Going on a cruise is definitely a fun way to spend a holiday. Cruising helps provide the perfect opportunity to de-stress, create new memories, and indulge in the experience of being on a giant being a floating resort. With endless dining options, entertainment, and shore excursion opportunities, it's no wonder so many are looking to cruise to escape their daily grind.

However, before packing your bags, it's essential to know the various rules and restrictions surrounding cruise travel. A common question asked by many is whether or not an iron can be taken on a cruise, and that's precisely what we're going to be discussing.

Can I Bring an Iron on a Cruise?

The short answer is no, you cannot take an iron or travel iron on a cruise ship. Most cruise lines prohibit irons due to potential fire hazards. Fires on cruises have devastating effects and can lead to loss of life or property damage. If caught bringing an iron on board, it will likely be confiscated. It's essential to read the cruise line's policies on prohibited items as they vary from company to company, but, irons, and other heating elements usually make the list of banned items.

A travel steamer is also banned on all cruise lines. The only exception is Virgin Voyages who will provide a steamer for you to use.

Do cruise ships have irons in the rooms?

No, you wont find any Irons in any cruise ship cabins. Due to the potential fire hazards associated with irons and the limited space in cabins, cruise lines have established policies to prohibit irons in individual rooms. The combination of heat, electricity, and cramped quarters poses a significant risk to both passengers and the ship itself. Instead, cruise ships often offer laundry services, which include ironing facilities. This helps maintain a safe environment onboard while still allowing guests to have their garments properly cared for.

Which cruise lines have Irons and Ironing Boards?

Some cruise ships have a self-serve laundry room where they provide a complimentary iron and ironing board for you to use. Ships that have ironing facilities are:

Carnival Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
American Cruise Lines
Azamara Club Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line
Holland America Line
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
Viking Ocean Cruises
P&O Cruises UK
P&O Cruises Australia

All other cruise ships and cruise lines do not have any free ironing services. The only alternative is to use a paid laundry service.

Paid ironing (pressing) service.

An alternative to free ironing is using the paid pressing service. All cruise ships offer this feature and prices vary depending on which cruise lines you are sailing on and what items you would like to press. As an example, the cost of a shirt or blouse costs around $1.50-$2.50 USD per item. This can get expensive when you have multiple items to press.

If you need to send items to the laundry on a cruise ship, most ships have an in-room laundry bag that you can just put your clothes in and leave outside your room.

pack wrinkle free — *Pack clothes so that they stay wrinkle-free*

Alternatives to Ironing on a cruise

Luckily, there are alternative options to ironing or paying for expensive laundry services onboard. These tips, tricks, and techniques will help you achieve a wrinkle-free wardrobe while enjoying your cruise vacation to the fullest.

Are you looking to save even money on a cruise, read our 30 money saving cruise tips.

Use wrinkle free spray as an alternative to Ironing

You can use wrinkle-reducing sprays that can be found in almost any retail store or online. These sprays help eliminate wrinkles from your clothes with ease without needing an iron. A top tip is to spray your clothes as you unpack and hang them. This allows time for the wrinkles to fall out.

Pack clothes so that they stay wrinkle-free

One solution would be to pack the items in a vacuum-sealed bag or not fold them tightly to prevent wrinkles. Rolling clothes can also be an effective way to save space and reduce wrinkles. This technique is especially useful if you're limited on luggage space as it allows you to fit more items into your suitcase while still ensuring that they stay wrinkle-free.

Choose wrinkle-proof clothing

Another way to avoid wrinkles is by packing wrinkle-proof clothing. Most fabrics that fall under this category are synthetics or blends such as polyester, nylon, spandex, and rayon. These materials are better at resisting wrinkles compared to natural fibers such as cotton or linen. With a variety of travel-friendly, wrinkle-resistant clothing, it may save you both time and money when it comes to ironing or paying for a pressing service.

Having a wrinkle-free vacation, without an iron, is entirely feasible. Knowing the rules and regulations of your chosen cruise line can save you time and money when it comes to pressing services and potential confiscation of forbidden items. Utilizing vacuum-sealed bags, wrinkle-free sprays, travel steamers, and wrinkle-proof clothing are all you need to have a stress-free trip, forgetting the need to iron your clothes. It's essential to conduct research before departing to make sure you're well equipped to handle potential issues that may arise during your cruise vacation.

Can You Bring an Iron on a Cruise? Rules, Restrictions, and Alternatives Explained