Do Cruise Ships Provide Hair Dryers in Cabins?

Planning a cruise vacation involves many decisions, from choosing the perfect itinerary to packing the right essentials. One common question travelers ask is whether they need to pack a hair dryer. 

Hair care is a priority for many cruisers, especially with the humid sea air and formal events on board. The good news is that most cruise ships provide hair dryers in their cabins, similar to standard hotel rooms. However, the quality, location, and functionality of these dryers vary. 

This article explores what to expect, where to find hair dryers, whether they meet your styling needs, and tips for ensuring your hair looks great at sea.  For additional information on what to bring read more here: What & HOW to Pack for a Cruise + Packing Checklist

Hair Dryers: A Standard Amenity on Cruise Ships

Most major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, and Celebrity, equip their staterooms with hair dryers. These are typically found in one of two locations within the cabin:

• Mounted on the Wall: Many cruise ships have wall-mounted hair dryers in the bathroom or near the vanity area. These units are compact, designed for safety, and often feature a short spiral cord to save space and prevent tripping hazards.
• Stored in a Drawer: Some cruise lines place portable hair dryers in the desk or vanity drawer. If you don’t see one immediately, check these areas before contacting the cabin steward.

For instance, Carnival’s newest ships, such as those in the Excel class, provide 1250-watt hair dryers tucked into the dressing area. Royal Caribbean often opts for wall-mounted units near the desk or mirror. 

Norwegian Cruise Line stands out by offering slightly more powerful models, sometimes up to 1800 watts, with adjustable heat and speed settings—a feature not commonly found in cruise-provided dryers. 

These variations reflect the cruise lines’ efforts to balance convenience, safety, and space efficiency in cabin design.

Exceptions to the Rule

While hair dryers are a standard feature, there are exceptions, particularly on older ships. For example, Carnival’s Ecstasy or Elation, which have older designs, may not include hair dryers in every cabin.

If you’re sailing on one of these vessels, don’t worry—loaner hair dryers are typically available. Simply ask your cabin steward, who can provide one from the ship’s supply, often stored on each deck for guest use.

Viking Cruises presents another unique case. Their prohibited items list bans most heat-producing devices, which can create confusion about hair dryers. However, Viking cabins generally include reliable 220-volt hair dryers, so guests are usually covered. 

Always check with your cruise line’s FAQ or guest services to confirm what’s available, especially if you’re sailing on an older vessel or a less conventional cruise line.

Quality Check: Are Cruise Ship Hair Dryers Up to Par?

Cruise ship hair dryers are functional but tend to be basic, comparable to those found in budget hotels. Most have a power range of 1100 to 1800 watts, offering low to medium heat settings. 

These are sufficient for quick drying, especially for travelers with short or fine hair. However, those with long, thick, or curly hair may find them underpowered. The dryers typically lack advanced features like cool-shot buttons, diffuser attachments, or multiple speed settings, limiting their styling capabilities.

Guest feedback on platforms like X highlights varied experiences. One cruiser praised Norwegian’s hair dryers as “surprisingly strong,” noting they handled thick hair well. 

In contrast, another described Carnival’s dryer as “a glorified fan,” struggling with longer locks. These mixed reviews underscore the importance of understanding your hair type and styling needs before relying solely on the ship’s equipment.

Can You Bring Your Own Hair Dryer?

Fortunately, all major cruise lines permit personal hair dryers, along with other grooming tools like curling irons and straighteners. Safety is a priority, so cruise lines enforce strict guidelines. 

Devices with damaged cords or extremely high wattage (over 2000 watts) may be flagged during security checks. To avoid issues, pack a compact, travel-friendly hair dryer, such as the Conair 1600W model with a folding handle. 

These are lightweight, space-efficient, and compatible with most cabin outlets, which are typically 110V for U.S.-based cruise lines and 220V for European lines.

Newer ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, have modernized cabins but may have finicky outlets that reject high-powered devices. Test your personal dryer early in the trip to ensure it works with the cabin’s electrical system. 

If you encounter issues, guest services or your cabin steward can often provide assistance or an alternative solution.

Why Hair Dryers Matter on a Cruise

A reliable hair dryer can significantly impact your cruise experience. Between swimming in the pool, exploring Humid ports of call of call, and dressing up for formal nights, maintaining your hair is key to feeling confident. 

Cruise lines recognize this, which is why hair dryers are now as standard as towels, soap, or shampoo in most cabins. For many travelers, a good hair day enhances the overall vacation vibe, whether you’re posing for photos on the deck or dining in the ship’s elegant restaurant.

However, if you’re particular about heat settings, need a diffuser for curly hair, or prefer a specific brand, bringing your own hair dryer ensures you’re not left wanting. This is especially true for those with complex styling routines or hair types that require more power or specialized attachments.

Pro Tips for Hair Care at Sea

To make the most of your hair care routine on a cruise, consider these practical tips:

• Confirm Amenities in Advance: Before packing, check your cruise line’s website or FAQ section to verify whether your ship provides hair dryers. Refurbished vessels often upgrade amenities, so newer or renovated ships are more likely to have reliable options.
• Plan for Limited Outlets: Cruise ship cabins are notorious for having few electrical outlets. Bring a cruise-approved, non-surge-protected power strip with USB ports to charge your phone and power your hair dryer or other devices simultaneously.
• Embrace Low-Maintenance Styles: Humid sea air can make styling challenging. Opt for chic, low-effort looks like braids, buns, or loose waves that don’t require extensive drying or heat styling.
• Pack Smart: If you bring your own dryer, choose a compact model to save suitcase space. Ensure it’s dual-voltage if you’re sailing on a European cruise line or visiting international ports.
• Test Equipment Early: Upon boarding, test the cabin’s hair dryer or your personal device to confirm it meets your needs. This allows time to request a loaner or troubleshoot outlet issues with the crew.

Hair Care Considerations for Different Cruise Activities

Cruise vacations involve diverse activities that can affect your hair care routine. For instance, days spent lounging by the pool or swimming in the ocean may leave your hair damp or tangled, requiring a quick dry before dinner. 

Excursions to tropical or humid destinations can cause frizz, making a reliable dryer or styling tool essential. Formal nights, where elegant attire and polished looks are the norm, often call for more sophisticated hairstyles, which may be difficult to achieve with a basic cruise ship dryer.

For cruisers with curly or textured hair, a personal diffuser attachment can make a significant difference in maintaining defined curls.

The Verdict: Rely on the Ship or Bring Your Own?

You can expect a hair dryer in your cruise cabin in most cases—about 9 out of 10 ships include them as a standard amenity. These dryers are practical for basic drying but may not satisfy those with specific styling needs or thicker hair types. 

If you’re a styling enthusiast or can’t risk a weak blowout, packing a compact, travel-friendly hair dryer from home is a smart move. This ensures you have the power and features you need to look your best.

Ultimately, a cruise is about feeling confident and enjoying every moment, from relaxing by the pool to dancing under the stars. Whether you rely on the ship’s hair dryer or bring your own, you’ll step off the gangway looking fabulous, ready to make unforgettable memories from bow to stern.