12 Most Overrated Cruise Add-Ons (And What to Book Instead)

7. Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services - The Clean Clothes Premium

Cruise ship laundry and dry cleaning services represent one of the most egregious examples of captive audience pricing, with cruise lines charging premium rates for basic services that passengers could easily handle themselves or obtain much more affordably on shore. These services typically charge $3-8 per item for basic washing and pressing, with dry cleaning costs reaching $15-25 per garment, making a simple load of laundry cost more than a specialty dinner. The quality of these services is often inconsistent, with clothes returned wrinkled, damaged, or with stains that weren't properly treated, and the turnaround time can be 2-3 days, which is impractical for week-long cruises. The pricing structure seems designed to discourage use while maximizing profit from passengers who have no alternative, particularly on longer cruises where clean clothes become essential. Instead of using ship laundry services, pack strategically with quick-dry fabrics, wrinkle-resistant clothing, and sufficient underwear and socks for the entire cruise. Bring travel-sized laundry detergent and wash small items in your cabin sink, using the bathroom as a drying area. Many ships offer self-service laundromats with washers and dryers that cost $3-5 per load, providing much better value than full-service options. For longer cruises, research laundromat locations in port cities where you can wash and dry clothes for fraction of ship prices while exploring local neighborhoods.