Figuring out what to pack for a cruise can be difficult. What makes it more difficult is the list of items you can or can’t bring on board.
If you want to keep your clothes fresh and pressed throughout your cruise, you may be wondering which list steamers are on. This article will tell you whether you can bring a steamer with you to prepare for your upcoming vacation.
In This Article…
What Is a Steamer?
A steamer is a device that uses hot steam to take wrinkles out of clothing. This device features a container to put the water in and a warmer to convert the water into steam. The steam typically comes from a small spout for easy application to your clothes.
There are several types of steamers, including vertical steamers, which can hold more water, and handheld portable steamers. A hand steamer is what you would consider bringing on your cruise due to its portability, but are you actually allowed to bring one on board? Let’s find out.
Can You Bring a Steamer on a Cruise?
Simply put, you cannot bring a steamer on a cruise ship. This rule applies to the majority of mainstream cruise ships. Although they don’t all explicitly say that steamers are prohibited on their websites, it’s safe to assume that steamers are prohibited. The same goes for irons. If you try to bring a steamer on board, chances are that it will be confiscated.
You can’t bring a steamer on a cruise ship because it’s a fire hazard. Cruise ships not only prohibit passengers from bringing many fire hazards items onto the ship, but they may not have them on board at all or only have them in minimum quantities.
So does this mean that there’s no chance for you to have wrinkle-free clothing on a cruise ship? Not necessarily.
Do Cruise Ships Have Steamers?
While you can’t bring your own steamer onto a cruise ship, you may still be able to get your hands on one during your voyage.
Cruise ships have a limited number of steamers for laundry services and housekeeping. Some cruise lines lend these steamers out to passengers for a limited time for you to use in your cabin.
Cruise Line Steamer Rules
Here are some rules for specific cruise lines when it comes to steamers.
Royal Caribbean International
Irons and steamers are prohibited items not allowed onto the ship under any circumstances.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line prohibits all electric and household appliances containing a heating element, including steamers. However, all Carnival ships provide facilities with ironing boards and irons so that you can still keep your clothes wrinkle-free.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises prohibits all items that generate heat or produce an open flame, which is what steamers fit under.
Disney Cruise Line
Steamers are prohibited on all Disney Cruises. However, they encourage passengers to take advantage of their full-service laundry service, with press-only service costing just half the price.
Alternatives to Steamers On Cruise Ships
While steamers are very useful, they aren’t the only way to keep your clothes wrinkle-free on your cruise. Check out these alternatives to steamers that you can use on your next cruise.
Irons
Although both are prohibited on cruise ships, even if your ship doesn’t have steamers, they may still have irons available to guests.
You have a couple of options for finding an iron on your cruise. Firstly, you can contact housekeeping or guest services and see if you can borrow an iron. Alternatively, some cruise ships have self-laundry service, and you can sometimes find irons in the laundry rooms.
Laundry Service
Another way to ensure your clothes are wrinkle-free is to take advantage of your cruise ship’s laundry service.
Many cruise ships offer wash and press services for a charge or complementarity if you’re part of their rewards programs. Depending on the cruise, this service can range from $3 to $10 per item, but the turnaround is usually quick, typically taking about 24 hours.
Wrinkle Release Spray
If you’re really a stickler for wrinkles and creases, you may want to bring onboard some wrinkle-release spray. These sprays continue to grow in popularity, as they allow you to remove wrinkles from your clothes without an iron or steamer. This is certainly a must-pack for every cruiser.
Hanging Clothes in the Bathroom While Taking a Shower
Even though you aren’t allowed a steamer on a cruise, that doesn’t mean you can’t create steam.
One old-school alternative to steaming your clothes is to hang them up in the bathroom while you take a shower. This is an effective trick to get rid of minor wrinkles. It also takes less time than steaming would, which leaves you with more time to enjoy your vacation!
Pack Better
Finally, you can eliminate the need for a steamer if you pack strategically. Steam, press, and fold your clothes before packing them in your suitcase. Be sure not to overpack, yet keep your clothes compact enough that they don’t shift around during the commute.
As soon as you get to your stateroom, hang up all of your clothes to prevent them from wrinkling throughout your trip.
FAQs
If your cruise ship does lend out steamers, you may be able to use one in your stateroom. However, they may also request that you use the steamer in their laundry facilities for safety reasons.
To access a steamer on a cruise, ask your housekeeper whether they can lend you one. They may direct you to guest services to actually gain access to a steamer. Some cruise lines may have steamers in their self-service laundry facilities if applicable, but it’s more common for these facilities to have irons instead.
The Verdict: Can I Bring a Steamer on a Cruise?
To recap, you cannot bring a steamer on a cruise for safety reasons. However, alternatives, such as borrowing a steamer from the ship or using self-service laundry facilities, may be available.
Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Provide Towels?
One of the best options you can take advantage of is packing clothes that don’t wrinkle easily. After all, you are on vacation, and the last thing you want to worry about is laundry!
