Ever been on a cruise and wondered if you went overboard with your bags, or worse, under-packed and regretted it on day two? Figuring out just how much luggage to bring on a cruise is a bit of an art. Don’t worry, you’ll get there eventually! It comes with experience. But in the meantime, we are here to help you pack smart. In this article, we’ll decode the luggage guidelines for the top cruise lines, what goes into the check-in, and what you must carry with you. Let’s set sail with the right number of suitcases.
How Much Luggage Can You Take on a Cruise?
Though cruise lines suggest bag limits, they don’t have hard and fast rules about the bag limits. They expect you to bring a reasonable amount, which means bring what’s practical and manageable. But remember, even if there is no luggage limit, it is wise to bring less luggage for want of cabin space.
General Luggage Policies by Major Cruise Lines
Though Cruise lines don’t mandate hard bag limits, here are a few guidelines from some of the major cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Line
Checked luggage:
- Short cruises (3–5 days): 1 bag per person.
- 6-day or longer cruises: Up to 2 bags per person.
- Weight per bag: Max 70.54 lb (about 32 kg).
- Size: Each bag must not exceed 140cm x 60cm x 40cm.
Carry-on:
- No official policy, but stick to what you can comfortably manage through the screening.
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MSC Cruises
- Checked luggage: 2 suitcases per person.
- Weight per bag: 50 lb (about 23 kg max).
- Size: Each bag not exceeding 90 × 75 × 45 cm
- Carry-on: Up to 2 pieces per person, each max 56 × 45 × 25 cm, weighing 50 lb per bag.
- Total per cabin: Combined weight not more than 100 kg (220 lb), and a maximum of 8 bags in total for all the guests.
Royal Caribbean
- Officially, there are no set rules about the weight, size, or number of bags. However, guests are encouraged to bring only a reasonable amount of luggage.
- Carry-on: Be practical and carry what fits through port scanners. No precise dimensions are offered.
- However, cruise guidelines suggest approximately 90 kg (200 lb) per passenger.
Note: Use only a TSA-approved lock. Carnival requires checked bags to be unlocked for screening
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Each guest is allowed 2 pieces of checked luggage.
- Weight of each piece of luggage: Max 50 lb (about 23 kg).
- Carry-on luggage: No strict size limit. Ideally, it should go through the scanner. Maximum weight must not exceed 50 lb.
Holland America Line
- Checked luggage: No strict rules. But the line suggests 2 pieces per person, each weighing 50 lb for short sailings, and 3 pieces for cruises longer than 15 days.
- Size: No size restriction.
- Carry-on: No specified size.
Princess Cruises
- Officially, there’s no limit on the number, size, or weight of suitcases. You can bring a reasonable amount, according to your itinerary. Your only constraint is your cabin space.
- Airline rules apply if arriving via air.
Celebrity Cruises
- Max luggage allowance: 200 lb (90 kg) per guest, except for expedition ships like Xpedition class.
- General recommendation: 2 pieces of luggage plus a carry-on
- Carry-on: No specific rules, but the recommended size is around 55.88 cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86 cm.
Parking Tip: Don’t forget to pre-book your parking. If you are looking for a safe and affordable parking spot, opt for offsite cruise parking lots near the port terminals. In addition to having the cheapest rates, most of these lots offer convenient shuttle service to the terminals.
How Many Suitcases Can I Take on a Cruise?
Most cruise lines suggest two to three pieces of checked luggage per person, ideally each weighing up to 50 lb (about 23 kg). Carnival suggests one bag for shorter 3 to 5 days and two bags for longer (more than five days) ones.
However, for most cruise lines, these are just recommendations and not a rule. The less luggage you carry, the more comfortable you can be in your cabin. Your cabin space must be taken into consideration while packing. Also, if you are flying, you must adhere to the airline’s rules.
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What Is the Best Size Suitcase for a Cruise?
The best size would be one with the dimensions 71 x 46 x 30 (large) for longer trips, consisting of a week or more. It can hold about 32 kg in weight. It would be convenient and easy to handle. However, I carry two medium-sized ones, as they are convenient to lug around and easy to stack under your bed.
If you are going on a short cruise, two medium pieces of luggage, with dimensions of 61 x 41 x 25 cms, would be more than enough. One would also do, if you are someone who packs light. Two are for those who have to have everything with them on a cruise.
Stick to the cabin luggage, which is 56 x 36 x 23, for your carry-on. Pack all your essentials, toiletries, medicines, and a couple of dresses and bathing suits in the carry-on. You may require them before your checked-in luggage arrives.
What Type of Luggage Is Best For a Cruise?
Lightweight, soft-sided, and compressible luggage is best for cruise travel. Roll-on suitcases with flexible sides can fit under beds and make storage easy. You can pack your things in soft packing cubes, which are very convenient for closet storage. It is easy to stack them, one over the other, to save space. Duffels or backpacks work great, as they are lightweight and save space.
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Do Cruises Check Your Suitcases?
Yes, they do. All bags go through the scanner, both checked and hand luggage. If they find any prohibited items, they will be confiscated. Once the checked-in luggage is cleared through the scanner, the staff or porters take your bags, tag them, and deliver them to your stateroom later in the afternoon or evening.
How Do They Check Your Luggage on a Cruise?
Checked bags go through security screening similar to airports; they must be unlocked and may have to fit through X-ray machines. Porters apply luggage tags (physical or digital) before loading them onto the ship.
Note: If you’re late, you might have to carry your bag aboard yourself, which would be highly inconvenient.
What Are the Types of Luggage on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise ship luggage generally falls into two categories: checked baggage, which port staff take at embarkation and deliver to your stateroom, and carry-on luggage, which you bring through security yourself.
Checked bags are ideal for bulkier items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries, while carry-ons keep essentials like documents, medications, and valuables at hand. Some guests also bring personal items such as backpacks, tote bags, or garment bags for easy access throughout the day.
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Do Cruise Ships Weigh Your Luggage?
Normally, cruise lines do not weigh your luggage, but occasionally, some do. So, it is safer if you stay within the limit. It saves a lot of trouble and time!
What If My Luggage Exceeds 23 kg?
Though unusual, overweight bags can be refused or incur extra charges. It’s best to weigh your luggage at home, stay within the limit, and avoid embarkation delays. But the cruise line does not normally enforce this rule.
What Is Prohibited on a Cruise?
This is an extensive list! Prohibited items include weapons, illegal drugs, irons, flammable materials like candles, drones, alcohol (depending on the limit allowed by the cruise line), and other dangerous goods. Basically, anything that compromises safety or violates port laws is prohibited and will be confiscated.
What Are the Restrictions for Hand Luggage on a Cruise?
Most cruise lines suggest hand luggage limited to a maximum of 23 kg (each), with the bag size 56x45x25 cm (This is just a suggestion, not a rule). However, there is no limit to the number of carry-on bags. The lines suggest carrying what you can comfortably manage. Keep docs, valuables, medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-ons, you may need them on embarkation day.
Can I Pack Snacks in My Luggage on a Cruise?
Yes, you may bring certain snacks with you. Prepackaged snacks in sealed form are usually ok in checked or carry-on bags. For instance, granola bars, nuts, and candy are fine. Perishable foods are banned on the ship. But always check your cruise line’s specific rules, as port regulations vary.
Can You Bring Your Own Luggage on a Cruise?
Absolutely! If you miss the checked-bag window or don’t want to wait, you can just haul it aboard yourself. But be warned, staterooms will be far away and may not be ready immediately, so you’ll be juggling luggage in public spaces for a bit. It will be a long and difficult task!
What Should I Put in My Cruise Carry-on Bag?
Always keep your boarding documents (passports, IDs, visas), medications (original labeled containers), cash, valuables, toiletries, a change of clothes, and swimwear in your carry-on. Having essentials at hand means you can still hit the pool or grab dinner even before your checked bags arrive.
How Much Luggage for a 7-day Cruise?
Two bags per person in checked-in and one bag as a carry-on make good sense for a week-long cruise. Make sure that you don’t exceed 100 kg or 8 items in total per cabin. Go light if you plan on shopping.
What to Declare on a Cruise?
Anything bought abroad that must pass customs, like duty-free items or restricted goods, needs to be declared. For U.S. debarkation, fresh food (fruits and animal products) can’t leave the ship and will be confiscated.
Declare large purchases, alcohol, or anything flagged by your cruise’s paperwork or customs form. Please note that some of these items may incur charges and taxes.
Where Do You Put Your Suitcases on a Cruise?
Most guests store their checked suitcases under the bed and hang items in the mirrored wardrobe. Soft bags, duffels, or packing cubes help maximize tight stateroom storage. Some people keep smaller bags inside larger ones to save space.
Can You Bring Prescription Medication on a Carnival Cruise?
Yes, but you must carry prescription meds in their original, labeled containers. Carnival recommends keeping at least three days’ extra med supply in case your itinerary changes. Personally, I keep all my medication in my carry-on.
Tip: On long voyages, passengers usually return home with way more than they started with. Some end up shipping items mid-trip or buying extra luggage. If you plan on souvenir hunting, budget for extra bag space or shipping options.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is not allowed in luggage on a cruise?
Each line forbids weapons, candles, irons, alcohol (Carnival), aerosols, and hazardous items. Ship security screens all checked bags and will dispose of prohibited items without compensation. Always check your line’s “Prohibited Items” list before packing.
What happens to your luggage when you board a cruise?
Porters tag and load your checked bags and deliver them to your stateroom, usually late afternoon or early evening. You must carry your hand luggage yourself.
What is the 3:1:1 rule on Royal Caribbean?
This rule applies to liquids in carry-ons: 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles, all in a 1-quart zip bag, one bag per person (same as airport TSA rules).
Can I bring my vitamins on a cruise?
Yes, vitamins are allowed on cruises. But just to be safe, keep them in their original packaging, carry them in your carry-on.
Do cruise ships have strict luggage limits?
Most cruise lines are not very strict about the number of bags, but they do have weight and size guidelines, usually around 50 lb (23 kg) per bag. It’s best to stick to one or two pieces per person to avoid storage troubles.
Can I carry my own drinks on a cruise?
Policies vary by cruise line, but most prohibit bringing alcohol and large quantities of beverages. Some allow limited bottled water, or soft drinks, and even wine, if sealed and in your carry-on.
Will my luggage be searched on a cruise?
Yes, checked luggage is screened via X-ray before being loaded on the ship. If prohibited items are found, they may be removed or held until the end of your cruise.
What happens if my luggage is delayed?
Bags are usually delivered within a few hours of boarding, but there have been instances of delays during peak embarkation. Keep essentials like documents, medication, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Can I store luggage under my cruise bed?
Yes, most stateroom beds are designed with space underneath for standard suitcases. Soft-sided or collapsible bags make storing them even easier.
Do you need to bring toothpaste on a cruise?
Yes, it would be a good idea. Though the cruise lines provide toothpaste, it may not be enough for your whole stay. The same goes for the shampoo or deodorant. Don’t count on all toiletries being provided. Bring your own.
Wrapping Up
The bottom line is you may carry whatever you want, but the real question is “should you?” While the cruise may have hard and fast rules about the luggage, your cabin space is still the same: small and compact. With all the luggage around you, you will be highly uncomfortable moving around. Plus, if you are flying, that brings a whole new set of rules. The airline rules are very strict. So, the choice is yours! I’m just saying…
