Packing for a cruise is exciting—sunshine, ports, gourmet food, and the promise of stress-free travel. But as soon as clothes are neatly laid in a suitcase, an instant question hits almost every traveler:

Can you bring an iron on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

The short answer is No—Royal Caribbean does not allow travel irons or regular household irons on board. They are considered fire hazards, one of the strictest safety risks at sea. Cruise ships enforce strict rules to prevent onboard fire, and personal irons fall directly under prohibited items.

But that doesn't mean you must walk around with wrinkled shirts, creased dresses, or crushed formal attire. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—why irons are banned, what alternatives exist, what you can bring, and how to stay wrinkle-free without packing heat-producing devices.

This 3000-word article serves as a complete traveler reference—ideal whether you're sailing for a vacation, wedding, corporate trip, or first-time cruise.

Why irons are not allowed on Royal Caribbean

Fire is the most serious emergency at sea. A simple short circuit or unattended hot device could put thousands of guests at risk. Royal Caribbean prioritizes fire prevention by banning personal heat-generating appliances.

Royal Caribbean prohibits:

Prohibited ItemReason

Clothing ironshigh fire risk

Ironing boardsheat hazard + space

Hot platesopen heating element

Coil heatersspark danger

Personal steamers (in most cases)depends on ship policy—often confiscated

A stray spark or accidental tip-over could cause smoke or ignite material in small staterooms. Walls, bedding, curtains, and clothes are all flammable. Ship crews are trained in prevention first, not just response, so risk is eliminated at the source.

Are travel irons allowed if they are small?

Many assume a compact travel iron may be acceptable—but size doesn’t matter. Whether large or mini, irons are still banned.

No personal iron is permitted, including:

• pocket-size irons

• dual-voltage travel irons

• cordless irons

• folding handle irons

Even if you never plug them in—security may still confiscate them at embarkation.

Are clothes steamers allowed on Royal Caribbean?

This rule varies depending on ship, itinerary, and safety compliance. Historically, handheld garment steamers are usually not allowed, although some travelers report occasional leniency. Since steamers generate heat and mist, they fall into the same risk category.

Assume steamers are prohibited just like irons.

If you pack one in luggage:

PossibilityWhat happens

Accepted by port securityYou may keep it (not guaranteed)

Flagged at X-raySecurity may confiscate temporarily

Removed from luggageReturned at end of cruise

Because results vary, packing a steamer involves uncertainty. If wrinkle-removal is essential, better alternatives exist—covered later in this article.

What ironing alternatives are available onboard?

Even though irons aren’t allowed, Royal Caribbean provides multiple solutions so guests can maintain crisp, smooth clothing throughout the cruise.

1. Use the ship’s professional laundry & pressing services

Every Royal Caribbean ship offers laundering, dry cleaning, and pressing services. Clothes can be returned freshly cleaned, steamed, and folded. This is the most convenient option for formal nights or weddings.

Available services generally include:

• Press only

• Wash & press

• Dry cleaning

• Folded or hung return

Pricing varies by item. Shirts and dresses cost more; T-shirts, shorts less.

Typical pricing example (varies by ship):

GarmentEstimated Price

Formal gown pressing$7–$12

Men’s suit pressing$10–$15

Shirt pressing$2.50–$4.50

Pants pressing$3–$6

Same-day or overnight service is usually available for an additional fee. Useful during seven-night or longer itineraries.

2. Request an iron through onboard valet or laundry team

While guests cannot have an iron in their stateroom, crew-operated irons within laundry areas may be used for pressing services only by staff. You cannot borrow or use one personally, but you can request paid pressing.

This avoids risk, ensures safety compliance, and guarantees wrinkle-free clothing.

3. Pack wrinkle-release spray

A wrinkle-release spray is the most cruise-friendly solution. No heat, no safety risk, no confiscation.

Popular brands:

• Downy Wrinkle Releaser

• Faultless Magic Spray

• Bounce RapidTouch

• Febreze Fabric De-Crease Spray

Spray the garment, stretch lightly, let it hang—wrinkles fall away as it dries.

Passengers love this because it’s simple, cheap, and fully allowed.

4. Shower-Steam Method (Free DIY onboard trick)

Wrinkles often vanish using nothing more than hot shower steam.

How to do it:

1. Hang clothing in bathroom

2. Run hot shower for 5–10 minutes

3. Close door for steam buildup

4. Smooth fabric gently by hand

5. Let garment air-dry on hanger

This works best for polyester, cotton blends, shirts, sundresses, and even suit jackets. It may not fully remove deep creases, but it works for 80% of daywear.

5. Pack wrinkle-free clothing instead

Some fabrics wrinkle more easily than others. Choose wrinkle-resistant options:

✔ Knitwear✔ Jersey fabric✔ Wool or cashmere blends✔ Performance stretch fabrics✔ Polyester & spandex combination✔ Travel-wear brands like Columbia, Uniqlo, or Lululemon

Avoid heavy linen or 100% cotton for formal outfits unless planning to use laundry service.

6. Use packing cubes or rolling method to prevent wrinkles

Wrinkles often come from packing, not wearing. Smart packing reduces the need for ironing later.

Try:

• Rolling instead of folding

• Packing cubes

• Tissue paper between layers

• Garment bags for suits/dresses

Professional travelers roll everything—it minimizes lines and saves space.

7. Bring a portable wrinkle-removal board (non-heated)

Folding boards are allowed—they don’t produce heat. Use them to smooth clothes using manual pressure.

No fire risk, therefore safe for packing.

Frequently asked questions about irons on Royal Caribbean

Travelers often have similar concerns. Here are clear answers to the most common ones:

Can I request an iron from guest services?

No. Due to safety regulations, irons cannot be loaned or used in cabins. Only laundry staff may use irons in designated ship spaces.

Are there laundry rooms with irons for guests?

Unlike some cruise lines, Royal Caribbean does not provide self-service laundry rooms with irons or washers for guests.

Will my iron be confiscated if found during bag screening?

Yes. Irons are removed during security inspection and returned only at disembarkation.

Can I bring a garment steamer if I promise to use it safely?

Personal safety doesn’t override ship policy. If prohibited items are found, they are held for the duration of the cruise.

Are curling irons and hair straighteners allowed?

Yes—these are considered personal grooming devices and permitted.

Allowed:

• Hairdryers

• Curling irons

• Straighteners

• Hot air brushes

These should never be left unattended in staterooms.

What if I need wrinkle-free clothes for formal night?

Use ship laundry pressing, wrinkle-release spray, or shower steam technique. Many passengers prepare garments the night before formal events.

Final packing checklist for wrinkle-free cruise clothing

To keep luggage compliant and clothing crisp, here’s a perfect pre-boarding checklist.

Pack:

 wrinkle-release spray lightweight wrinkle-free outfits garment bag for dresses and suits folding board / packing cubes metal or velvet hangers shower steaming plan

Do NOT bring:

 clothing iron ironing board  garment steamer (likely prohibited) heating coil, plates, or any heating appliance

Following these ensures no delays or confiscation at security.

Conclusion: Irons are not allowed—but you can still stay wrinkle-free

Royal Caribbean prioritizes fire prevention and guest safety. For this reason, personal irons are prohibited on every ship, regardless of size, voltage, or usage intention. However, this doesn’t mean passengers are doomed to wrinkled wardrobe challenges.

With onboard pressing services, steam-release hacks, wrinkle sprays, and smart packing techniques, clothing can remain crisp and elegant for casual sea days or glamorous formal evenings.