Yes, you can wash clothes on most cruise ships, but the method depends on your cabin type and the ship's laundry services
Most cruise lines offer laundry services, though they charge per item and can take several days to return your clothes. If you want to wash clothes yourself, many ships have self-service laundromats with washers and dryers on the guest decks — usually near the cabin areas. Some newer ships and higher cabin categories include in-cabin washer-dryer units or access to complimentary laundry service, but standard inside and oceanview cabins typically do not.
The fastest and cheapest option for most passengers is to pack enough clothes for your cruise length and do laundry at home after you return. If you need clean clothes during the voyage, self-service laundromats cost $2 to $5 per load and take about an hour total. Ship laundry service costs $1 to $3 per item but can take 48 hours or longer, depending on how busy the ship is.
Key Takeaways
- Self-service laundromats on cruise ships typically cost $2 to $5 per load and are located on guest decks, usually near cabin areas.
- Ship laundry service charges per item ($1 to $3 each) and takes 48 hours or longer, making it slower than self-service but requiring no effort from you.
- Suites and higher cabin categories often include complimentary laundry service or in-cabin washer-dryer units, while standard cabins do not.
- Packing enough clothes for your entire cruise is usually cheaper and more convenient than using any onboard laundry option.
- Self-service laundromats accept quarters or ship cards, so bring coins or ask your cabin attendant how to load a laundry card.
Finding the self-service laundromat on your ship
Every major cruise line operates self-service laundromats, but their location and number vary by ship size and age. On most ships, laundromats are on the guest decks — usually the same decks where cabins are located, often near the elevator banks or in a dedicated laundry room. Check your cabin key card or the daily program delivered to your room; many ships print the laundromat location and hours on these materials.
If you cannot find the location, ask your cabin attendant or stop at the guest services desk. They can tell you exactly where the nearest laundromat is and whether it is currently open. Some ships close laundromats during certain hours for cleaning or maintenance, so knowing the schedule prevents a wasted trip with a bag of dirty clothes.
How to use the self-service washer and dryer
Cruise ship laundromats work like laundromats on land, but payment methods vary by cruise line. Most accept quarters, though some newer ships use a laundry card system where you load money onto a card at a kiosk and swipe it at each machine. Ask your cabin attendant which system your ship uses and where to get coins or load a card.
Wash cycles typically run 30 to 40 minutes; dryer cycles take 45 minutes to an hour depending on load size and fabric type. Do not overload the washer — clothes need room to move, or they will not rinse properly and will smell musty. Use a small amount of detergent; ship water is often saltwater or heavily treated, and excess soap does not rinse out as easily as it does at home. Bring your own detergent or buy a small bottle at the ship's convenience store, as laundromats do not provide it.
Stay near the machines while they run. Leaving clothes unattended in a shared laundromat can result in them being moved, lost, or damaged. Many passengers set a phone alarm for when the cycle ends so they remember to move clothes to the dryer promptly.
Using the ship's laundry service instead
If you prefer not to do laundry yourself, place items in the laundry bag provided in your cabin and hang it on your cabin door by the stated pickup time — usually early morning. The ship's laundry staff will collect it, wash and dry your clothes, and return them in 48 to 72 hours. Costs range from $1 to $3 per item depending on the cruise line and item type (shirts, pants, and underwear are usually cheaper than jackets or dresses).
Laundry service is convenient but slow, so do not use it for clothes you need within 24 hours. Mark your name clearly on the bag and keep a list of what you sent so you can check that everything comes back. On busy sea days when many passengers use the service, turnaround time can stretch to 72 hours or longer.
What cabin types include laundry service or in-cabin washers
Suite-category cabins on most cruise lines include complimentary laundry service, meaning you can send unlimited items to the ship's laundry at no extra charge. Some suites also have in-cabin washer-dryer units, though these are more common on newer ships and luxury lines. Concierge-level cabins and above almost always include laundry service.
Standard inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins do not include laundry service or in-cabin machines. If you are considering a suite partly for laundry access, check the specific ship's deck plan on the cruise line's website — not all suites have the same amenities, and some older ships may not have in-cabin units even in premium cabins.
Packing strategies to minimize laundry needs
The easiest way to handle laundry on a cruise is to pack enough clothes that you do not need to wash anything during the voyage. For a 7-day cruise, pack 8 to 10 days' worth of casual clothes, 2 to 3 formal or semi-formal outfits, and enough underwear and socks for the full length. Clothes dry quickly in ship cabins because of the salt air and ventilation, so you can hand-wash a few items in the sink if needed.
Bring lightweight, quick-dry fabrics like cotton blends and synthetics rather than heavy materials that take longer to dry. Pack neutral colors that mix and match so you can repeat outfits without it being obvious. This approach saves money, time, and the hassle of finding the laundromat or waiting for service.
Common mistakes to avoid when washing clothes on a cruise
Do not use too much detergent. Ship water is different from home water — it may be saltwater, desalted, or heavily chlorinated — and excess soap leaves residue that makes clothes feel stiff and smell soapy. Use about half the amount you would use at home.
Do not leave clothes in the washer or dryer after the cycle ends. Other passengers will move them, and you risk losing items or having them damaged. Set a phone alarm and return promptly when the cycle finishes.
Do not wash delicate items in the ship's machines. Cruise ship washers are industrial-strength and can be rough on silk, lace, or fine knits. Hand-wash delicate items in your cabin sink using a gentle soap.
Do not assume the laundromat will be empty. Peak times are usually early morning and evening. If you go during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or late night), you will have more machines available and shorter waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to wash clothes on a cruise ship?
Self-service laundromats cost $2 to $5 per load (washer and dryer combined). Ship laundry service costs $1 to $3 per individual item. Suites and higher cabin categories often include complimentary laundry service, so check your cabin category before paying for self-service.
Can I wash clothes in my cabin sink?
Yes, you can hand-wash items in your cabin sink using a small amount of mild soap. This works well for underwear, socks, and lightweight items. Wring clothes out thoroughly and hang them to dry on the cabin balcony or near a vent. Avoid washing heavy items like jeans or towels this way — they take too long to dry and may smell musty.
What if I run out of clean clothes before the cruise ends?
Use the self-service laundromat for a quick turnaround (about 1 hour total) or send items to ship laundry service if you have 48 hours before you need them. If you are in port, some cruise lines partner with local laundromats where you can drop off and pick up clothes the same day — ask guest services whether this option is available at your next port.
Do cruise ships provide detergent in the laundromat?
No, laundromats do not provide detergent. Bring a small bottle from home or purchase one at the ship's convenience store or gift shop. Detergent is usually more expensive onboard than at home, so packing your own saves money.
Is the self-service laundromat always open?
Most ships keep laundromats open during standard hours, but some close for cleaning or maintenance. Check your daily program or ask guest services for the exact hours. Laundromats are typically busiest in early morning and evening, so going mid-afternoon usually means shorter waits.