Cruise lines allow two checked bags per person at no extra charge, plus one carry-on bag and one personal item
The standard baggage allowance across major cruise lines — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, and Princess — is two suitcases per passenger in your cabin, checked at embarkation. You also get one carry-on bag (typically 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches) and one personal item like a purse or laptop bag. This is the baseline for most sailings.
The catch is that these limits explore to your total luggage per person, not per category. If you bring three suitcases, you are over the limit, even if one is small. Some lines charge $15 to $25 per extra bag; others refuse to take it. The personal item does not count toward the two-bag limit, so you can bring that in addition to your two suitcases and carry-on.
Specialty sailings and certain cabin types sometimes have different rules. Suites on Royal Caribbean and Disney often include an extra bag or two. River cruises, which are smaller ships, typically allow only one checked bag per person. Always check your cruise line's website or your booking confirmation before packing, because policies shift and vary by ship.
Key Takeaways
- Two checked suitcases per person is the standard allowance on major cruise lines, plus one carry-on and one personal item.
- Extra bags usually cost $15 to $25 each, and some ships will not accept them at all if the ship is full.
- Suite guests often receive one or two additional bags included in their fare, so check your specific cabin type.
- River cruises and smaller ships typically allow only one checked bag per person, so verify before you book.
- Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and crew will measure if it looks oversized.
What counts as a checked bag versus carry-on
A checked bag is anything you hand to the crew at the port before boarding. It goes into the ship's hold and arrives in your cabin later that day or the next morning. Checked bags can be any size and weight, as long as they are reasonable to lift and fit through a doorway — cruise lines do not publish exact weight limits the way airlines do, but anything over 50 pounds may be refused or charged extra.
A carry-on bag stays with you and goes into your cabin when ready. It must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in your muster drill area. Most cruise lines do not weigh carry-on bags, but they do measure them. If your bag looks too large, crew will ask you to check it instead, which defeats the purpose of bringing it on board early.
Your personal item — a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag — does not count toward your two-bag limit. It can be any size as long as it fits under a seat or in your lap during the muster drill. Many people use this slot for medications, valuables, or documents they want when ready access to.
How to pack efficiently within the two-bag limit
Two suitcases for a week-long cruise is tight but workable if you plan ahead. Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space — they can reduce volume by 30 to 40 percent. Roll clothes instead of folding them; rolling takes up less room and creates fewer wrinkles. Wear your bulkiest items (jacket, jeans, shoes) on embarkation day instead of packing them.
Pack one suitcase with clothes and toiletries, and use the second for shoes, a formal outfit, and anything you might need to replace mid-cruise. Keep your carry-on for items you need before your checked bags arrive: phone charger, medications, swimsuit, change of clothes, and any documents. This way, if your checked bags are delayed, you can still swim and sleep.
If you are traveling with a partner or family, consider whether you can share a bag. Some people pack one large suitcase and one small one, then use the small one to bring home souvenirs on the return journey. Others pack only one checked bag and rely on the ship's laundry service (usually $1 to $2 per item) to rewear clothes mid-week.
Extra bags and what they cost
If you need a third checked bag, expect to pay $15 to $25 per bag, per person, per sailing. Carnival charges $15 for the first extra bag and $25 for the second. Royal Caribbean charges $18 for the first extra bag and $25 for each additional one. Disney charges $15 per extra bag. These fees are usually paid at check-in, though some lines allow you to pre-pay online.
Some cruise lines will refuse extra bags if the ship is at capacity or if your sailing is full. This is rare but happens on popular routes during peak season. If you know you need extra luggage, contact the cruise line before your sailing date to confirm they can accommodate it and to arrange payment in advance.
A cheaper alternative is to ship items to your home port or to the ship's port of call before you sail. FedEx and UPS can deliver to a cruise port, though you need to coordinate the timing carefully — packages must arrive after you do but before the ship leaves. This works best for people who are picking up items mid-cruise or returning home with extra purchases.
Suite and premium cabin baggage allowances
Guests in suites and premium cabins often receive additional baggage as part of their fare. Royal Caribbean suite guests get one free extra bag. Disney suite guests get two free extra bags. Carnival suite guests typically get one extra bag. Norwegian's premium cabins include one extra bag. These perks vary by ship and cabin category, so check your booking confirmation or call the cruise line to confirm what is included.
Some lines also offer free extra baggage to loyalty program members or guests booking certain fare types. If you have sailed with the line before or booked a specific promotion, you may have an extra bag included without realizing it. Log into your account on the cruise line's website and look for "baggage" or "inclusions" to see what you have.
What happens if you exceed the baggage limit
If you show up with three or more bags and have not paid for extras, the crew will ask you to choose which bags to check and which to leave behind or pay for. You cannot board with more than your allowance unless you pay the fee. Some ports have limited storage, so the crew may refuse to take extra bags even if you offer to pay, especially on back-to-back sailings where turnaround time is short.
If your bag is oversized or overweight, crew may refuse it or charge a fee. Oversized typically means it does not fit through a standard doorway or into a cabin closet. Overweight is less common as a reason for refusal, but extremely heavy bags (over 70 pounds) may be rejected for safety reasons.
The best approach is to weigh and measure your bags at home before you leave. Use a bathroom scale for weight and a tape measure for dimensions. If any bag is close to the limit, consider redistributing items or paying for an extra bag in advance online, which is usually cheaper than paying at the port.
Baggage policies for different cruise lines
| Cruise Line | Checked Bags | Carry-On | First Extra Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | 2 per person | 1 bag + 1 personal item | $15 |
| Royal Caribbean | 2 per person | 1 bag + 1 personal item | $18 |
| Disney Cruise Line | 2 per person | 1 bag + 1 personal item | $15 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 2 per person | 1 bag + 1 personal item | $20 |
| Princess Cruises | 2 per person | 1 bag + 1 personal item | $20 |
These policies are current as of 2024 but change periodically. Always verify on the cruise line's website before your sailing. Some lines offer seasonal promotions that waive extra baggage fees during slower booking periods.
Smaller or specialty cruise lines may have different rules. Expedition cruises to Alaska or the Caribbean sometimes limit baggage more strictly due to ship size. Luxury lines like Cunard and Seabourn often include extra baggage as standard, so check your specific line's website rather than assuming the standard two-bag rule applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a suitcase on board without checking it?
Yes, if it fits in your cabin closet or under your bed. However, it must be small enough to pass as a carry-on (roughly 22 by 14 by 9 inches) and you must bring it on board yourself during embarkation. Most people check larger bags because they do not want to carry them through the port and onto the ship.
What if I am traveling with a child — do they get their own baggage allowance?
Yes. Each passenger, including infants and children, receives two checked bags and one carry-on. A baby does not need luggage, but a toddler or older child counts as a full passenger for baggage purposes. Families often consolidate by using one large suitcase per two people and splitting the allowance.
Can I bring a soft-sided bag instead of a hard suitcase?
Yes. Soft-sided duffel bags, rolling bags, and backpacks all count toward your two-bag limit. Some people prefer soft-sided bags because they are easier to squeeze into cabin storage. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to survive baggage handling and the journey to your cabin.
Do I have to pay for extra baggage before I board, or can I pay at the port?
You can do either. Paying online in advance is usually cheaper and faster — you avoid the line at check-in and the crew already knows to expect your extra bag. Paying at the port works too, but you may wait 15 to 30 minutes and the fee might be slightly higher.
What if my cruise line loses one of my checked bags?
Report it to the guest services desk on the ship when ready. The cruise line will search for it and usually deliver it to your cabin or to your home port if it was left behind. Most lines cover lost baggage up to a certain amount (often $500 to $2,500 per bag), though you may need to file a claim and provide receipts for items inside.