Viking Jupiter Self Service Laundry

[Patches60]

We will have our first cruise ever on any ship. We will be travelling before and after it and will be taking minimal luggage. Does the self service laundry have soap powder provided? Is it free or do we need to take our own on board? Is there anything else that experienced cruise passengers can advise us we should take with us? How dressed up do we need to be for dinner? Any advice even minor will be useful to us newbies from New Zealand. 

[SrCruizer]

1 hour ago, Patches60 said:

We will have our first cruise ever on any ship. We will be travelling before and after it and will be taking minimal luggage. Does the self service laundry have soap powder provided? Is it free or do we need to take our own on board? Is there anything else that experienced cruise passengers can advise us we should take with us? How dressed up do we need to be for dinner? Any advice even minor will be useful to us newbies from New Zealand. 

Viking provides free laundry facilities which includes soap. The laundry room can get crowded so plan accordingly. Unless you are particular, your bathroom will be supplied with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion. Something we have enjoyed is the free spa facility so pack your swimsuit. A locker is provided that has slippers, a terry robe, and large towel. You can relax in the warm jetted pool or hot tub along with a steam sauna & ice room. All very Nordic inspired. As far as dress code for the various dining options, go to Vikings website and look under FAQ. It spells out their dress code for their dining venues. Even in their nicest dining rooms, The Restaurant, The Chef's Table, and Manfredi's, men do not need a sport coat. Hope this helps.

[Patches60]

Thank you for your help. Most appreciated, Margaret

[Candlesmith]

Take the ship’s tour and don’t ever miss a Port Talk!  They are invaluable.  Lots of good enrichment opportunities go on all day in the Star Theater and the Jupiter has a Planetarium and resident astronomer (Hi, Lou!!) as well.  Be certain to sign up for all the Planetarium shows (3 of them) and don’t miss the star gazing on Deck 9 on a clear moonless night.

 

Try the Chef’s Table Restaurant early in your cruise; if you like it as much as we did, you can then get multiple reservations (the menu changes every three days).

 

The detergent dispenser, by the way, is around the corner, almost behind the first washer, next to the door.  You have to load your clothes, start the machine, then go push the button that pertains to your machine in order to get detergent to add into the wash.  It’s (semi) automatic.

 

 Bon Voyage!

[Clay Clayton]

Another piece of advice regarding laundry is to note the time on the washer and dryer when you start them and set a timer on your phone. That way you can get the clothes out of your fellow traveler’s way. 
 

if you have trouble with finding an empty machine, we have found that we can usually get a washer on our way to dinner and then when our timer goes off, one of us runs up and moves the load to the dryer  between courses. 
 

Have a great cruise!

[Travel2Learn]

How many washers are on each deck? Are there irons and ironing boards?  Are the launderettes open 24 hours?

Edited May 22, 2021 by Travel2Learn

[SantaFe1]

If memory serves, there are three washers and three dryers on most decks (not 7 and 8).  Yes, there is an iron and board.  I’m not sure but I think they are open 24 hours.  We’ve done laundry as early as 5 am and as late as 11pm.

[TayanaLorna]

4 minutes ago, Travel2Learn said:

How many washers are on each deck? Are there irons and ironing boards?  Are the launderettes open 24 hours?

On the Star we had 3 each but on the Jupiter, a later built ship, there were 4 each.  Yes to iron and ironing board and open 24 hours.  There are no laundry baskets or place to fold clothing unless you use the ironing board as a table.  There is a love seat if you wish to wait while drying completes.

[Travel2Learn]

Thank you.  Useful info.

Edited May 22, 2021 by Travel2Learn

[Clay Clayton]

And a TV if you wait there rather than in your own stateroom. 
 

If you encounter issues with finding an open machine, we have found that dinner time is usually empty. We start a load(s) on the way to dinner, set our phones alarm to vibrate and then between courses, one of us moves from washer to dryer and then our after dinner entertainment is folding. 😊

[Travel2Learn]

I hope new covid restrictions on social distancing do not change using the launderettes and being able to sit and watch TV while waiting.  

[SantaFe1]

I hadn’t thought of this.  But I’m sure they will change. It gets really crowded in there. 

[Travel2Learn]

Always found the launderettes quite social on another line.  Mornings and the last sea day before the end of a segment were particularly crowded.    After the evening shows I could have the entire room and run several washers at the same time.  

[Peregrina651]

If you feel like using the search, there are a couple of more threads on this topic -- with images.

 

Bring a lingerie bag or two. Makes things much easier. Keeps socks and other small items from getting lost -- and makes getting everything out of the back of of the dryer much easier, especially if you are short.

 

Since 1) we have to wear masks and 2) we are all vaccinated, social distancing in the launderette should not be a problem. The rooms are small and folks are not going to want to congregate there.

 

No need to bring detergent. Viking provides a detergent that is compatible with the machines (HE) and with the ship's waste water handling.

[MSEm]

Bring Dryer Sheets.  Viking provides the detergent but not fabric softener. I also use the dryer sheets if I wash anything in the sink. Also bring a few plastic hangers with clips and swivel tops. The hangers can be hung from the ledge at the top of the closet. Placing socks in a lingerie bag is a great tip.  There is also a place for the lost socks in the laundry room.

Viking crew will be checking the laundry several times a day. Check for other post on the Viking Laundry.  Washers and dryers have temperature and type of wash settings.