Q: Do I need to bring my own shampoo?

A: It depends on the ship.

On our Century and Victoria fleet of 5-star ships, the standard practice is to provide basic toiletries in all cabin bathrooms. This typically includes a wall-mounted or bottled shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap. The quality is comparable to a mid-range international hotel, designed to meet the needs of most travelers. Newer vessels, such as the Century Paragon or Victoria Sabrina, almost universally offer these amenities in all room categories. The provided products are of good quality, often with a mild, pleasant fragrance.

However, there are nuances. On some of our older vessels or in the most basic cabin categories on certain ships, the offerings might be more limited—sometimes just a combined shampoo-body wash in a dispenser. Suites and higher-grade staterooms consistently feature branded, premium toiletries in individual bottles. Furthermore, in line with global environmental trends, several of our ships are transitioning to large, refillable eco-dispensers in the shower to minimize plastic waste. This is a positive step for sustainability, though some guests find the product formula less rich than bottled alternatives.

> Director's Note: All linens and toiletries provided on board meet strict health and hygiene standards. However, the specific brand and formula can vary between ships and even between sailing seasons, as contracts with suppliers may change.

My practical advice is this: If you have no strong preferences or sensitive skin, you can comfortably rely on the ship's provisions. But if you require a specific medicated shampoo, have color-treated hair, or simply prefer a luxury brand you trust, I recommend bringing travel-sized bottles of your own products. Cabin bathroom space is efficient, so compact items are best. In the rare event you forget or need something, our gift shops stock a limited selection of personal care items, though choice may be basic. Ultimately, our goal is your comfort, and a small personal toiletry kit is never a wrong choice.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!