Doing laundry probably isn’t high on your cruise vacation wish list. But whether you’re dealing with a spilled drink or trying to make a week’s worth of outfits fit into a carry-on, knowing how to wash clothes onboard a cruise can come in handy.
As someone who has cruised and traveled extensively, I’ve learned that a little laundry planning makes packing lighter much easier. I’ve taken weeklong cruises with just a carry-on and even traveled to Europe for a cruise with only a backpack. Along the way, I’ve washed clothes in my cabin sink more times than I can count.
There are several ways to do laundry on a cruise ship, from using self-service washers and dryers to paying for the ship’s laundry service. You can also handwash a few items yourself, which is often my preferred option when something needs a quick refresh.
Here’s what to know about each option, along with my tips for washing clothes onboard and giving them enough time to dry before you need to pack up.
Washing clothes in the cabin sink is my favorite option
In college, I spent 100 days living on a ship while studying abroad with Semester at Sea. Throughout my voyage, I did my laundry exclusively in the sink because I was too cheap to pay for laundry service. Since then, it’s remained my favorite way to wash a few items during a cruise. The sink method is cheap, convenient, and easy enough to do whenever something needs cleaning.
I’ll be honest: I’m not talking about handwashing an entire suitcase of dirty clothes. But if you need to freshen up a shirt, wash some underwear, or clean something after a spill, your cabin sink can do the job.
I typically bring small laundry detergent packets for this reason. After cleaning and rinsing the sink, I fill it with warm water and add detergent before gently washing and soaking the items. Then, I rinse everything thoroughly and press out the excess water. Rolling clothes in a clean towel also helps absorb moisture before hanging them up.
Many cruise cabin showers have a retractable clothesline, which provides a convenient place to hang things to dry. Just give yourself plenty of time, especially with thicker fabrics. I’ve learned that washing something the night before disembarkation can leave you hoping it dries before you have to pack!
For my next cruise, I’ll be swapping my usual detergent packets for laundry detergent sheets. HeySunday recently sent me some travel-friendly detergent sheets that I’ve been testing, and I absolutely love them (all opinions are my own!).
I had never used laundry detergent sheets before, but they’re a total game-changer for traveling. They’ve worked great for me at home, and I am definitely bringing them on future sailings.
Dryer sheets pack flat, take up hardly any room in my luggage, and eliminate the need to carry liquid detergent. There’s also no bottle to leak inside my bag, which is a huge win. For someone who often cruises with just a carry-on, that makes them an especially convenient option!
HeySunday’s sheets specifically state they can be used for handwashing, so they are perfect for my sink washing method! Follow the package instructions to dissolve the appropriate amount in water before washing your clothes, then rinse thoroughly and hang or lay them flat to dry according to the care label.
Some cruise lines offer self-service laundry
If you prefer machine washing your own clothes, some cruise lines have self-service laundry rooms with washers and dryers for passengers. This can be especially convenient on longer sailings or when you’re trying to pack lighter.
Princess, Disney, and Cunard offer self-service laundry, as do many Carnival ships. Availability varies, so check your specific ship before counting on having access to a washing machine. Having a laundry room on one ship doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find one across the entire fleet.
These rooms are generally located on decks with passenger cabins. Along with washers and dryers, you may find a folding area and shared irons and ironing boards. Check your ship’s deck plans or onboard app to locate the closest laundry room before hauling your clothes down the hallway.
Costs will vary by cruise line. You may need to pay separately for washing, drying, and detergent, so factor in the total cost of a load. This is another great opportunity to bring laundry detergent sheets, like the HeySunday ones. Again, you won’t have to worry about any liquid leaking in your luggage and it saves a ton of space.
Other cruise lines, such as Cunard, offer complimentary self-service facilities, including detergent. Be sure to also check the payment instructions, some machines charge your onboard account, while others may require coins.
Other cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, don’t have guest self-service laundry rooms. Instead, they offer paid laundry services where the crew handles the washing for you. If you’re sailing with either cruise line, plan to use that service or handwash a few suitable items in your cabin.
You can pay to have your clothes washed
If doing laundry doesn’t fit your idea of a vacation (and I don’t blame you!), sending your clothes out for cleaning is another option.
Depending on the cruise line, you might pay by the item or have access to a laundry bag offer. Check the laundry form in your cabin or ask your stateroom attendant about prices and turnaround times.
Read the garment’s care label before handing anything over. If an item needs cold water, a gentle wash, or air drying, ask whether the service can accommodate those instructions.
Personally, I prefer to avoid paying for laundry when I only need to clean a few things. I’m also particular about how some of my clothes are washed, so I often take care of those items myself. You should expect that your clothes will be washed and dried in warm temperatures, so I never send anything that I’m afraid of shrinking.
Knowing you can wash a few things along the way makes packing lighter feel more manageable. For me, a little detergent has come in handy more than once, and it’s an easy addition to my cruise packing list.
