Wrinkles can make a stylish outfit look messy and unkempt. However, getting wrinkles out of clothes on a cruise ship isn't as easy as using your iron at home.
Cruises have strict fire-safety rules, meaning that heat-producing items, including steamers and irons, are banned from being brought onboard. Instead, passengers must rely on savvy hacks to keep clothes from looking sloppy.
I've tried many tried-and-true methods over the years, from hanging my dresses in the bathroom to strategically packing to prevent annoying creases before they form.
Here are some ideas on how to get wrinkles out of your clothes while at sea — and why you shouldn't try smuggling a steamer or iron on the ship.
You can't bring iron or steamers on a cruise
Steamers and irons are fire hazards; the high heat and electrical draw can overload cabin wiring or ignite flammable materials in confined areas. As such, they are banned by most mainstream cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
It's not smart to try and conceal prohibited items in your luggage, either. In fact, you shouldn't be surprised if you find your steamer or iron confiscated. If that happens, you'll have to visit the table of shame on disembarkation day before leaving the terminal.
Luckily, there are safe alternatives to keep your clothes wrinkle-free while on vacation.
Wrinkle-release spray
Although it's no substitute for traditional irons, a generous spritz of wrinkle-release spray will help remove the larger creases from your clothing.
Wrinkle-release spray works by using a combination of water and fabric softeners to relax the garment's fibers.
All you have to do is hang the clothing item in question, whether that's a t-shirt, sundress, or slacks, spray it until it's lightly damp, and gently tug the fabric with your hands.
Plus, many wrinkle-release sprays also have anti-static properties, which will help your clothes stay cling-free.
Travel-sized bottles are sold at retailers like Five Below, Target, Walmart, and more. You can also purchase it from Amazon — a convenient option for those who have one too many pre-cruise errands to cross off their list in time.
Use your bathroom as a steam room
My favorite, cost-effective method for eliminating pesky wrinkles from clothes on a cruise ship is by using the steam from the bathroom.
I'll hang the creased item in the bathroom while I'm showering, letting the warm steam relax the fibers naturally.
I'll then let the garment sit as I'm styling my hair or finishing my makeup. I've found that this works better than wrinkle-release spray. Plus, it does not cost anything!
If you're short on time, you can use a hair dryer for quick fixes. Lightly dampen the area of concern, then blow-dry the fabric. However, keep the dryer a few inches away so you don't damage the fabric or cause the dryer to overheat.
Send clothing out for pressing
Perhaps the most expensive option is to use the ship’s laundry and pressing services for an added fee. The crew members will professionally press shirts, dresses, slacks, and more, ensuring that you're picture-ready for formal night.
Pricing varies. However, you can generally expect shirts to cost around $2.00 each, dresses $7.00, long pants $4.00, and evening gowns $15.00. Note that these prices are for pressing only. Wash & press is more expensive.
Moreover, same-day service is available for an added cost. Otherwise, your items will be returned by 5:30 p.m. the following day.
Did you know that Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club cruisers get one complimentary bag of laundry on sailings of 5 nights or longer?
Top-tier passengers can use this perk to either have their wrinkled garments washed and dried early in the voyage or so they return home with less laundry.
That said, as soon as you reach Platinum status, you can save $5 off any dry cleaning or pressing order of $25 or more. It's not enough to book another cruise with, but every little bit adds up!
Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise
Use packing cubes
One of the easiest ways to get rid of wrinkles is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Although some fabrics are more prone to creases than others, using packing cubes to compress and organize your clothing helps minimize the chances of wrinkles.
Another advantage of packing cubes is that you can fit more into a smaller suitcase, eliminating the need to pay for checked baggage. Moreover, it's easy to unpack, as you can simply throw the packing cubes into drawers and on shelves.
If you don't have packing cubes, consider rolling your clothes before placing them in your suitcase. Rolling clothing helps keep fabrics smoother. However, you should still fold structured pieces, such as shirts and slacks, along the natural seams.
Read more: 115-item Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)
