When planning a cruise holiday, you’re likely to be excited about the prospect of exploring new destinations and enjoying some relaxation and indulgence onboard. However, there are a few practical elements to bear in mind, too. One of these might be cruise ship laundry.
Cruise guests often ask, “Do cruise ships have a laundrette?” The answer is many of them do, and knowing whether doing laundry on a cruise ship is possible can make planning your packing much more straightforward.
In this blog, we explore this practical side of your cruise holiday – how to keep your clothes fresh and clean. We share what you need to know about cruise ship laundrettes and offer some handy cruise ship laundrette tips that will ensure your wardrobe remains as ready for adventure as you are.
How to Use a Laundrette on a Cruise Ship
The first question we need to address is, “Are there laundry facilities on cruise ships?” While cruise ship laundrettes are available on many ships, they are not on all of them. Therefore, check with your cruise line before your holiday; not having enough clean clothes for your holiday and needing to wash them all in your cabin basin by hand can be frustrating!
Now, let’s move on to how to use a laundrette on a cruise ship:
Location and operation
Typically, cruise ship laundry rooms are strategically located across various decks, ensuring accessibility for all guests. While the exact placement and number of facilities can vary between ships, they’re generally easy to find.
These self-service laundries are equipped with washers, dryers, ironing boards and laundry detergent machines, allowing you to care for your garments just as you would at home.
Operating hours
Most cruise ship laundry rooms are open throughout the day, from about 8am through to the evening, allowing you to do your laundry after returning from your day’s activities. Some cruise ship laundrettes are open 24 hours a day, which is handy if you’re a night owl looking for a quiet period to get this chore done.
Cost and payment
Charges for using cruise ship laundrette facilities can vary. Some ships operate coin-operated machines, while others might use a cruise card or token system.
Cruise lines, including Cunard Cruises and P&O Cruises, offer a complementary use of their washers, dryers and irons. However, you may still need to buy laundry detergent.
Cruise Ship Laundrette Hacks
Maximising the efficiency of doing laundry on a cruise ship can enhance your overall experience. Here are some clever cruise ship laundrette hacks to keep in mind:
Off-peak laundry
Aim for less busy times, such as early mornings or late evenings, to avoid waiting for available machines. You could also consider doing your laundry when the ship is docked, and most passengers are ashore exploring.
Preparation is key
Bring your own small packets of laundry detergent from home to save time and money, and remember to have coins, your cruise card or tokens handy.
Combine loads
If you’re travelling with family or friends, consider combining loads to reduce costs and time spent in the cruise ship laundrette.
Reduce drying time
Bring a small bottle of fabric softener. Adding a little to your final rinse can significantly reduce drying time.
Lost without a laundry bag
Use a mesh laundry bag to keep small items together, ensuring nothing gets lost or left behind.
Beyond the Laundrette: Other Laundry Solutions
While the cruise ship laundrette is a fantastic resource, there are alternative solutions for doing laundry on a cruise ship.
Full-service laundry and dry cleaning
Many cruise ships offer full-service laundry and dry-cleaning services. To access this convenient option, you simply leave your dirty clothes in a laundry bag for housekeeping to take when they clean your room. They will then return your items clean, folded, and fresh without you needing to lift a finger.
While this service comes at a higher cost than the self-service laundrette, it’s a time-saving luxury many cruise guests appreciate.
Cabin handwashing
For delicate items or if you’re looking to freshen up a few pieces, handwashing in your cabin’s bathroom is a simple option. Remember to pack a small bottle of travel-sized liquid detergent, and you’re all set for those quick washes. Most cruise cabins include a retractable clothesline in the shower, perfect for hanging light garments to dry.
Tips for Packing
As you prepare for your cruise holiday, packing efficiently can make all the difference to your onboard experience. With access to laundry facilities, you can streamline what you bring, focusing on versatility and convenience.
Here are a few essential packing tips and considerations to keep in mind:
Fabric choice
Opt for lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that can be easily washed and dried in your cabin or the laundrette to reduce time and hassle.
Versatility over quantity
Focus on bringing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, reducing the amount of clothing you need to bring.
Change it up with accessories
Pack a few essential accessories that complement your versatile wardrobe and give you more style options.
Smart organisation
Bring foldable hangers for extra hanging space in the laundrette or your cabin. Meanwhile, a compact, waterproof laundry bag is ideal for separating dirty clothes from clean ones during your voyage. These simple additions can keep your belongings organised and make laundry day easy.
Every cruise ship is unique when it comes to laundry services, so it’s wise to check the specific amenities and services offered ahead of time. This way, you can pack accordingly and maybe even lighten your luggage, knowing you can clean your clothes as needed.
Whether you choose the self-service cruise ship laundrette, the full-service cruise ship laundry option, or even a bit of handwashing in your cabin, knowing these tips and tricks will ensure you spend less time worrying about laundry and more time enjoying your cruise.
If you have any questions about the services of a specific cruise line or ship, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
