Pressing (Clothing) Charges

[ballgown1]

Hi!

I have seen many posts on laundry fees. Does anyone know what the real (i.e., the ship answer, as opposed to the customer service answer :)) is to the following question(s):

What is the charge for flat rate PRESSING (not laundry and not drycleaning and laundry) on HAL ships? Is that rate per person or per cabin?

Thanks!:D

[DutchByAssociation]

Hi!

I have seen many posts on laundry fees. Does anyone know what the real (i.e., the ship answer, as opposed to the customer service answer :)) is to the following question(s):

What is the charge for flat rate PRESSING (not laundry and not drycleaning and laundry) on HAL ships? Is that rate per person or per cabin?

Thanks!:D

The charge is per item

[ballgown1]

The charge is per item

Are you sure? I saw an old printed price list that has a flat fee on it. Please see the bottom of the price list.

Have they done away with the flat fee? I was hoping not and that it had not increased. Also, there has been a discrepancy about per person charges when you talk to customer service versus per cabin charges when you actually get on the ship (charges that relate to the flate fee rate for laundry). I was not sure if there is the same discrepancy with pressed clothing.

Edit: I tried to upload a pic I found. I don't see it, I don't think. Let me try again.

[ballgown1]

Drycleaning List 2008.jpg (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=161880&stc=1&d=1278854980)

I am trying again to upload this pic. I don't know if it is showing up or not.

[Mary Ellen]

The charge is per itemHas this changed recently? I know on our past cruises there was an option for unlimited pressing. Sorry, Ballgown. We've never used the 'pressing only' so I don't remember the cost, only that it was an option.

[ballgown1]

Has this changed recently? I know on our past cruises there was an option for unlimited pressing.


Mary Ellen, I am a new cruiser, so I have no personal knowledge, but I found a price list that I just uploaded from someone that cruised in 2008 and it shows a flat fee. Do you know if this is per person or per cabin?

[Mary Ellen]

We've always been charged per cabin, not per person.

[ballgown1]

We've always been charged per cabin, not per person.

Thanks! Then, let me ask you this, please: Did you request this service and pay for this prior to boarding the ship or did you wait? The reason I ask is because it seems that the customer service people are saying one thing and the ship is saying something else regarding a lot of things, including LAUNDRY and maybe the pressing, too. I didn't want to call in and request this (we are budgeting, so I wanted to know exactly what I am spending) and pay for pressing for two people when, when I get on the ship, I can pay just the one fee (whatever it is) and have unlimited pressing for all of us.

[Mary Ellen]

We've never pre-paid (other than when we booked a suite that had laundry services included, but that is something else). What I've done is when sending out laundry (when not in a suite), is just checking the box at the top for the unlimited laundry (if using that or the one for all-you-can-cram bag). I know some have said they go to the Front Desk and sign up for the service, but we've never done that. I would check the information you are given when checking in as there is usually something there about the unlimited service.

I must say that we've never had a problem with wrinkled clothing when we've unpacked. Any wrinkles that we've had, have easily come out by hanging the garment in the steamy bathroom for a bit. You may not need the service for more than a few items anyway.

Do save your copy of the laundry slip and the one you receive back with your items. One time our final bill had a charge of over $70 for a $20 all-you-can-cram bag. I had to go to the Front Desk (more than once) to straighten that out. If I hadn't had documentation....

[ballgown1]

We've never pre-paid (other than when we booked a suite that had laundry services included, but that is something else). What I've done is when sending out laundry (when not in a suite), is just checking the box at the top for the unlimited laundry (if using that or the one for all-you-can-cram bag). I know some have said they go to the Front Desk and sign up for the service, but we've never done that. I would check the information you are given when checking in as there is usually something there about the unlimited service.

I must say that we've never had a problem with wrinkled clothing when we've unpacked. Any wrinkles that we've had, have easily come out by hanging the garment in the steamy bathroom for a bit. You may not need the service for more than a few items anyway.

Do save your copy of the laundry slip and the one you receive back with your items. One time our final bill had a charge of over $70 for a $20 all-you-can-cram bag. I had to go to the Front Desk (more than once) to straighten that out. If I hadn't had documentation....

Thanks for the heads up about the documentation.

I am concerned about my son's tux and pants getting wrinkled and my husband's formal suit getting wrinkled. My son is also bringing some collared shirts that may wrinkle, as well as my husband.

[maxout]

The unlimited pressing per cabin was $29 for our last 7 day cruise.

[ballgown1]

The unlimited pressing per cabin was $29 for our last 7 day cruise.

Thank you! I may be inclined to use it, then :D.

[cruiznLYNN]

Thank you, maxout, for this info and thanks, ballgown1 for posting this question. I'm going on my first cruise on July 25th (Oosterdam to Alaska) and been having packing dilemmas.

Lynn

[ballgown1]

Thank you, maxout, for this info and thanks, ballgown1 for posting this question. I'm going on my first cruise on July 25th (Oosterdam to Alaska) and been having packing dilemmas.

Lynn

I'm glad we both know now :D.

Hey, you are taking the same cruise as we are, but two weeks before us. This is our first cruise, too. I think the week after yours it will be a Twilight group on the cruise.

Please let me know how it went for you.

[DutchByAssociation]

Has this changed recently? I know on our past cruises there was an option for unlimited pressing. Sorry, Ballgown. We've never used the 'pressing only' so I don't remember the cost, only that it was an option.

There is an unlimited pressing package. I read the inquiry though as what is the price "for pressing" not for "unlimited pressing"

And if you want things pressed, but not an "all you can press" package, the rates are per item. Sorry for any confusion, I answered the question based on the way I interpretted the inquiry

[serendipity1499]

Thanks for the heads up about the documentation.

I am concerned about my son's tux and pants getting wrinkled and my husband's formal suit getting wrinkled. My son is also bringing some collared shirts that may wrinkle, as well as my husband.

I've traveled all my life for business & pleasure & take lots of clothes & shoes..;)

My Husbands TUX never wrinkles...He could even roll it into a ball & it would not wrinkle...However we have a rolling garment bag..I hang his pressed shirts sometimes 2-3 together in the bag with pants under them..Just put the sleeves inside one another..Both of DH's formal shirts go under his TUX ..the sleeves are insertedinto each other & then both shirts sleeves go into the sleeves of his TUX ... Do the same with my outfits, & rarely need to have anything pressed..If they are slightly wrinkled, we hang them in the shower & use "Downey Wrinkle Release" if need be..You can get that in Target or your local Supermarket..

Make sure you cross pack so that some of each persons things are in all your suitcases..If one goes missing , each of you will still have clothes in the other two..

Many of my things can be rolled & go into the bottom of the suitcase with shoes, socks & underware. for both of us.....When I pack DH's & my slacks in a regular suitcase I pack two or three pair together...Place three pair not folded in the luggage & put tissue between all three..Then place a paper towel roller in the crease & fold the three pairs together..Never a problem..I pack DH's shirts on top of everything again together & try not to fold them except at the sleeves where we insert tissue paper...Alternate the neck s of the shirts from one side to the other..I use lots of tissue & throw it all out when we repack to disembark if we don't need it to wrap our souvenirs & gifts etc..

Just remember your fellow passengers couldn't care less if your DH & Son happen to have a wrinkle in their shirts..They are all in the same "boat" err "ship" ..No need to worry about a few wrinkles, just go & enjoy your cruise..

Cheers.....:)Betty

[Typhoon1]

Unlimited pressing on a Seven day cruise is $35.00. Unlimited laundry an additional $45.00.

[northernphoenix]

What a great idea! Packing is my passion. We are in a deluxe suite for the Baltic; but are still attempting to be effective in packing. We have only one 50lb. suitcase to satisfy our packing.

thanks,
Marilyn

[JORAY]

Following was from Seattle this year 2010

Ray
------------------------------------------------------------
The laundry and pressing package will be offered to all guests the day after the first formal night, not on embarkation day. PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE DRY CLEANING.

UNLIMITED LAUNDRY:
Pricing for unlimited Laundry is:
- 7-day itinerary $45.00 with no limit
- 10-day itinerary $70.00 with no limit
- 14-16 day itinerary $95.00 with no limit
- 17-21 day itinerary $120.00 with no limit
HOLIDAY SAILING LAUNDRY PACKAGE:

Pricing during Holiday sailings only:
- 7-day itinerary, $50.00 with a limit of 75 items.
- 10-day itinerary, $75.00 with a limit of 100 items
- 14-16 day itinerary $99.00 with no limit
- 17-21 day itinerary $125.00 with no limit

PRESSING:
Unlimited "Pressing Only" is $30.00 for any itinerary except cruises longer than 21 days. For cruises longer than 21 days, add $5 for every additional week beyond 21 days.

Laundry by the Bag:
For a flat fee of $20.00, guest can launder as many items as they can fit inside one Holland America laundry bag. This offer does not include dry cleaning. Requires 48 hours for the processing and the return. This offer is valid until 2 days before the end of the of the cruise.

[ballgown1]

There is an unlimited pressing package. I read the inquiry though as what is the price "for pressing" not for "unlimited pressing"

And if you want things pressed, but not an "all you can press" package, the rates are per item. Sorry for any confusion, I answered the question based on the way I interpretted the inquiry

I wasn't clear. My apologies.:D

[ballgown1]

I've traveled all my life for business & pleasure & take lots of clothes & shoes..;)

My Husbands TUX never wrinkles...He could even roll it into a ball & it would not wrinkle...However we have a rolling garment bag..I hang his pressed shirts sometimes 2-3 together in the bag with pants under them..Just put the sleeves inside one another..Both of DH's formal shirts go under his TUX ..the sleeves are insertedinto each other & then both shirts sleeves go into the sleeves of his TUX ... Do the same with my outfits, & rarely need to have anything pressed..If they are slightly wrinkled, we hang them in the shower & use "Downey Wrinkle Release" if need be..You can get that in Target or your local Supermarket..

Make sure you cross pack so that some of each persons things are in all your suitcases..If one goes missing , each of you will still have clothes in the other two..

Many of my things can be rolled & go into the bottom of the suitcase with shoes, socks & underware. for both of us.....When I pack DH's & my slacks in a regular suitcase I pack two or three pair together...Place three pair not folded in the luggage & put tissue between all three..Then place a paper towel roller in the crease & fold the three pairs together..Never a problem..I pack DH's shirts on top of everything again together & try not to fold them except at the sleeves where we insert tissue paper...Alternate the neck s of the shirts from one side to the other..I use lots of tissue & throw it all out when we repack to disembark if we don't need it to wrap our souvenirs & gifts etc..

Just remember your fellow passengers couldn't care less if your DH & Son happen to have a wrinkle in their shirts..They are all in the same "boat" err "ship" ..No need to worry about a few wrinkles, just go & enjoy your cruise..

Cheers.....:)Betty

Wow! Thanks for all this good info. I can solve quadratic equations, conjugate verbs in Spanish and Greek, but don't know how to hang a shirt up or pack a suitcase :D! Seriously :). I am going to print your post out and re-read it so that I can follow your example ;). Thanks!

[ballgown1]

Following was from Seattle this year 2010

Ray
------------------------------------------------------------
The laundry and pressing package will be offered to all guests the day after the first formal night, not on embarkation day. PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE DRY CLEANING.

UNLIMITED LAUNDRY:
Pricing for unlimited Laundry is:
- 7-day itinerary $45.00 with no limit
- 10-day itinerary $70.00 with no limit
- 14-16 day itinerary $95.00 with no limit
- 17-21 day itinerary $120.00 with no limit
HOLIDAY SAILING LAUNDRY PACKAGE:

Pricing during Holiday sailings only:
- 7-day itinerary, $50.00 with a limit of 75 items.
- 10-day itinerary, $75.00 with a limit of 100 items
- 14-16 day itinerary $99.00 with no limit
- 17-21 day itinerary $125.00 with no limit

PRESSING:
Unlimited "Pressing Only" is $30.00 for any itinerary except cruises longer than 21 days. For cruises longer than 21 days, add $5 for every additional week beyond 21 days.

Laundry by the Bag:
For a flat fee of $20.00, guest can launder as many items as they can fit inside one Holland America laundry bag. This offer does not include dry cleaning. Requires 48 hours for the processing and the return. This offer is valid until 2 days before the end of the of the cruise.

Thanks, Ray! I hate that you can't take advantage of it until after the first formal night. That's when I need it the most :D.

[ballgown1]

I've traveled all my life for business & pleasure & take lots of clothes & shoes..;)

My Husbands TUX never wrinkles...He could even roll it into a ball & it would not wrinkle...However we have a rolling garment bag..I hang his pressed shirts sometimes 2-3 together in the bag with pants under them..Just put the sleeves inside one another..Both of DH's formal shirts go under his TUX ..the sleeves are insertedinto each other & then both shirts sleeves go into the sleeves of his TUX ... Do the same with my outfits, & rarely need to have anything pressed..If they are slightly wrinkled, we hang them in the shower & use "Downey Wrinkle Release" if need be..You can get that in Target or your local Supermarket..

Make sure you cross pack so that some of each persons things are in all your suitcases..If one goes missing , each of you will still have clothes in the other two..

Many of my things can be rolled & go into the bottom of the suitcase with shoes, socks & underware. for both of us.....When I pack DH's & my slacks in a regular suitcase I pack two or three pair together...Place three pair not folded in the luggage & put tissue between all three..Then place a paper towel roller in the crease & fold the three pairs together..Never a problem..I pack DH's shirts on top of everything again together & try not to fold them except at the sleeves where we insert tissue paper...Alternate the neck s of the shirts from one side to the other..I use lots of tissue & throw it all out when we repack to disembark if we don't need it to wrap our souvenirs & gifts etc..

Just remember your fellow passengers couldn't care less if your DH & Son happen to have a wrinkle in their shirts..They are all in the same "boat" err "ship" ..No need to worry about a few wrinkles, just go & enjoy your cruise..

Cheers.....:)Betty

Taking your advice, I hunted for a bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser. And, when I say hunted, that's what it was. I live down the street (in one direction) from a Target; I called and they did not have it. I live down the street (in another direction) from a Wal-Mart. They did not have it. I got online on the Downy website and read comments: sure enough people in Texas and in other places are having a hard time finding it. I did a search on Wal-Mart.com and saw that there were seven possible stores in "my area" (not really) that might have it. I called two of them and they did not. One did but it was farther than I wanted to drive for it. As it turned out, my local Kroger grocery store had it.

I am wondering if the newly designed bottle has anything to do with the lack of availability. It no longer comes in travel size, but now comes in a 16.9 oz bottle and a 33 oz. bottle. Plus, the label and color of the bottle are different, etc.

I am going to get some empty pump bottles and fill up about two or three of them with it.

Thanks so much for the information :D.