Most cruise lines allow two bags per person in your stateroom, plus a personal item
The standard policy across major cruise lines—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian—is two checked bags per person at no extra charge. These are the large suitcases you check at the port before boarding. You also get one personal item (a purse, backpack, or small carry-on) that you keep with you at all times. Some lines allow a third bag for an additional fee, usually $15 to $50 per bag per cruise.
What counts as a "bag" varies slightly by line. A standard checked bag is typically up to 50 pounds and 62 inches in total dimension (length plus width plus height). Soft-sided luggage, hard-shell suitcases, and duffel bags all count. A personal item is usually smaller—think a purse or a backpack that fits under a seat or in an overhead bin.
The rules are stricter if you fly to the port. Airlines have their own baggage limits separate from the cruise line's policy. If you fly on a major U.S. carrier, you typically get one free checked bag and a personal item; a second checked bag costs $35 to $40. That second airline bag does not automatically transfer to your cruise allowance—you still have the cruise line's two-bag limit once you arrive at the port.
Key Takeaways
- Two checked bags per person is the standard allowance on most cruise lines, with a personal item in addition.
- Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure 62 inches total (length plus width plus height).
- If you fly to the port, your airline baggage limit is separate from your cruise line limit, so plan accordingly.
- A third bag costs extra on most lines, ranging from $15 to $50 depending on the cruise line and itinerary.
- Prohibited items like weapons, flammables, and certain tools count toward your bag limit and may be confiscated at check-in.
What happens if you exceed the bag limit
If you arrive at the port with more than two checked bags, the cruise line will charge you for each additional bag. The fee is not always the same—it depends on the line and sometimes on the length of the cruise. A three-day cruise may charge differently than a seven-day cruise for the same extra bag.
You have the option to refuse the charge and leave the extra bag behind, but the cruise line will not store it or ship it to you. Some travelers pay the fee; others arrange to have a family member pick up the bag or ship it home later. There is no refund if you change your mind after paying.
Oversized or overweight bags may also be rejected at check-in. If a single bag exceeds 50 pounds or 62 inches, the cruise line may refuse to take it aboard, even if it is your first or second bag. Weigh and measure your luggage before you leave home to avoid this problem.
Personal items and what you can carry aboard
Your personal item stays with you from the moment you arrive at the port. It goes through security screening with you and into your stateroom. A personal item is typically a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or camera bag—something that fits comfortably under a seat or in a small overhead space.
Do not confuse a personal item with a carry-on bag. Cruise lines do not allow traditional carry-on luggage (the rolling suitcase you would take on an airplane). Everything except your personal item must be checked at the port. This is different from flying, where you get both a carry-on and a personal item.
Inside your personal item, you can carry medications, valuables, documents, and anything else you need when ready access to. The cruise line recommends keeping jewelry, cash, and important papers in your stateroom safe once you board, but your personal item is yours to control from arrival onward.
Items that do not count toward your bag limit
Certain items are exempt from the bag limit on most cruise lines. A wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device does not count as a checked bag. Neither does a car seat or pack-and-play if you are traveling with young children. Diving equipment, golf clubs, and other sports gear may be allowed as additional items, though some lines charge a fee for these.
Strollers are usually checked separately and do not count toward your two-bag limit. You can use the stroller at the port and during port stops, then check it at the gangway when you board. It will be returned to you when you disembark. Soft-sided coolers and small day bags for excursions do not count as checked bags either. You can bring these aboard as additional personal items for use during the cruise. Hard-sided coolers are sometimes restricted, so check your cruise line's policy before packing one.
Packing strategies to stay within the limit
Two bags per person is usually enough for a week-long cruise if you pack efficiently. Most cruise ships have laundry services (coin-operated or full-service) where you can wash clothes mid-cruise. This means you do not need to pack seven complete outfits for a seven-day trip.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compress your belongings. Wear your bulkiest items (jacket, boots) on travel day rather than packing them. Leave room in one bag for souvenirs and items you buy during the cruise. If you are traveling with a partner or family member, consider whether you can consolidate items into fewer bags. A couple might pack one large bag each instead of two smaller bags per person, leaving room for purchases. Check the weight limit carefully—it is better to have one 50-pound bag than two 35-pound bags if you are close to the limit.
Baggage policies by cruise line
| Cruise Line | Checked Bags Included | Weight Limit | Third Bag Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | 2 per person | 50 lbs each | $15 per bag |
| Royal Caribbean | 2 per person | 50 lbs each | $15 per bag |
| Disney Cruise Line | 2 per person | 50 lbs each | $15 per bag |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 2 per person | 50 lbs each | $15 per bag |
These policies explore to standard ocean cruises. River cruises, expedition cruises, and specialty itineraries may have different rules. Always check your cruise line's website or your booking confirmation for the exact baggage policy for your specific cruise.
Policies can change seasonally or by itinerary, so what applies to a Caribbean cruise may differ from an Alaska cruise on the same line. Contacting the cruise line directly before you pack ensures you have the most current information for your specific sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a carry-on bag onto the ship like I do on an airplane?
No. Cruise lines do not allow traditional carry-on luggage. You get one personal item only. Everything else must be checked at the port before you board. This is a security measure and helps manage stateroom space.
What if I need to fly to the cruise port and my airline charges for a second bag?
Your airline baggage allowance and your cruise line baggage allowance are separate. If your airline charges for a second checked bag, you pay that fee to the airline. Once you arrive at the cruise port, you still have your two free bags with the cruise line.
Can I ship bags to the cruise port ahead of time?
Some cruise lines allow this, but it is not standard. Contact your cruise line directly to ask whether they accept pre-shipped luggage and what the process is. You will need to ship it well in advance and include your booking number and stateroom information.
Do children get their own baggage allowance?
Yes. Each person in your stateroom, including children and infants, gets two checked bags and one personal item. A family of four gets eight checked bags total, not two for the whole family.
What happens to my bags between check-in and my stateroom?
Your checked bags go to the ship's baggage handling area. They are usually delivered to your stateroom within a few hours of boarding, though this can take longer on busy embarkation days. Keep your personal item with you; do not check it with your other luggage.