Royal Caribbean does not have self service laundry rooms on its ships, so guests cannot use washers and dryers the way they might in a hotel or on some other cruise lines. There are no public laundry spaces where you can wash or dry clothes on your own, and there are no coin operated machines available for passengers. If you are used to doing a quick load midway through a vacation, this may be a noticeable difference when cruising with Royal Caribbean.
Instead, Royal Caribbean offers paid laundry services that work more like dry cleaning or hotel laundry. You can put dirty clothes in a bag provided in your stateroom and select from wash and fold, press only, or dry cleaning style services. Prices are charged per item and can vary by ship and itinerary. Common items such as shirts, shorts, socks, and underwear have set prices, and more formal clothing such as dresses and jackets cost more. Clothing is usually picked up by your cabin steward and returned to your room the next day, although same day service can sometimes be requested for a higher fee.
Royal Caribbean also occasionally offers wash and fold specials, usually on longer sailings. These deals allow you to fill a bag with as many lightweight items as will fit for a flat fee. Many frequent cruisers wait for this offer because it is cheaper than paying per item, especially if you are washing basics like t shirts, underwear, swimsuits, and gym clothing. If you plan to travel with a small suitcase, the wash and fold special can help you stretch your wardrobe without overpacking.
Since self service laundry is not available, planning ahead can make your trip easier. Some travelers bring a small amount of detergent and wash quick dry items in the bathroom sink. Others pack lightweight clothing that can be rinsed and hung to dry overnight. A collapsible drying line or a few clothespins can be helpful for swimsuits or workout clothes. Cruise cabins often have small retractable clotheslines in the shower, but space is limited, so sink washing works best for only a few things at a time.
If you are cruising with children, packing extra outfits can help avoid laundry costs. Between pool time, sandy beach days, ice cream drips, and dinner outfits, kids often go through clothing quickly. For adults, packing items that mix and match, or wearing outfits twice, can keep luggage manageable. The climate in the Caribbean tends to be warm and casual, so re wearing clothing is common and not a big concern.
Overall, Royal Caribbean does provide laundry services, but they are paid conveniences rather than self use facilities. If you want the convenience of clean clothes midway through your cruise, you will need to either budget for laundry service or plan to do small sink washes. With a little planning, most travelers can manage without needing a large amount of laundry, but families and long term cruisers often appreciate the option.
