Royal Caribbean Announces Price Hike For Laundry Services, Frustrating Passengers: Here’s What You Need To Know

Beginning on November 10, 2025, Royal Caribbean guests aboard vessels such as the Oasis of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas, will be facing a drastic increase in laundry service charges. The cruise line has made the first five-year price increase for the service by raising the cost for the hugely valued Wash and Fold Laundry Special by 5 USD. The present price of a laundry bag has climbed to 39.99 USD, representing a 14 percent increase which averages out to 5 USD per bag. This price hike definitely will affect the segment of cruisers who consider laundry service as a basic necessity and those who are willing to spend a little extra for the sake of convenience during their holidays.

Rising Laundry Costs: What Does it Mean for Passengers?

For cruise travellers, laundry can be a convenient way to pack light or freshen up clothes during long voyages. Royal Caribbean’s new pricing structure makes it essential for guests to carefully consider the service before taking advantage of it. The service allows passengers to place as much clothing as possible into a bag and have it washed, folded, and returned within 24 hours.

While it’s a practical option for many, the price hike could make some passengers rethink their plans. Passengers may still be able to take advantage of pre-cruise sales offering discounts of up to 30 to 40 percent, but these specials are typically available only for a limited time and on select ships. However, with a rising demand for laundry services on these ships, Royal Caribbean’s decision to raise prices aligns with increasing operational costs, such as detergent and labour.

What’s Included in the Laundry Service?

The Wash and Fold Laundry Special provides guests with a paper bag to fill with smaller clothing items such as socks, swimwear, pyjamas and t-shirts. Passengers can fill the bag with as much clothing as possible, but the bag’s small size limits the quantity. Upon submitting the bag to the stateroom attendant, passengers are required to provide an itemised list of their items. This process ensures that there are no mix-ups or missing garments.

It’s important to note that laundry services are not responsible for alterations in colour or fabric damage, and delicate items such as eveningwear or anything with embellishments should be avoided. These items could require specialised care, which could incur additional fees.

Protocols Passengers Should Follow

Royal Caribbean has implemented a few important protocols regarding laundry services. First, guests cannot use self-service laundry rooms onboard, as the cruise line has cited safety concerns. Additionally, passengers are prohibited from bringing irons or steamers into their rooms, as these items could pose fire hazards and are typically confiscated by the ship’s crew. Laundry bags are also available for passengers who prefer to wash items on their own, but they are not meant for heavy-duty laundry needs.

The increase in laundry prices might impact passengers who were already considering bringing their own laundry detergent or washing clothes by hand. For those who prefer not to use the onboard service, Royal Caribbean encourages guests to pack enough clothing for the duration of the trip or rely on the laundry specials provided before embarkation.

Why the Price Increase Now?

Royal Caribbean’s decision to increase laundry prices comes after a period of stability in pricing. For at least five years, the price for a wash-and-fold laundry bag remained the same. However, as with many other sectors, rising costs, such as increases in labour and detergent expenses—have likely influenced the cruise line’s decision to raise the prices. With laundry services becoming more popular, especially on longer sailings, the cruise line has opted to adjust prices to cover the increasing costs of maintaining the service.

Guests have expressed mixed reactions to the increase, with some feeling the higher costs are a natural part of inflationary trends, while others see it as another added cost to the already-expensive cruising experience. However, some guests may find this an opportunity to take advantage of pre-cruise specials or consider alternative options, such as packing fewer clothes or using other available services, such as hand washing their items.

Will the Price Increase Impact Cruise Tourism?

As laundry services on cruise ships continue to play an important role for passengers, the new price increase could have an impact on passenger satisfaction, particularly among those who rely on the service for convenience. While Royal Caribbean’s luxury offerings remain attractive, some guests might reconsider their need for laundry services as they look to manage expenses. Budget-conscious travellers may seek alternatives such as using personal laundry methods or simply packing more clothes to avoid the service altogether.

With the focus on offering exceptional services for tourists, cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, may need to strike a balance between providing convenience and managing operational costs. The recent increase in laundry prices represents just one of the ways cruise lines are adapting to rising expenses in the hospitality sector.

What Next?

The new pricing for laundry services on Royal Caribbean ships is a minor but noteworthy change for travelers. The increase might be noticed by the tourists, particularly those taking longer cruises or families travelling together. On one hand, the laundry service might be seen as a convenience by some, but on the other, others may choose to handle the laundry outside the ship to save cost. The cruise line business is adjusting to the operational cost increase and the cruisers have to evaluate the worth of these added services as well as their ways of keeping the costs down while cruising. It is up to the individual traveler’s pre-cruise sales or packing strategies to find various ways to handle the heightened laundry prices and still have a pleasant experience.

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