One difficulty with packing for your cruise vacation is knowing exactly what to expect to be provided in your stateroom. This will obviously vary a bit depending on which specific cruise line you are using. My advice is to contact your cruise line if you are really concerned about a specific amenity. But many major cruise lines are similar in what they provide. Do cruise ships provide things like hangers, irons, hair dryers and towels?
You can expect your cruise line to provide hangers and shower towels in your stateroom. Hair Dryers are also provided by most all cruise lines, and irons may be available upon request. Some cruise lines may have an on-board tailor who is willing to iron and prepare clothing before you wear it.
In this article let’s do a quick run-down of what you can generally expect to see in the stateroom of major cruise lines so that you have a better idea of what you might need to pack. Again, if you have a serious question regarding any of these items, it would be best to contact your specific cruise line – they should be able to answer any and all of your questions no matter how specific.
Cruise Ship Closets
Here is a list of what you can expect (or not expect) in your cruise ship closet:
Hangers – Like hotel rooms, cruise lines have hangers in their closets. Today, they are “built-in.” In other words, they unclip from a hanger on the closet rod. This prevents them from breaking or disappearing.
The initial number of hangers in your room will be small. This shouldn’t be a problem for you unless you plan to bring a large number of hangable items. In this case, you might need to speak to a steward to request additional hangers.
Closet Size – All room types on a cruise ship have closets. And while they are multi-purpose spaces, they do measure small. An average closet can measure six square feet at the low end.
The lack of size is made up by height and storage. These closets are used not only for the traveler’s items but also for lifejackets and other protective gear. The closet is also where the safe is located.
Dressers – Each room comes with a dresser. The location of the dresser depends on the size of the room. The smallest rooms have dresser space along the bulkhead (wall), under the bed, or in the closet. Larger staterooms have dresser units with several drawers.
No matter the size, you must consider how much to pack before your departure. By reviewing the cruise line’s information you should be able to have an idea of the amount of storage to expect. From this, you can determine what to pack and what to purchase while on the ship.
Irons – Cruise ship rooms usually do not offer irons or ironing boards among their supplies. Normally, these are found in the full-service laundry rooms. In addition, you may be able to get your items ironed if the ship has an onboard tailor.
Cruise Ship Bathrooms
Hair Dryers – Most of the newer and larger cruise ships provide wall-mounted hair dryers in their suites and staterooms. These feature multiple speeds and temperatures for all styles of hair. If not available, the steward should have some available to borrow.
Tubs/Showers – All staterooms feature showers. How big they are depends on the size of the bathroom itself. As for tubs — high-end suites normally have a tub or a whirlpool in addition to a shower. Some common staterooms may not have a tub. If this is a sticking point for you, you will want to call ahead and ask.
What these showers offer as far as shower heads and size will vary depending on price point and cruise line. Smaller units will feature standard shower heads while larger spaces might contain rainfall systems or multiple jets.
The same can be said for shelving. To maximize space, cruise lines provide soap and shampoo from wall dispensers. Those who want or need to use certain soaps or lotions may need to keep them outside of the shower depending on the amount and size of the shelves.
Towels – All cruise lines provide bath towels. In fact, that’s what the stewards normally use to create various animal creations during turndown service. Normally, they do not provide beach towels in the rooms. However, some cruise lines allow passengers to rent them out. Nevertheless, it’s best to review the cruise line information to determine if beach towels should be packed.
Cruise Ship In-Room Entertainment
TVs – Rooms of all sizes offer flat-screen televisions. Where it’s located and its measurements depend on the type of room. In many cases, the TV hangs from the wall so everyone can see it.
What is available to watch is limited. Some cruise lines allow you to rent movies from their onboard catalog. They also have channels that provide information on the ship itself, amenities, and destinations. Most cruise ships have satellite; however, the further they get out to sea, the fewer channels that are available.
Room Service – Not only do cruise ships have room service, but they also run the program 24 hours a day. This is for passengers who want to have a meal in their room or a snack after the ship’s late-night activities.
In addition to being available all day, the food ordered is part of a passenger’s all-inclusive meal program. Thus, anything ordered is free. However, passengers may not be able to order everything off the menu all day. For example, they might offer smaller meals or snacks during the late evening or early morning hours.