10 Onboard Costs Cruise Passengers Are Often Surprised By

9. Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services

Laundry services on cruise ships represent a necessary but expensive convenience that often surprises passengers, particularly those on longer voyages. Professional laundry service typically costs $3 to $8 per item, while dry cleaning can range from $8 to $25 per garment, making it one of the most expensive onboard services relative to land-based alternatives. A single load of laundry for a family can easily cost $50 to $100, which can be shocking for passengers accustomed to doing their own laundry at minimal cost. Some ships offer self-service laundromats, but these facilities often require special detergent purchases and can have long wait times during peak usage periods. The high cost of laundry services forces many passengers to overpack, bringing more clothing than necessary to avoid these charges, which can result in luggage fees and inconvenience. For longer cruises or passengers who prefer to pack light, laundry costs can become a significant ongoing expense throughout the voyage. The convenience of having laundry professionally cleaned and returned to the cabin is appealing, but the premium pricing makes it a luxury that many passengers find difficult to justify.