s Freestyle Cruising philosophy extends to laundry. Ships like the Norwegian Encore and Escape offer self-service rooms with:

• High-efficiency washers and dryers
• Contactless payment (credit card or cruise keycard)
• Laundry pods and fabric softener available for purchase
• Dedicated “Family Laundry Rooms” on select decks

NCL’s keycard system is a standout—no need to carry quarters. Simply swipe your room keycard, and the charge is added to your onboard account. However, be aware that NCL’s laundry rooms are less frequent (1-2 per ship), so check the deck plan before booking.

Premium and Luxury Cruise Lines: Laundry as a Service

Princess Cruises: Hybrid Approach

Princess Cruises blends self-service and full-service options. Their larger ships (e.g., Discovery Princess) have:

• Self-service laundry rooms (coin-operated, with detergent vending)
• Same-day dry cleaning and pressing (charged per item)
• Specialty services: stain removal, delicate garment care

Princess’s Laundry Concierge program allows you to drop off clothes in a secure bin outside your stateroom. A crew member collects it, and your items are returned cleaned and folded within 24 hours. Prices start at $5 per shirt/pants and $3 per pair of socks/underwear. This is ideal for business travelers or formal nights. Pro tip: Use the self-service machines for everyday clothes and the concierge for suits or evening wear.

Holland America Line: Elegance Meets Practicality

Holland America caters to older travelers and extended voyages, so laundry services are robust. Ships like the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam offer:

• Self-service rooms (quarters or keycard payment)
• Full-service laundry (dry cleaning, ironing, folding)
• Complimentary pressing for formal wear (on select cruises)

Holland America’s Laundry Express service is a highlight: for a flat fee of $25, they’ll wash, dry, and fold up to 5 pounds of clothing within 24 hours. This is perfect for travelers who want to pack light but avoid coin-operated machines. Note: Their self-service rooms are smaller and less frequent, so plan ahead.

Oceania Cruises: Luxury Without Compromise

Oceania’s all-inclusive model includes laundry services in higher-tier staterooms. On ships like the Riviera and Insignia:

• Concierge-level suites receive complimentary laundry (washing, drying, folding)
• All guests can use self-service rooms (keycard payment)
• Premium dry cleaning and tailoring services (charged per item)

Oceania’s self-service machines are top-tier (Miele or Bosch brands), with free detergent and softener. Their concierge service is a standout—no need to leave your room; simply call Guest Services, and they’ll collect your laundry. This is a major perk for travelers on 10+ day voyages.

Laundry on Budget and Niche Cruise Lines

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC): Value-Driven Options

MSC Cruises offers a mix of self-service and paid services. Ships like the MSC Meraviglia and Seaside have:

• Self-service laundry rooms (quarters or keycard payment)
• Full-service laundry (dry cleaning, ironing—charged per item)
• Laundry packages (e.g., “Wash & Fold” for €15)

MSC’s self-service rooms are modern but can be crowded on sea days. Their paid services are competitively priced (€1.50 per shirt, €2 per dress), making it a good option for families. Note: Their detergent vending machines sometimes run out, so bring a travel-sized detergent pack.

P&O Cruises: UK-Focused Convenience

P&O Cruises (UK-based) includes laundry in their all-inclusive packages for certain staterooms. On ships like the Arvia and Iona:

• Self-service rooms (coin-operated, with detergent vending)
• Full-service laundry (charged per item or via package)
• Complimentary pressing for formal nights

P&O’s Laundry Packages are unique: for £30, you get 10 items washed, dried, and folded. This is ideal for travelers who want to avoid coins. Their self-service rooms are well-maintained but limited to 2 per ship.

Windstar Cruises: Small-Ship Luxury

Windstar’s boutique ships (e.g., Star Pride) focus on personalized service. While they lack self-service rooms, they offer:

• Complimentary laundry for suite guests
• Same-day dry cleaning and pressing (charged per item)
• Laundry concierge (drop-off at your stateroom)

Windstar’s crew handles laundry with care—perfect for delicate fabrics. Their paid services start at $4 per item, but the convenience justifies the cost. Note: Their smaller ships mean longer turnaround times (48 hours).

How to Use Cruise Ship Laundry Facilities Effectively

Preparing for Laundry Day: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using cruise laundry facilities efficiently requires planning:

1. Check the deck plan: Locate laundry rooms before boarding (available online or via cruise line apps).
2. Pack quarters and detergent: Many ships don’t accept bills or sell detergent onsite.
3. Separate clothes: Group items by color and fabric type to avoid damage.
4. Time your visit: Go during off-peak hours (early morning, late night, or port days).
5. Use mesh bags: Prevent small items (socks, underwear) from getting lost.

Example: On a 7-day cruise, plan 2-3 laundry sessions. Wash basics (underwear, socks) first, then heavier items (jeans, sweaters).

Cost-Saving Tips and Hidden Fees

• Self-service vs. full-service: Self-service machines typically cost $2-3 per load (wash + dry), while full-service can be $5-15 per item.
• Laundry packages: Look for flat-rate bundles (e.g., “10 items for $20”) to save money.
• Complimentary perks: Some lines offer free pressing for formal nights or suite guests—ask at Guest Services.
• DIY hacks: Hand-wash small items in your cabin sink (use hotel shampoo as detergent).

Warning: Some ships charge extra for “express” cycles or premium detergent. Read the machine instructions carefully.

Etiquette and Common Pitfalls

• Don’t hog machines: Limit your load to 30-45 minutes. If machines are full, come back later.
• Clean up after yourself: Remove lint from dryers and wipe down tables.
• Label your clothes: Use a permanent marker or luggage tag to avoid mix-ups.
• Check for damage: Inspect items before leaving the laundry room—report issues immediately.

Pro tip: If a machine breaks mid-cycle, notify Guest Services for a refund or credit.

Laundry Facilities Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Self-Service Rooms	Payment Method	Full-Service Laundry	Unique Features
Royal Caribbean	Multiple per ship	Quarters or Laundry Card	Yes (charged per item)	Laundry Alert System
Carnival	1-2 per ship	Quarters or $1 coins	Yes (charged per item)	Free detergent pods
NCL	1-2 per ship	Credit card or keycard	Yes (charged per item)	Contactless payment
Princess Cruises	Yes	Quarters or keycard	Yes (concierge service)	Laundry Concierge program
Oceania	Yes	Keycard	Yes (complimentary for suites)	Free detergent in self-service
MSC Cruises	Yes	Quarters or keycard	Yes (charged per item)	Laundry packages

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Laundry Needs

When it comes to laundry facilities, not all cruise lines are created equal. Budget-focused lines like Carnival and MSC offer practical, coin-operated machines ideal for families and short trips. Premium lines like Princess and Holland America blend self-service convenience with paid concierge options, catering to extended voyages. Meanwhile, luxury lines like Oceania and Windstar prioritize full-service care, often including laundry in their suite packages. The key is aligning your laundry needs with your travel style: Do you want to DIY with quarters, or prefer to hand off the task to crew members?

Ultimately, the best cruise line for laundry depends on your priorities. If you value convenience and time-saving, opt for a line with full-service options (e.g., Oceania, Princess). If you’re budget-conscious, choose one with well-maintained self-service rooms (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival). For luxury travelers, look for complimentary services in higher-tier staterooms. By understanding these differences, you can pack smarter, travel lighter, and enjoy a stress-free cruise—without worrying about dirty clothes piling up in your cabin. After all, the goal of any vacation is to relax, not to spend your days at the laundromat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines have laundry facilities for travelers?

Most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises, offer self-service or full-service laundry facilities on board. Availability may vary by ship, so it’s best to check with the cruise line before booking.

Can I do my own laundry on a cruise ship?

Yes, many cruise lines have self-service laundromats equipped with washers, dryers, and detergent for passenger use. These are typically located on interior decks and are accessible for a small fee per load.

Do luxury cruise lines offer laundry services?

Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Seabourn provide complimentary or low-cost laundry and pressing services as part of their all-inclusive experience. Some even offer dry cleaning for a premium fee.

Are laundry facilities available on family-friendly cruise ships?

Yes, family-oriented lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean feature laundry facilities on most ships, catering to longer voyages and multi-generational travelers. Self-service options are common, with some offering kid-friendly detergent.

Is there a fee to use cruise ship laundry facilities?

Most cruise lines charge a per-load fee for self-service laundry, typically $3–$5 for washers and dryers. Full-service laundry and dry cleaning are priced by item and can be billed to your onboard account.

Which cruise lines have laundry facilities on smaller or expedition ships?

Expedition lines like Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions, and Ponant often include laundry services or have limited facilities on board due to shorter itineraries. Check with the line, as policies vary by vessel.