A concerned crew member aboard the MSC Euribia has stepped forward anonymously to raise concerns over what many onboard feel is a basic yet overlooked issue: access to clean laundry.
While MSC Cruises promotes high grooming standards and professional appearance for its crew, workers aboard MSC Euribia are struggling to meet those expectations due to what they say is a limited and unfair laundry policy.
“We’re doing our best to look clean and professional every day, but the system is setting us up to fail,” the crew member shared. “This is about dignity and hygiene.”
The current setup divides laundry into two categories: personal clothing and uniform service.
For personal clothing, the crew is allowed:
• Two laundry submissions per week
• Only 10 pieces each time (a total of 20 items weekly)
• No personal bedding, shoes, or uniforms allowed
Crew say this is nowhere near enough to maintain proper hygiene, especially for those working long hours in physically demanding roles.
What's more frustrating is that while the standard laundry service is free but restrictive, a paid option exists for about €40 a month, crew can wash unlimited items, including bedding and uniforms.
“It’s unfair,” the crew member said. “If you pay, you can wash anything. If not, you have to choose between clean underwear or clean T-shirts. That’s not right. It feels like hygiene is becoming a luxury.”
Uniform Delays Create Extra Costs and Stress
Uniforms are handled separately through the Main Laundry, with a limit of three pieces per day. However, turnaround takes up to two days, meaning many crew are forced to purchase additional uniforms out-of-pocket just to ensure they have a clean set available.
“Some crew members can’t afford to buy more uniforms,” the crew member added. “And other MSC ships return them in one day. Why is Euribia different?”
A sign posted at the crew laundry confirms the service limitations:
“The service offered is washing, drying, and folding. (Twice a week maximum, each crew member). Uniforms, MSC crew bedding and MSC linen are not accepted. Personal bed linen is not accepted. Shoes are not accepted.”
A Call for Equality Across the Fleet
Crew members aren’t asking for special treatment, they’re asking for equality and consistency.
“Other MSC ships offer better laundry support. We’re just asking for the same. We want to follow the rules and grooming standards, but MSC needs to give us the tools to do that.”
As cruise lines invest millions in luxury guest experiences and high-profile sustainability efforts, crew members are asking for something simpler: the ability to wear clean clothes without added cost or hardship.
Clean uniforms and hygienic clothing should be a right, not a paid privilege.
