First-Time Cruisers

Do Cruise Ships Have Laundry and What Does It Cost

Published 26 May 2026 · 2 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

Quick answerMost cruise ships offer paid laundry service (typically $5-8 per item or a flat bag-rate option) and some offer self-service launderettes for a per-load fee, while most lines allow guests to bring a limited amount of wine or water aboard at embarkation, subject to specific per-person limits.

Two practical questions every first-timer eventually asks: how do you avoid packing three weeks of clothes for a ten-day trip, and what can you actually bring aboard yourself?

Laundry: making light packing possible

Full-service laundry (wash, dry, fold, sometimes pressing) typically costs $5-8 per item individually, which adds up fast — but most lines also offer a "fill the bag for a flat rate" deal, often $25-35 for as much as fits in a provided bag, dramatically better value for anyone doing a genuine laundry day mid-cruise. Some ships also offer self-service launderettes with washers and dryers for a modest per-load fee, ideal for budget-conscious travellers or longer sailings.

Packing for roughly four to five days and doing one laundry cycle mid-cruise, rather than packing for the full length, is the classic space-and-weight-saving strategy — particularly useful for fly-cruisers managing airline baggage limits.

The alcohol question

Most mainstream lines permit bringing a limited amount of wine aboard — commonly one or two bottles per stateroom, brought in carry-on rather than checked luggage — while beer and spirits are typically prohibited from self-carry, confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise if brought anyway. A corkage fee usually applies if you want to drink your own wine in the dining room or public areas, though it's typically waivable if consumed only in your cabin.

The water question

Bringing bottled water aboard is generally permitted and a popular way to avoid the cost of ship-sold water, particularly for guests who prefer not to drink tap water even though it's safe. Some lines set a reasonable per-person limit (a case or so); check your specific line's current policy since these details do change.

Checking your specific line's rules

Both alcohol and water allowances vary meaningfully between cruise lines and occasionally change — always check your specific line's current guest policies before packing, since arriving at the terminal with more than permitted typically means confiscation rather than a warning.

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Packing smart for a longer sailing

Between planned laundry days and knowing exactly what you can bring aboard, a week-plus cruise becomes considerably easier to pack for than first-timers usually assume — worth confirming your specific ship and line's current policies before you start filling a suitcase.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does laundry cost on a cruise ship?

Full-service laundry typically runs $5-8 per item, though many lines offer a discounted "fill the bag" flat-rate deal for a set price regardless of item count — self-service launderettes, where available, charge a modest per-load machine fee instead.

Can you bring your own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Most lines allow a limited amount — commonly one or two bottles of wine per stateroom at embarkation — while spirits and beer are typically prohibited from being brought aboard, subject to a corkage fee if opened outside your cabin.