When packing for your first cruise, you might be uncertain about what you can and can’t bring. What is included in your cabin? What is allowed onboard, and what is prohibited? What can you find in the cruise ship’s onboard shops?
One question many first-time cruise passengers have is, do cruise ships provide towels? Towels take up a lot of space in your limited luggage, so you don’t want to pack some just to find that there will be fresh towels in your cabin waiting for you when you embark.
If you’re wondering whether you should pack a towel or gain extra space, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll learn whether cruise ships provide towels and how you can ensure that you always have a way to dry off during your trip.
In general, cruise ships provide all of the towels you need. This means that you don’t only get bath, hand, and face towels for your cabin, but you’ll also be provided with beach towels for both swimming in the pool and swimming on your beach day excursions offshore.
Photo Credit: vvoe / Shutterstock
Towels will be handed out to you when embarking on a port if requested. However, you are responsible for bringing the towel back onboard; if you don’t, you may be subject to a towel fee. For example, on a Royal Caribbean cruise, this unreturned towel fee is $25. For Carnival Cruise Line, it’s $24.95.
How Often Do You Get Fresh Towels?
Cruise ships provide you with fresh towels as often as you’d like. You can get fresh towels daily by placing your dirty ones in a pile. The housekeepers will replace them when they clean your room.
The same goes for a beach towel. You can hand in your wet or dirty towels for fresh ones as often as you’d like. However, suppose you want to be environmentally conscious and minimize the amount of laundry that needs to be done on the ship. In that case, you might consider using fewer towels and only seeking replacements when necessary.
Can You Purchase Towels On a Cruise Ship?
Sometimes, it’s nice just to have your own towel. So if you don’t want to grab a new towel every day, the question may not be “do cruise ships provide towels,” but whether or not you can buy a towel on your cruise ship.
For the most part, many cruise ships do sell towels in their shops. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, sells towels for $24.95 USD. The only issue is that the towel you purchase on a cruise ship may not be up to your standard.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
If, by chance, your cruise ship does not sell towels, you have other options. One fun idea is to purchase souvenir towels at the different ports your ship stops at, starting with the port of call.
There are several benefits to doing this: You don’t have to worry about packing towels, you get your own towel to use, and you get a fun souvenir to keep!
Other Towel Tips to Know
As mentioned, you must return your beach towels if you bring them ashore on your excursions, or else you may be subject to a towel fee. However, there are a few other essential towel tips to know.
If you do want to save your towel to use again, you’ll want to hang it to dry. However, it is prohibited to hang your towel off of your balcony. Not only will it likely just blow away, but it can also become a fire hazard. Make sure to hang them in your bathroom or cabin.
Chances are you’ll want to hang your towel off your chair while you lounge at the pool. If this is the case, you’ll want to secure it somehow. You can do so with towel clips that will prevent your towel from blowing away.
These clips are a great way to identify your towel, as cruise ship towels are often only one color for everyone, making it easy to lose track of yours.
Towels on Cruise Balcony (Photo Credit: tose / Shutterstock)
While towel clips are a great tool to have, they’re mainly used to identify your towel on your lounge chair, not to keep your lounge chair. You don’t want to get too comfortable with towel clips.
This means that if you plan on being away from your chair for a long time – say, to get lunch – you should remove your towel to allow others to sit. Limited lounge chairs are on the deck, and being a chair hog will not give you a good reputation on your ship.
Conclusion: You Can Leave Your Towel at Home
To conclude, do cruise ships provide towels? Yes, they do. On your cruise, you’ll have access to all the bath towels, washcloths, hand towels, and beach towels you need. You can even bring a beach towel with you on your beach day shore excursion!
So pack light for your cruise vacation, and make sure to use this extra room for souvenirs from the ports you’ll be stopping at!
Meyer Werft, the shipyard responsible for building the Carnival Jubilee, provided an update on the ship’s construction progress on February 14, 2023. The ship is the third Excel-class vessel in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet and is currently under construction in Papenburg, Germany.
According to the update, the construction of the Carnival Jubilee is progressing well, with the shipyard recently completing the installation of the last large block. The stern of the ship is now complete, marking a significant step towards the completion of the cruise ship. Meyer Werft is now focusing on the interior areas of the Carnival Jubilee.
Steady Progress for Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee is a 182,800-gross-ton cruise ship being built for Carnival Cruise Line at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Construction of the vessel began in March 2022, with the official cutting of the first steel. The keel was laid down in July 2022, and construction is progressing at an incredible speed.
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft (Photo Credit: Meyer Werft)
According to the update from Meyer Werft: “The Carnival Jubilee has reached another important milestone: The last large block has been put in place. Now the stern is also complete, and an important step towards the completion of the cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line has been taken.
“With a lot of commitment and shipbuilding passion, we are now concentrating on the work in the interior areas of the Carnival Jubilee because we are proud to build this great ship in Papenburg.”
The last large block has been placed, meaning the vast majority of metal works are now completed, and the ship now has much of what will be her final layout. Cruise ships are built in blocks to simplify the construction process.
Photo Courtesy: Meyer Werft
Large sections of the ship, such as cabins, engine rooms, and public areas, are built separately and then assembled together, like a giant Lego set, in a dry dock. This approach allows for more efficient construction.
The shipyard will now be able to start work on interior outfitting, including laying down vast amounts of cables, building up cabins, lying down carpeting, furnishing the vessel, and much more. However, a big part of that will not happen in Papenburg.
Ems River Passage
Carnival Jubilee will go through a few more steps than usual for other shipyards. Carnival Jubilee will sail from the Meyer Werft down the Ems river to Bremerhaven for her final outfitting.
Cruise ships are moved from the Papenburg shipyard to Bremerhaven for interior outfitting because Meyer Werft does not have a harbor that connects directly to the ocean. Instead, the shipyard is located on the Ems River, which is not deep enough to accommodate large ships at full capacity.
The Ems River has several bridges and locks that would need to be modified or removed to allow the passage of large fully-loaded cruise ships, which is not feasible. The transit is a complex and time-consuming process that requires the ship’s funnel and other structures to be removed and reattached.
Rendering Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Another reason is that the port facilities in Bremerhaven are better equipped to handle the outfitting and testing of large cruise ships. Bremerhaven has more extensive and more advanced shipyard facilities and deep-water berths that can accommodate the large draft of cruise ships.
This allows for easier and more efficient loading and unloading of materials and equipment and the safe and secure docking of the vessels during outfitting and testing.
Delay in delivery
Carnival Cruise Line announced in December last year that the delivery of Carnival Jubilee would be slightly delayed due to supply chain disruptions. The ship’s maiden voyage was originally scheduled to sail from Southampton in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2023.
However, all sailings from October 30, 2023, through and including December 16, 2023, sailing have been canceled. The new maiden voyage of Carnival Jubilee is now scheduled to sail from Galveston, Texas, on December 23, 2023.
The ship will be based year-round in Galveston and will operate seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean, departing every Saturday. The ports of call include Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Mahogany Bay on Isla Roatan, Honduras.
Carnival Jubilee will have the capacity to welcome 5,347 guests at double occupancy and as many as 6,631 guests when fully booked. She is the sister ship of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. The cruise ship will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which is considered cleaner than traditional marine fuels.
Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating love on Valentine’s Day with the cruise line’s largest-ever vow renewal at sea, taking place fleetwide with thousands of couples symbolically renewing their vows with Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal virtually officiating the ceremony.
The celebrations include onboard receptions and are a great way for cruise-loving couples to spend Valentine’s Day together, along with other onboard fun for February 14.
Onboard Renewals for All
Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to romance, and there is no better way to celebrate with your partner than renewing your vows and demonstrating that you remain committed together. Onboard Carnival cruise ships, guests have a fun opportunity to do just that in the cruise line’s largest-ever vow renewal ceremony on February 14, 2023.
The special onboard ceremonies are being virtually officiated by Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal via each ship’s big screen on deck, whether during a Fun Day at Sea or while docked in planned ports of call.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
After the vow renewal, onboard receptions are being held for all participating couples, with DJ music, dancing, and a champagne toast to celebrate every loving relationship.
Throughout the day, additional Valentine’s-themed activities are part of every ship’s schedule, including special trivia competitions, romantic Dive-In Movies for a great date night, or the ever fun and flirtatious Love & Marriage show.
Specialty dining reservations, decadent desserts, and sunset kisses out on deck are also sure to be popular with all couples on board.
Carnival Weddings and Vow Renewals
While the mass renewal is a fun and quirky event to celebrate Valentine’s Day, couples in love can turn to Carnival Cruise Line any day of the year to plan their special ceremony with an official wedding or personalized recommitment ceremony.
“Our wedding and vow renewal offerings are expansive, and our dedicated team of professional planners can help handle every detail with care, from the music and decor to the dessert,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Thousands of guests each year choose to say their “I dos” onboard Carnival ships through the cruise line’s Weddings by Carnival program, which offers a variety of packages for different group sizes, along with personalization options and extra luxury to make the couple’s day memorable for many happy anniversaries.
Private onboard venues, ceremony music, a honeymoon dinner, keepsake wedding certificate, shipboard decorations, photography services, and more are all part of the various packages. Different customization options include wedding cake flavors, entertainment choices, venue locations, and more, and a dedicated wedding planner will help every couple coordinate their special day to ensure everything is flawless.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Couples can even have different choices of where they wish to marry to help create their very best memories with those who matter most.
“Guests can choose ceremonies at sea, in port at beautiful destinations, or even at the ship’s homeport ahead of their cruise so friends and family who aren’t sailing can attend the event,”said Duffy.
Carnival even offers onboard engagement packages, private vow renewal ceremonies, and of course, honeymoon cruises, ensuring that couples can celebrate their love at sea in every way they desire, from the first moment they promise themselves to one another to their wedding, honeymoon, and many happy anniversaries to share in the years to come.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests aboard nine different sailings – three for Carnival Dream and six for Carnival Sunshine – with news of itinerary changes that include swapped ports, modified port times, and changes of port orders, but nothing has been said about why such changes are being made.
As the earliest impacted sailings are in November, booked guests have plenty of time to adjust their travel plans if preferred.
Itineraries Changed on Two Ships
A total of nine cruises with dates ranging from November 2023 through November 2024 are being altered, with sailings on both Carnival Dream and Carnival Sunshine affected.
For the applicable dates, Carnival Dream is sailing from Galveston, Texas, while Carnival Sunshine is homeported from Charleston, South Carolina.
Carnival Dream Itinerary Changes
Three 2023 sailings are being changed for the 128,250-gross ton Carnival Dream, one in November and two in December. All three impacted cruises are 8-night Eastern Caribbean voyages, and all are scheduled to call first on Key West, Florida, followed by Freeport in The Bahamas. All three cruises also have a call in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas.
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock
It is the third port of call that is being impacted, however, in the following ways (listed by 2023 departure date):
November 4 – Princess Cays is being replaced with Half Moon Cay
December 22 – Half Moon Cay is being replaced with Princess Cays
December 30 – Half Moon Cay also replaced with Princess Cays
Port times for the altered visits are also being slightly adjusted, though not significantly.
Both Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are private island destinations developed by Carnival Corporation for use by any of their vessels, and both offer a variety of watersports, beach activities, and other options for guests to enjoy.
Carnival Dream can welcome 3,646 guests, and is home to more than 1,300 international crew members who seek to provide excellent service on every sailing.
Carnival Sunshine Itinerary Changes
A total of six sailings for the 102,853-gross ton Carnival Sunshine are being adjusted, though somewhat more dramatically than the changes made for Carnival Dream.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Depending on the sailing date, private islands are being swapped, port times modified, and port orders reversed. The impacted cruises are all 5-night cruises to The Bahamas, with changes as follows (listed by departure date):
November 6, 2023 – Port order reversed, Half Moon Cay replaced with Bimini
November 11, 2023 – Port order reversed
February 3, 2024 – Port order reversed and Half Moon Cay replaced with Princess Cays
March 25, 2024 – Half Moon Cay replaced with Freeport
June 8, 2024 – Port order reversed, visiting Princess Cays instead of Half Moon Cay
November 9, 2024 – Replacing Princess Cays with Bimini
The port times are being “slightly” modified for all the adjusted sailings.
Carnival Sunshine is the first in her modified “Sunshine” class, having originally been Carnival Destiny before a massive refit in 2013 that gave her a completely new look and ultimately, a new name. The ship can welcome 3,000 guests for amazing, fun-filled vacations.
Why the Changes?
The itinerary change notice sent to affected guests gives no explanation about why these cruises have been adjusted, but it is not unusual for cruise lines to modify itineraries somewhat as schedules are refined in the months before sailing.
As the earliest modified cruise is still more than eight months away, booked guests have plenty of time to make adjustments to their travel plans or even change their sailing if they prefer.
“Thank you for your understanding,”the email reads.“We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a FUN and memorable cruise.”
It is possible that the cruise line is simply seeking to balance schedules in order to ensure the best possible experience for guests, especially at private islands where exclusive visits are often preferred to minimize crowding.
Port maintenance may also be a factor in the changes, though this is unlikely as the changes are so minor and visits to all the affected ports of call are continuing.
Windy weather and strong currents were enough to keep the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, from docking at CocoCay as planned on Monday, February 13, 2023.
Instead, the 236,857-gross-ton vessel will enjoy an extra day at sea as it makes its way to the next scheduled port of call, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
High winds in the area, however, made it impossible for the ship to safely dock, and after waiting several hours for the winds to subside, the decision was made to cancel the port of call altogether and the ship moved off.
At the time the Oasis-class cruise ship was to have been docking, winds around CocoCay were steady at 18 knots (20 miles per hour / 33 kilometers per hour), with gusts recorded up to 27 knots (31 mph / 50 kph).
Morning @RoyalCaribbean Wonder of the Seas Guests. Captain Rob is holding just off Cococay due to wind gusts and current just a little too high. Anticipating this drops slightly by 11am. So long as that happens, we can get in. If it doesn’t, we’ll make a great Sea Day for you. pic.twitter.com/1mzwpRJJXG
This is too dangerous for the ship to dock safely, as the movement of the vessel could cause gangway problems for guests and damage to the pier.
Rather than immediately cancel the visit, however, the ship’s captain opted to hold off just northwest of the island and wait to see if conditions improved.
While the overall wind speeds were falling throughout the morning, gusts still remained well over 20 knots (23 mph / 37 kph), and by 11 a.m. it was decided to move on with sea day plans.
Oasis-Class Cruise Ship At CocoCay (Photo Copyright: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
This is the safest decision, as even if the ship could dock safely, an unexpected wind gust could have very unsafe consequences, such as when an MSC Cruises ship recently broke free of its moorings due to high winds during a sudden squall.
Wonder of the Seas was the only ship scheduled for CocoCay on Monday, and there are no ships scheduled for visits on Tuesday, February 14.
Two vessels – Serenade of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas – are planned to be docked on Wednesday, and may be facing similarly high winds. Forecast predictions for Wednesday at CocoCay show sustained wind speeds of 14-16 knots (16-18 mph / 26-29 kph) with gusts as high as 22 knots (25 mph / 40 kph).
Of course, predictions can always change, and each ship’s captain will make whatever decisions are best for the safety of the vessel based on weather conditions at the time.
What to Do on Board?
With Wonder of the Seas now enjoying a sea day instead of a port visit, what can guests expect? Shore excursions booked for CocoCay will be refunded, and extra activities will be quickly added to the day’s schedule to give all guests more options for a fun day. Trivia contests, games, and live music are sure to be available throughout the day.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Furthermore, Wonder of the Seas has an amazing array of onboard activities to enjoy, from pools, whirlpools, and spa facilities to the ship’s rock climbing wall, the FlowRider surf simulator, the Wonder Dunes story-based miniature golf course, the Wonder Playscape for kids, and the Ultimate Abyss slide for those brave enough to plunge 10 stories down on the tallest slide at sea.
Bars and the casino will be open, and new shopping deals may be made available as well, along with fitness classes and much more for all ages to enjoy.
Winter Weather in The Bahamas
Winter weather can always involve strong winds in The Bahamas as storm systems move from the United States into the southeast Atlantic Ocean.
This is not the first time ships have cancelled calls to CocoCay or other private islands in The Bahamas because of unsafe conditions. Guests should always be prepared for weather-related itinerary changes.
High winds, tropical storms, severe waves, and other weather conditions can impact cruise ships sailing anywhere in the world at any time of year, and cruise travelers should always be flexible with their port expectations when poor weather interferes.
Carnival Elation, the oldest vessel still sailing for Carnival Cruise Line, has completed dry dock enhancements and returned to guest service with the line’s new signature red, white, and blue livery hull colors.
This refreshment gives the ship a beautiful new look that complements the new onboard enhancements and refreshments that guests sailing from Jacksonville, Florida, will enjoy.
Carnival Elation Receives New Livery
Carnival Elation, which first set sail for the cruise line in April 1998, has finished dry dock upgrades that include not only enhancements to public spaces and general refreshment, but most notably, the new livery colors with a sleek red, white, and blue hull.
The new colors first debuted with Mardi Gras when the Excel-class vessel joined the Fun Ship fleet in July 2021, and has gradually been rolled out to additional ships as they have undergone drydock upgrades.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Paradise, sister ship to Carnival Elation and the only other remaining Fantasy-class vessel in the fleet, received the new livery in October 2021, the eighth ship to sport the new colors.
The new, patriotic colors were carefully chosen by the cruise line to represent its position as “America’s Cruise Line” and coordinate with the classic red, white, and blue whale tale funnels that are instantly recognizable on all Carnival ships.
Additional Upgrades
The fresh, new hull is not the only upgrade Carnival Elation has received during the dry dock, which lasted from January 21 through February 10, 2023.
The most significant change to the ship’s public spaces is the rebranding of Spa Carnival to the more luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, which has included a full refreshment of spa spaces as well as the installation of new steam and sauna rooms, perfect to help guests relax and rejuvenate.
Other general hotel maintenance and cosmetic enhancements were also completed, such as routine painting, new flooring, and minor repairs as necessary.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Furthermore, several new accessibility features were added to allow more guests full access to the ship’s features. A pool lift was added to the Lido pool on deck 10, and ADA sections were added to pool bar counters.
Carnival Elation‘s last dry dock was in spring 2020, at which time other public spaces were rebranded to Carnival favorites, such as adding the JavaBlue Cafe, Cherry on Top, Alchemy Bar, and Bonsai Sushi Express venues to the ship, as well as adding additional staterooms in place of the Cole Port Club Lounge, which was relatively underused.
In total, the ship has received 10 dry dock renovations in her 25 years of service, ensuring that she always offers guests new and upgraded features, enjoyable spaces, and plenty of the cruise line’s signature fun.
Now Sailing From Jacksonville
Carnival Elation has now resumed passenger service from Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT), offering 4- and 5-night itineraries to The Bahamas. The first post-dry dock sailing departed on Saturday, February 11, 2023, a 5-night sailing.
The shorter cruises visit two ports of call, typically Freeport, Nassau, or Bimini, depending on the sailing date, with one Fun Day at Sea to enjoy all the 71,909-gross-ton ship has to offer.
The longer sailings are also visiting The Bahamas, but many of the 5-night sailings include Princess Cays on the itinerary – a private island destination for Carnival Corporation ships and a great way to enjoy the essence of the Caribbean in a more exclusive atmosphere.
Carnival Elation can welcome 2,190 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 2,697 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. Onboard, guests have 11 decks to explore, and 900 international crew members provide excellent service for every oceangoing getaway.
The popular port of Skagway, Alaska is hoping to have completed the emergency mitigation work to minimize the risk of rockslides near the critical White Pass Railroad Dock by the time the summer sailing season opens in April. This could help ensure cruise ships are able to safely dock, and bring a record number of passengers to the iconic destination.
Skagway Repairs on Schedule for Cruise Season
During the summer of 2022, the White Pass Railroad Dock in Skagway, Alaska – an important dock where the largest cruise ships can safely berth – was damaged by a number of rockslides from the steep adjacent slope. The dock was completely shut down for a time for emergency measures to be put in place, but more permanent slope rehabilitation is necessary to minimize additional rockslide risks.
Now, much of the preliminary work is completed and Skagway mayor Andrew Cremata is expecting a full season with potentially a record-breaking number of cruise passengers, according to the Skagway News.
“Anyone who knows me will tell you, I am not much of an optimist, but I am a realist,”Cremata said.“I firmly believe that we will host a record number of cruise passengers in 2023. If not, we will be close.”
Photo Credit: Mark Mitford
After the first rockslide on June 23, 2022, which caused minor damage to Discovery Princess, an environmental consulting firm was hired to thoroughly examine the slope and recommend mitigation measures and emergency procedures to safeguard cruise ships and guests on other parts of the dock.
Full, long-term measures to improve the slope’s safety are estimated to cost $40 million (USD). The town has has applied for emergency grants from the federal government to help fund these essential projects.
Now, emergency measures are complete, and a plan is in place for ships to safely dock in 2023. Larger vessels, such as Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakway-class vessels, will dock on the aft portion, but will use buses to move passengers off the pier.
“To achieve this, the rockslide area must meet highway rockfall safety standard,”explained Cremata.“Because the scaling is going so well, engineers believe this standard will be achieved.”
Photo Credit: Tim Mattison
Furthermore, Cremata explained that spotters will monitor the slope while buses are in use for an instant response if rock movement is detected.
“This is an extra safety protocol to ensure that passengers and dock workers aren’t at risk,”he said.
Ships docking on the forward portion of the dock will use tenders to move guests well out of the rockslide zone.
These two measures – buses and tendering – may slow down passenger movements slightly, and guests visiting Skagway should be patient as they move to and from their ships, understanding that these precautions are to ensure everyone’s safety.
Visiting Skagway
Skagway, located 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of the state’s capital, Juneau, is typically one of the most popular ports of call on Alaskan itineraries.
Nicknamed “Gateway to the Klondike,” the town of just 1,240 residents often hosts multiple cruise ships daily through the height of the summer cruise season, and is especially favored for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad excursion and other top tours, stunning vistas, and fantastic wildlife.
The quaint downtown area is also great for souvenir shopping with many local retail outlets, including the famous Klondike Doughboy with delicious cinnamon-sugar dusted “fry bread” that visitors line up for.
Despite lower-than-typical ship occupancy at the beginning of the cruise season, as well as the dock problems that caused several ships to miss Skagway as a port of call, Klondike Doughboy owner Rocky Outcalt said the 2022 season was exceptional, and is looking forward to an even better 2023.
“I’ve hired full staff,”he said.“The ship schedule looks good. I’m sure ships will be full.”
Alaska remains a top summer sailing destination for cruise travelers worldwide, and many cruise lines are planning very busy seasons for 2023 and 2024. Princess Cruises, for example, will deploy nearly half its fleet to Alaska in 2024, and bookings for that year have recently opened.
A wide variety of cruise lines call on Skagway, including Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Cunard Line, and more.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss is scheduled to be the first cruise ship to visit Skagway for the 2023 season, spending a long day in port from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, as part of a 7-night roundtrip sailing from Seattle that will also call on Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with time cruising through scenic Glacier Bay.
Packing for a cruise can be stressful, especially when you don’t know what to expect. For example, it’s difficult to gauge how many articles of clothing you should bring, and it can be even more confusing if you’re unfamiliar with how cruise ship laundry works.
Well, you’ve come to the right place to eliminate this confusion. This article explains everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry to help you pack and prepare for your upcoming trip.
Many cruise ships have self-service laundry facilities on each deck, including washing machines, dryers, ironing and detergent. Passengers can also use the ship’s valet laundry services for a fee, which includes washing, pressing and dry cleaning. Alternatively, guests can hand wash and dry within their cabin.
Wash and Press Services or Dry Cleaning
The first option is the cruise ship’s wash and press service and dry cleaning. Most cruise ships offer this service for a fee. The prices for this service vary by the cruise line as well as the article of clothing.
How it works is you put your dirty clothes in a laundry bag (that the ship supplies) for housekeeping to take when they clean your stateroom. You can often find the price list for this service hung up in the cabin closet. You should receive your clean clothes either at the end of the day or the next day.
For example, Royal Caribbean charges a fixed price of $34.99 per laundry bag for wash and fold laundry service, allowing you to fit as much as possible into the bag.
Norwegian Cruise Line Valet Laundry Service (Photo Credit: James R. Martin / Shutterstock)
The benefit of this service is that you don’t have to spend any time on vacation doing laundry, which is the last thing most people want to be doing.
However, this can be expensive. For example, Carnival Cruise Line charges $5 to wash and press a single shirt. While some cruise lines offer promotional rates if you’re part of their loyalty program, the service is generally quite pricey and best reserved if you have a formal outfit that you need to be pressed.
There can often be unlimited laundry for guests booked in a suite or at one of the highest loyalty levels. World Cruises can also be found to include these services due to the length of the voyage.
Moreover, cruise ships generally do not assume liability for damaged or lost clothing, so you’ll be using these services at your own risk.
Self-Service Laundry
Self-service laundry is a much more affordable option offered by some cruise ships. The laundry facilities on a cruise ship are similar to a laundromat and work the same way.
On some ships, there can be a laundry facility on each deck. Each one will include several washers, dryers, irons, ironing boards and laundry detergent machines.
Carnival Cruise Line Laundry Room (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
You’ll usually be charged by the load for these laundry rooms, using change or swiping your room card. For example, on Disney Cruise Line, you just swipe your Key to the World card. However, on higher-end luxury lines, self-service laundry is often complementary. Cunard is one of the cruise lines that offer complimentary laundry service.
You have to be careful when using the self-service laundry facilities as thousands of passengers are onboard and the washing machines are limited.
Try not to leave your clothes unattended too long, and if you are planning on returning once the washing is complete, make sure you return on time. When the self-service laundry rooms are busy, you might find another guest has already taken your wet clothes out of the washer and dumped them on the side.
Handwash Clothes in the Cabin
It might be better to stay away from the often busy laundry rooms onboard and, instead, get hands-on in the cabin. Passengers can use the sink in the room to handwash clothes.
With the sink being small, depending on the ship and type of cabin, using the shower to wash the clothes can also be a good option.
When it comes to drying the clothes in the cabin, cruise lines do not allow clothes to be put out on the balcony to dry. Also, many passengers may be in an inside or ocean-view room. Almost all cruise ships have a retractable clothesline in the shower, meaning the wet clothes can be hung on to dry.
There is even a way to get your clothes wrinkle-free in the cabin. You can look at getting a crease release spray, which won’t only take out the wrinkles, but also have your clothes smelling fresh.
And just in case you were thinking about it, cruise lines don’t allow guests to bring a clothes steamer onboard.
Can You Bring Your Own Laundry Detergent on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise ships do not have any restrictions on small liquids so that you can bring your own laundry detergent/washing powder and fabric softener. This is a great option if you’re allergic to specific detergents.
That said, this is an option if you want to wash only a couple of articles of clothing. It isn’t very efficient if you need to do your entire family’s laundry, and you may be better off using a self-service option.
Can You Bring an Iron on a Cruise?
The last thing to note about cruise ship laundry is that cabins do not come with irons, and you’re prohibited from bringing your own iron or steamer onboard. The reason is that irons are a fire hazard, and cruise ships try to minimize fire hazards as much as possible.
The good news is that some cruise lines offer irons in their laundry rooms, such as Cunard. For others, you can request an iron from guest services or housekeeping.
How to Iron Clothes on a Cruise?
There are several ways to iron clothes on a cruise ship, including using the ship’s valet laundry service, the provided self-service facilities and even your own way in the cabin.
the easiest is to get your clothes perfectly pressed using the ship’s laundry service, which will cost a fee unless you’re on a world cruise. You can leave your clothes with the laundry service card for your stateroom attendant to take away. Ships have dedicated staff at the bottom decks of the vessel, that use large pressing machines.
NCL Laundry Pressing (Photo Credit: James R. Martin / Shutterstock)
Another way is using the ship’s self-service facilities, which often include a pull-down ironing board and iron. These rooms are specially built, in case of a fire.
If doing your own clothes washing in the stateroom, you can hang the clothes in the bathroom using magnetic hooks while you take a shower. The steam will help get all those wrinkles out. Another solution is packing anti-crease spray.
Carnival Cruise Line Laundry Services
Each cruise line may offer slightly different options when it comes to cruise ship laundry. Carnival Cruise Line has self-service launderettes and valet service.
The self-service facilities are on each stateroom deck and each room includes two to three washers, two to three dryers and just a single ironing board with iron.
The price for using the self-service laundry is $3.50 per washer load and $3.50 per dryer load. There is also a vending machine where you can purchase detergent and softeners at $2.00 per box.
Carnival Cruise Line Self-Service Laundry
Carnival’s valet service is available on every ship in the fleet. Guests just need to make sure the clothes are handed in by 9:00 AM to make sure they are returned by 5:00 PM the following day. There is an express option with clothes coming back completed at 5:00 PM on the same day.
There can be specials on some sailings depending on the cruise length. For a wash and fold service on the same day, the typical price is $15.00 for one standard bag size of laundry. A press-only service for 12 items can cost $20.00.
It is important to know that the new Excel-class ships, including the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, do not have washers or dryers in the self-service launderettes.
Royal Caribbean Laundry Services
You might be surprised to know that Royal Caribbean does not have any self-service laundry facilities. The cruise line also does not provide any irons.
Instead, passengers will have to use the cruise line’s valet service, which is not included in the price of the cruise. There are special offers when it comes to cruise ship laundry, such as $34.99 for a small bag (provided by Royal Caribbean) of laundry. This will include the clothing being washed and folded.
Royal Caribbean Laundry Valet Price List
The price list per item will be found near the provided laundry bag, in the closet. For a wash and press, typical prices start from $1.99 for underwear and socks, $3.40 for t-shirts, all the way to $8.99 for a dress.
Norwegian Cruise Line Laundry Services
NCL doesn’t have any self-service laundry facilities onboard its ships. However, the cruise line does offer a valet service to guests for a fee. This includes washing, ironing and dry cleaning, starting from approximately $1.95 for small things such as underwear and socks all the way up to $20.00 for more important dress clothing.
Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock
For guests that are part of Norwegian’s Latitudes loyalty program, the valet service is a lot more beneficial. Gold members will get a 50% discount on one laundry bag (paper laundry bag provided by the cruise line). Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Ambassador members can have a free bag of laundry.
Alternatives to Cruise Ship Laundry
As mentioned, if you don’t want to pay to do your laundry on your cruise, you can also bring your own detergent and wash your clothes in your cabin. However, depending on your cruise length, you may want to pack enough clothes not to worry about laundry.
Many guests tend to overpack for their cruise anyway and don’t wear much of what they pack. If you pack with intention and plan out your outfits for each day, you can spend less time worrying about your clothes and more time enjoying your vacation.
Wrap-Up: Several Options for Cruise Ship Laundry
To recap, here are your options when it comes to cruise ship laundry:
Wash and press or dry cleaning service
Self-service laundry
Washing your clothes in your cabin
Packing enough in your suitcase not to have to do laundry
The option you choose depends on several factors, such as how light you want to pack for your vacation or whether or not you want to spend time doing laundry. Either way, check with your specific cruise line to ensure you know what laundry services are available to you if you need them.
Cruise ship documentaries have become increasingly popular over the years as the golden age of movies and TV has settled in. From Up the Yangtze to Back to the Titanic, these films cover a wide view of how cruise ships have fared on the open seas over time. Many cruise ship documentaries are now streaming on mainstream TV channels such as Peacock, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
While it’s tricky to pin down a list of the top five in this category, as they all have something to offer, the following are our top picks.
1. Back to the Titanic
Popularized in pop culture by the famous movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the Titanic – the ship that infamously went down on its maiden voyage from England to the US – has shown up throughout numerous books, movies, and documentaries. One documentary released in 2020, Back to the Titanic, produced by a National Geographic/Disney partnership, chronicles the first manned dives to the ship’s remnants in 15 years.
The film explores the findings of a team of oceanographic experts who captured the ship’s rate of decay. It’s a highly informative, exciting, and adventurous foray into a subject that has captivated audiences for decades.
2. Up the Yangtze
A 2008 Sundance Official Selection documentary, this film is set onboard a riverboat cruise ship sailing the Yangtze River in Hubei, China before the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.
It focuses on the lives of two crew members. One character, Cindy Yu Shui, is from a poor family who acclimatizes to the consumer economy – all with a foil effect as contrasted with her family, who is displaced from their rural life and moves to larger cities.
The other character, “Jerry” Chen Bo Yu, is from a more prosperous family and tries to establish himself and earn more money as an entertainer onboard the ship. This highly-acclaimed film won Best Documentary at the Vancouver International Film Festival and is available on Amazon Prime Video.
3. The Secret Life of the Cruise
This 2018 documentary, available on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and many other streaming channels, is about the MSC Seaside, one of the largest cruise ships in history. They call the ship “a floating city on the sea.”
The documentary gives you an insider’s view of how the ship works from the bottom up – how it’s powered, the innumerable jobs the staff all have to do simultaneously, and the guests’ experience day in and day out. Highly recommended.
4. Billion Pound Cruise Ship
This popular documentary is a mini-series on Channel 4 in the UK. The show goes behind the scenes on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas cruise ship, which at the time, was the world’s largest!
There are three episodes, with the first originally airing in October 2020. The series shows passengers enjoying all that the massive oasis-class ship has on offer and how the crew keeps it all running smoothly.
5. Mighty Cruise Ships
Aired on Discovery Channel in Canada in 2014, 2017, and 2019, this documentary is divided into episodes, each focusing on a single cruise ship in minute detail. With superb behind-the-scenes footage, Mighty Cruise Ships features such ships as the Celebrity Solstice, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, and many more.
Among the ship companies it covers are Viking and Azamara, as well as a couple others. It’s a fascinating and scrutinous look at what really goes on aboard these mighty ships that will surely incentivize passengers to plan a trip!
Conclusion
There are many ways to spend your leisure time and a nearly endless list of movies and TV shows to watch as they are in their golden age. If you’re heading on a cruise ship soon or are just fascinated by the inner machinations and goings-on that occur onboard, we suggest it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy one or two of these cruise ship documentaries.
We’ve provided a healthy mix of the old and the new here and go from romantic to disastrous to mysterious and other thematic elements in between. This list of top picks isn’t exhaustive, and we encourage you to do your own research to find out more about documentaries that suit your particular interests and curiosities.
All in all, this is a great place to start, and we hope it provides you with some quality entertainment. Check out more of our blog posts as well – they’re a gold mine of information about everything cruise ship-related.
