Does Explora Journeys Have Laundry Service? Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail
Does Explora Journeys Have Laundry Service? Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail
If you’re planning an upcoming sailing with Explora Journeys, one of the first practical questions that comes up—especially for longer itineraries—is simple: Does Explora Journeys offer laundry service?
The short answer is yes, Explora Journeys does provide laundry services onboard. But the full picture is much more nuanced, especially if you're comparing it to other luxury cruise lines, trying to pack strategically, or hoping to minimize add-on costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the laundry options available on Explora Journeys, how much they cost, which suite categories include complimentary laundry, whether self-service laundry rooms exist, and insider tips to make the most of what’s offered.
Let’s dive in.
What Laundry Services Does Explora Journeys Offer?
Explora Journeys positions itself as a luxury ocean experience, and its onboard services are consistent with that brand. The line offers professional laundry, pressing, and dry-cleaning services, with turnaround times varying based on the service level you choose.
Here’s what is currently offered onboard Explora I and Explora II:
1. Standard Laundry Service
Guests can send out clothing to be:
Washed
Dried
Folded or hung, depending on the item
Turnaround time is typically next-day, though during peak sea days it may be up to 48 hours.
2. Express Laundry Service
For guests who need an item cleaned urgently—perhaps right before a special dinner or event—there’s an expedited service with same-day or evening delivery.
This is priced higher than the regular service but is extremely convenient.
3. Pressing Services
If you unpack and find a shirt or dress with creases, you can request:
Per-piece pressing
Full outfit pressing
Pressing is usually faster than washing and can often be done within a few hours.
4. Dry-Cleaning
Delicate fabrics and special garments—such as cocktail dresses, gowns, jackets, and suits—can be dry-cleaned onboard.
Do Explora Journeys Ships Have Self-Service Laundry Rooms?
No.
Explora Journeys ships do not have self-service laundry rooms, meaning:
No self-service washers
No dryers
No ironing rooms
This is consistent with other ultra-luxury cruise lines (Four Seasons Yachts, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Silversea, Seabourn, etc.) that focus on providing a resort-style onboard experience.
Why No Laundry Rooms?
Explora Journeys emphasizes a resort-like ambiance, and laundry rooms disrupt the luxury experience. Additionally:
They increase noise and foot traffic
They reduce public space in already intimate ships
They require additional safety considerations
As a result, all guest laundry is handled by professional staff.
Is Laundry Complimentary on Explora Journeys?
Laundry is not automatically complimentary for all guests, but certain suite categories and loyalty tiers may receive it as part of their benefits package.
Explora Journeys uses a suite-based tier system, and currently:
Complimentary Laundry Is Included For:
Cocoon Residences
Retreat Residences
Occasionally: guests booking longer Grand Journeys or World Journey segments
Occasionally: promotional offers on select itineraries
If you are in one of the top suite categories, you will receive:
Unlimited laundry
Pressing
Dry-cleaning (on select itineraries and ships)
Guests staying in Ocean Terrace Suites and Ocean Penthouses typically do not receive complimentary laundry unless part of a promotional offer.
How Much Does Laundry Cost on Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys pricing can vary by itinerary, but the typical estimated pricing is:
Sample Laundry Price List
| Service | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| T-shirt | $4–$5 |
| Shorts | $4–$6 |
| Pants or Jeans | $6–$8 |
| Dress | $9–$12 |
| Button-down shirt | $5–$7 |
| Underwear | $2–$3 |
| Pajamas | $5–$6 |
| Socks | $1–$2 |
| Suit jacket | $10–$15 |
| Dress or formal attire (dry cleaning) | $12–$20 |
| Same-day express service | +50% surcharge |
Laundry bundles or “all-you-can-fill bags” are occasionally offered, but they are not regular policy as of 2025.
How Long Does Laundry Take on Explora Journeys?
Turnaround times depend on ship operations and how busy the sailing is.
Standard Turnaround
24 to 48 hours
Returned clean, folded or hung, and packaged
Express Laundry
Same day service
Clothing returned by evening if sent out before noon
Higher price surcharge
Pressing
Often returned within 4–6 hours
Ideal for clothing needed for dinner or special events
Tips to Maximize Laundry Efficiency on Explora Journeys
Laundry services on luxury ships can be costly, so here are practical strategies to save money, time, and packing space.
1. Pack Light but Smart
Explora Journeys has warm, breezy lifestyles onboard, and most guests wear:
Lightweight resort wear
Casual dresses
Blouses
Smart casual attire for evenings
Pack fabrics that wash well and don’t easily wrinkle, such as:
Linen blends
Performance fabrics
Knits
2. Consider a Travel Steamer
Since there are no ironing rooms available, a travel-sized, cruise-approved steamer is one of the best packing hacks.
Make sure it is:
Dual-voltage
Compact
Steam-only (no hot plate)
Approved for cruise safety guidelines
3. Ask About Promotional Offers
Some sailings—and certain travel partners—include:
Complimentary pressing on embarkation day
One free laundry bag per suite
Special laundry promotions on longer voyages
If you’re booking with a luxury travel advisor or preferred partner, always ask.
4. Send Laundry Early in the Cruise
Laundry tends to overwhelm the ship’s housekeeping team during:
Mid-cruise
Sea days
After long port days or excursions
Sending laundry early means faster turnaround and sometimes even better folding and presentation.
5. Use Laundry Service Strategically
Don’t send everything out. Prioritize:
Items you need for evening events
Heavier garments
Wrinkle-prone pieces
Anything delicate
For basics (like underwear, swimwear, or athletic gear), consider a quick in-cabin rinse on long trips.
6. Leverage Suite Category Benefits
If laundry is important and you’re already considering upgrading your suite, the difference between:
An Ocean Penthouse
A Cocoon or Retreat Residence
…can pay for itself quickly in laundry value alone on longer journeys.
7. Pack Reusable Laundry Bags
Explora provides laundry bags, but bringing your own:
Keeps clean items separate
Helps with organizing shore outfits
Makes it easier to track what you plan to send out
How Does Explora Journeys Compare to Other Luxury Cruise Lines?
If you’re evaluating Explora Journeys against competitors, here’s how its laundry approach stacks up.
Explora Journeys
No self-service laundry rooms
Professional laundry available
Complimentary only in top suites
Pricing slightly above mainstream lines but consistent with luxury brands
Silversea
Some ships have self-service laundry rooms
Complimentary laundry for upper suite categories
Basic pressing sometimes included
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
No laundry rooms
Paid laundry only unless you are in top suites
Seabourn
Laundry rooms available (depending on ship)
Complimentary laundry for top suite guests
Reasonable per-item rates
Regent Seven Seas
One of the most generous policies
Self-service laundry rooms
Complimentary laundry for many suite levels
Complimentary pressing on some itineraries
Four Seasons Yachts (upcoming)
Expected to follow Explora / Ritz-Carlton model
Likely no laundry rooms
Services provided by staff
Overall, Explora positions itself on the higher end of the luxury spectrum, making its laundry policy consistent with most similar ultra-luxury brands.
What Should You Pack Considering the Laundry Situation?
For a 7- to 14-night sailing on Explora Journeys, most guests find the perfect balance with:
Women
4–6 resort dresses
1–2 evening dresses or elegant outfits
2–3 swimwear pieces
1 light cardigan or wrap
3–5 tops
2–3 shorts or skirts
1–2 pairs of pants
1 event outfit (optional)
Men
3–4 polo shirts
3 casual shirts
1–2 dress shirts
2–3 shorts
2 pairs of pants
1 blazer or jacket
2–3 swim trunks
Light fabrics are key, since they dry quickly and need less maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Explora Journeys offer laundry packages?
Not regularly, but during repositioning cruises, world cruises, or special promotions, the line may offer:
All-you-can-fill laundry bags
One complimentary bag per suite
Discounted weekly plans
Ask your travel advisor to monitor promotions.
Is pressing included on embarkation day?
Sometimes, yes. Select itineraries offer complimentary pressing for one outfit per guest on the first day.
Can laundry be returned on hangers?
Yes—items are returned either:
Ironed and hung
Folded and packaged
You can specify your preference.
Are detergents safe for sensitive skin?
Explora uses high-quality commercial detergents. If you have allergies, request:
Hypoallergenic detergent options
Gentle washing cycles
Can I wash delicate fabrics?
Yes. Anything that requires special care should be labeled accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Does Explora Journeys Have Laundry Service?
Yes—Explora Journeys offers professional laundry, pressing, and dry-cleaning services, but no self-service laundry rooms. Laundry is complimentary only for select premium suite categories, while most guests pay per item. Turnaround times are generally fast, and the service is consistent with the line’s luxury positioning.
If you're planning a multi-week itinerary, set your expectations and budget accordingly. And if you prefer not to deal with laundry costs at all, upgrading to a higher suite category may be the easiest way to secure complimentary service.
