Steamers Are Prohibited in Royal Caribbean Cabins
Royal Caribbean does not allow garment steamers in passenger cabins. The cruise line's prohibited items list explicitly bans steamers of all types — handheld, standing, and travel models. This applies to all Royal Caribbean ships, regardless of cabin type or tier.
The reason is straightforward: steamers use heat and moisture in ways that can damage cabin furnishings, trigger fire alarms, or create safety hazards in a confined space. Cruise lines treat fire safety as non-negotiable because evacuation from a ship is far more complex than leaving a hotel.
If you need to freshen wrinkled clothing during your cruise, Royal Caribbean offers laundry and pressing services through the ship's laundry facilities. You can also request that housekeeping iron items for you, though this typically costs extra and may take several hours depending on ship occupancy.
Key Takeaways
- Steamers of any kind — handheld, standing, or travel-sized — are banned from Royal Caribbean cabins.
- The prohibition exists because steamers pose fire and moisture risks in small, enclosed spaces.
- Royal Caribbean offers paid laundry and pressing services as an alternative to bring wrinkled clothes back into shape.
- Packing wrinkle-resistant fabrics or using the shower steam method can help you avoid needing a steamer altogether.
- Violating the prohibited items policy can result in the item being confiscated and stored until the end of your cruise.
What Royal Caribbean's Prohibited Items List Actually Covers
Royal Caribbean publishes a full prohibited items list on its website before you board. Beyond steamers, the list includes other heat-generating or moisture-producing devices: irons, hot plates, space heaters, and humidifiers. The common thread is that these items either generate heat without supervision, produce steam or moisture that damages wood and fabrics, or create fire hazards in tight quarters.
The list also bans items like candles, incense, surge protectors with outlets, and certain electrical appliances. Some items are prohibited for safety reasons; others are prohibited because they violate fire codes that explore to ships. Royal Caribbean enforces these rules consistently across all ships and all sailings.
If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, you can contact Royal Caribbean's guest services before your cruise. Providing the exact model name or a photo can help them give you a definitive answer rather than a general one.
How Laundry and Pressing Services Work Onboard
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a laundry facility where you can wash and dry your own clothes. You typically pay per load — the cost varies by ship but usually ranges from a few dollars to around $5 per wash or dry cycle. Laundry rooms are self-service and available 24 hours, though they can be crowded during sea days.
If you do not want to do laundry yourself, you can use the ship's valet laundry service. You drop off items at the laundry desk, and the crew washes, dries, and presses them. This service costs more than self-service — expect to pay per item or per load — and turnaround is usually 24 to 48 hours depending on how busy the laundry is.
For urgent pressing needs, some ships offer express pressing or ironing services through housekeeping. You can request this when you call your cabin attendant or visit the guest services desk. Availability and cost depend on the ship and how busy the crew is at that moment.
Packing Strategies to Avoid Wrinkles in the First Place
The easiest solution is to pack fabrics that resist wrinkles. Cotton-polyester blends, performance fabrics, and knits wrinkle far less than pure linen or cotton. Cruise wear — shorts, casual dresses, and lightweight shirts — is often made from wrinkle-resistant materials already, so you may not need pressing at all.
When you pack, roll clothes instead of folding them. Rolling takes up less space and creates fewer creases than folding. For items that do wrinkle, hang them in your cabin as soon as you unpack; the humidity and air circulation in the cabin will relax minor wrinkles over a few hours.
If you have a formal night or special dinner, you can also use the shower steam method: hang the garment in the bathroom while you shower, and the steam will release wrinkles. This works best on natural fabrics and for light wrinkles, not heavy creasing.
What Happens If You Bring a Steamer Anyway
If you bring a steamer and it is discovered during cabin inspection or when housekeeping enters your room, the item will be confiscated. Royal Caribbean staff will remove it and store it in a find location. You will not be able to use it during your cruise, and you will retrieve it when you disembark on the final day.
In rare cases, if you refuse to surrender a prohibited item or argue with staff about the policy, you could face more serious consequences — including being asked to leave the ship at the next port. This is extremely uncommon, but it is the rule that backs up the prohibition.
The best approach is to pack knowing the rules. Check the prohibited items list before you pack, and plan your clothing and wrinkle management strategy accordingly. This avoids the frustration of losing an item you brought and gives you time to arrange laundry service if you need it.
Alternatives to Steamers for Different Cabin Types
Royal Caribbean offers different cabin types — interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite — but the steamer ban applies equally to all of them. Even suite guests, who have more space and amenities, cannot bring steamers. Suites do include some perks like priority laundry service, which can be helpful if you need pressing done quickly.
If you are in a suite, you may also have access to a concierge who can arrange laundry or pressing for you more quickly than standard cabin guests. Ask your suite concierge when you board what options are available and what the costs are.
For all other cabin types, self-service laundry and valet laundry are your main options. Neither requires special status or cabin type, so every guest has access to the same services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a travel-sized steamer if it is small?
No. Royal Caribbean prohibits all steamers regardless of size. Even compact or travel steamers are not allowed. The prohibition is based on the type of device, not its dimensions.
What if I need to press clothes for a formal night?
Contact guest services or your cabin attendant at least 24 hours before the formal night and request pressing service. Most ships can accommodate this, though it costs extra. Alternatively, use the shower steam method or plan to wear wrinkle-resistant fabrics on formal nights.
Can I use an iron in my cabin?
No. Irons are also prohibited on Royal Caribbean ships for the same safety and fire prevention reasons as steamers. Laundry and pressing services are the approved alternatives.
Do I have to pay for laundry service, or is it included?
Self-service laundry (washing and drying your own clothes) costs a few dollars per load. Valet laundry (where crew members wash and press for you) costs more and is not included in your cruise fare. Pricing varies by ship, so ask at the laundry desk when you board.
What if my steamer is confiscated — can I get it back?
Yes. Confiscated items are stored and returned to you when you disembark on the final day of your cruise. You will not be able to use it during the voyage, but you will have it when you leave the ship.