Laundry Rooms on Cruise Ships: Everything You Need to Know About Laundry Facilities

Laundry rooms on cruise ships are a convenient amenity offered by many major cruise lines, allowing guests to wash, dry, and sometimes even iron their clothing during their voyage. Typically, these laundry facilities are self-service and are scattered throughout the ship, often located on guest cabin decks for easy access. The rooms usually feature washers, dryers, ironing boards, and detergent vending machines—some even provide complimentary laundry detergent. While the size and number of machines can vary based on the ship’s capacity, laundry rooms are often busiest during sea days or toward the end of a cruise.

For many travelers, especially those on longer itineraries or with children, onboard laundry rooms are a lifesaver—saving valuable suitcase space and avoiding pricey onboard laundry services. Most operate via swipe cards or tokens purchasable using your onboard account, simplifying the process. Some luxury or boutique cruise lines, however, may not have guest laundry rooms, offering only valet laundry services at higher prices.

From a design perspective, the layout and efficiency of these laundry rooms greatly impact the guest experience. As an interior designer, I always advise optimizing circulation space, machine placement, and clear signage so guests can use these rooms comfortably even during peak times. In fact, innovative digital tools like a room planner make it possible to visualize and improve these compact spaces—ensuring they’re both efficient and inviting for travelers.

Tips 1:

If you plan to use the laundry on your next cruise, consider bringing small laundry bags, travel-sized detergent, and doing laundry during off-peak hours (late evening or early morning) to avoid crowds.

FAQ

Q: Do all cruise ships have self-service laundry rooms?

A: Not all do. Many mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, and Disney offer guest laundry rooms, while some luxury lines may provide only valet laundry service.

Q: How much does it cost to use a cruise ship laundry room?

A: Prices vary, but expect to pay around $2–$4 per wash or dry cycle, plus extra for detergent if not supplied.

Q: What amenities are typically found in cruise ship laundry rooms?

A: You’ll usually find washers, dryers, ironing boards, and vending machines for detergent and softener.

Q: Are laundry rooms open 24 hours on cruise ships?

A: Many are, but some may close overnight or for maintenance, so check your ship’s daily schedule.

Q: Can I bring my own detergent on board?

A: Yes, most lines allow you to bring travel-sized detergent for personal use in laundry rooms.