A sixteen-day cruise, including three formal nights, requires strategic packing. In our case, it began a month before embarkation. The week before traveling, the suitcases were weighed many times. Three would provide plenty of space for necessities and souvenirs. With three days dedicated to laundry during our trip, laundry rotations work out just right. After all, we were taking 150 pounds of clothing and necessities. But even the best cruisers can’t outpack time.
The first laundry day was planned for the sixth day of the cruise, off the coast between Puerto Vallarta and Guatemala. By then, the two garbage bags I’d brought from home were fully separated into whites and colors. All systems were go, as I lugged the bags 1/2 of the length of the ship to the aft.
Cruise ship laundry rooms are very busy places. You just never know, after walking a football field carrying two bags of laundry, if you’ll find an open washer. It’s a crap shoot, so, I started early. Arriving promptly when open at 8 am, I found two empty washers. Score!
On our last cruise, the use of the washer, dryer, and detergent were free, a lovely situation. A bigger ship, there were 8 sets of washers and dryers. This ship was a little different. Five brand new Samsung dryers sat atop their washing partners. It was a great sign that they all worked. The token dispenser was another story. After a bit, I left two washing machines working, as the line continued to form out the door. $8 lighter, I’d be back in 27 minutes.
If you happen to be leaving on a cruise of your own, I have a suggestion. Pack the new sheets of detergent/softener. They may not work the best, but they beat the boxed powder sold by the cruise lines. I felt as if I was in a 1960’s commercial for laundry soap.
My second suggestion is this. Make NO eye contact with anyone in the laundry room. Don’t start any happy little discussions, because there will be someone there to ruin your moment of blissful domesticity. Some seasoned wench will bully the sweet 70-year-old who uses TWO machines at one time, considered a breach of laundry etiquette. (No one told me.) These people, usually women of a certain age, revel in their absolute and unspoken authority. Their word is law.
During our cruise, I’d experience the laundry room two more times. I learned that IF there is a chair when you enter this tiny little laundromat, sit in it. It won’t be there for more than a few minutes, so claim it. Sitting claims your machines, while standing invites chaos and help from strangers. It also allows time for premium people-watching and lesson-learning.
While watching, I discovered that people waste tons of time and energy by leaving their clothes in the dryer far longer than needed. After waiting 20 minutes for a dryer, the timer was down to minutes. The owner of the four items in the dryer returned. It was obvious this load had been dry for the previous 20 minutes, but no. She waited until the timer marched on to zero. DING (dong). Tip — Check your laundry partway through–they may dry earlier than the scheduled time.
Hours later, warm, clean clothes felt like a major win with a sense of accomplishment. Even after breaking the two-machine rule, everyone still smiled and wished me well as I left with my bags of fluffies.
Life on a cruise is magical in so many ways. But, laundry happens, even to the most seasoned passenger. And, just like every Friday morning, mine awaits today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more stories from the high seas.
