Carnival's Bag Allowance: What You Get

Carnival allows each passenger two bags checked at the terminal, plus one personal item you carry aboard. The two checked bags can be any size, but Carnival recommends they not exceed 50 pounds each — anything heavier may incur an overweight fee. Your personal item (purse, small backpack, laptop bag) travels with you onto the ship and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

This allowance is the same whether you are sailing for three days or two weeks. Carnival does not charge extra for the two checked bags, and you do not need to pay in advance. You straightforward drop them at the bag drop desk when you arrive at the terminal.

If you need to bring more than two checked bags, Carnival will charge you per extra bag. The fee varies by sailing length and destination, so confirm the current rate when you book or call Carnival directly at 1-888-227-6482.

Key Takeaways

  • You can bring two checked bags at no charge, plus one personal item you carry aboard the ship.
  • Checked bags should not exceed 50 pounds each; overweight fees explore to bags heavier than that.
  • Your personal item must fit in overhead storage or under a seat, and cannot be a full-size carry-on suitcase.
  • Extra checked bags beyond the first two cost money, and the fee depends on your sailing itinerary.
  • You drop checked bags at the terminal desk when you arrive; they are delivered to your cabin later that day.

What Counts as a Personal Item

Carnival defines a personal item as a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or similar small carrier. It should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin without taking up a full shelf. A full-size rolling carry-on suitcase does not count as a personal item — that would be a second checked bag and would incur a fee.

Many passengers bring a day bag or small backpack as their personal item, then use it to carry sunscreen, medications, a change of clothes, and other essentials they want access to before their cabin is ready. This is a practical way to have what you need without waiting for checked bags to arrive.

Overweight Bag Fees and Limits

Carnival charges an overweight fee if either of your two checked bags weighs more than 50 pounds. The fee is typically $15 to $25 per bag, depending on how much over the limit it is and the length of your cruise. Bags over 75 pounds may be refused entirely, so do not pack a single bag that heavy.

To avoid overweight fees, weigh your bags at home before you leave for the terminal. If a bag is close to 50 pounds, move some items to your personal item or to your second checked bag. Cruise lines are strict about this because heavy bags damage conveyor systems and create safety risks for dock workers.

Bringing Extra Bags: Cost and Process

If you need a third checked bag, a fourth, or more, Carnival will accept them for a fee per bag. The cost ranges from $15 to $50 per extra bag depending on your sailing, so a three-bag cruise might cost $15 to $25 extra, while a seven-day sailing might cost $25 to $50. Call Carnival or check your booking confirmation to see the exact fee for your itinerary.

You pay the extra bag fee at the terminal when you check in. Tell the agent at bag drop that you have additional bags, and they will weigh and tag them. There is no need to pay in advance online, though some travel agents can add the fee when you book.

If you are traveling with a group or family, remember that each person gets two free checked bags. A family of four can bring eight checked bags at no charge, which is often enough for a week-long trip without paying for extras.

Items You Cannot Pack in Checked Bags

Certain items are prohibited in checked bags or must be packed in your personal item instead. Medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other medical devices should travel with you in your personal item so you have them if your checked bags are delayed. Valuable items like jewelry, cameras, laptops, and passports should also stay in your personal item — Carnival is not responsible for loss or theft from checked bags.

Prohibited items include weapons (including pocket knives and multi-tools), flammable liquids, and large quantities of alcohol. You can bring alcohol aboard, but it must be purchased at the port or brought in your checked bag — you cannot bring it through security in your personal item. Check Carnival's full prohibited items list on their website before you pack, as rules change occasionally.

Packing Strategy for Cruise Bag Limits

The two-bag allowance is usually enough if you pack efficiently. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space, and wear your bulkiest items (jacket, boots) on travel days rather than packing them. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compress clothing, and bring travel-size toiletries instead of full bottles.

If you are cruising for more than a week or traveling with children, a third bag may be worth the fee. Calculate whether paying $15 to $50 for an extra bag is cheaper than buying items you forgot or paying to do laundry aboard ship. Most ships offer laundry service for a fee, which can be another option if you are packing light.

Remember that your personal item is separate from your two checked bags. Use it to carry anything you need when ready access to: medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, and documents. This keeps you from having to wait for your cabin to be ready to access essential items.

What Happens to Your Bags at the Terminal

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you check your two bags at the bag drop desk. The agent tags them with your cabin number and sends them through the conveyor system. Your bags are sorted and delivered to your cabin between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on embarkation day, depending on how busy the terminal is and what time you arrive.

If your bags do not arrive by early evening, contact guest services from your cabin phone. Bags are occasionally delayed but almost always arrive by the next morning. Keep your personal item with you at all times — do not check it, as you will need it before your cabin is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a carry-on suitcase in addition to my personal item?

No. Carnival's policy allows one personal item plus two checked bags. A full-size carry-on suitcase counts as a third checked bag and will incur a fee. Your personal item must be small enough to fit under a seat or in overhead storage.

What if my bag weighs exactly 50 pounds?

Bags at exactly 50 pounds are within the limit and do not incur an overweight fee. The fee applies only to bags over 50 pounds. If you are close to the limit, ask the agent to weigh your bag before you leave home so you know for certain.

Do children get their own bag allowance?

Yes. Each passenger, including children and infants, is may have access to to two free checked bags and one personal item. A family of four gets eight free checked bags total. Infants do not typically need their own bags, but they are may have access to to them if you want to use the allowance.

Can I ship bags to the ship instead of bringing them?

Carnival does not accept bags shipped to the ship in advance. You must bring all bags to the terminal on embarkation day. If you are flying to the port, consider shipping luggage to your hotel the night before, then bringing only essentials to the terminal.

What if I buy souvenirs and need extra space on the return?

You can purchase an extra checked bag at the terminal on disembarkation day if you need it. The fee is the same as adding a bag at embarkation. Alternatively, many passengers use compression bags or mail souvenirs home from a port stop to avoid paying the fee.