What the cruise lines actually allow
Most cruise lines let you bring two checked bags per person at no extra charge, plus one carry-on bag and one personal item like a purse or laptop bag. The exact number and size limits depend on which cruise line you book with — Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and Princess all have slightly different rules. Some lines count bags by weight instead of quantity, and a few allow three checked bags if you pay a fee for the third one.
The carry-on bag usually has to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and your personal item should be small enough that it does not take up much space. Checked bags typically have a weight limit of 50 pounds each, though some lines allow up to 70 pounds. If your bag weighs more than the limit, you will pay an overage fee — usually $15 to $25 per bag per day of your cruise.
Specialty items like golf clubs, surfboards, or musical instruments often count as checked bags or require their own fees. Scuba gear, dive tanks, and sports equipment may be restricted or banned entirely depending on the cruise line and the ports you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Two checked bags per person is the standard allowance on most major cruise lines, with weight limits of 50 to 70 pounds each.
- You can also bring one carry-on bag and one personal item without paying extra, as long as they fit in the designated spaces.
- A third checked bag usually costs $15 to $25 per bag per day of your cruise if the cruise line allows it at all.
- Bags that exceed the weight limit incur overage fees, and specialty items like golf clubs or dive gear may be banned or charged separately.
- Check your specific cruise line's baggage policy before you pack, because the rules vary between Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and Princess.
How to find your cruise line's exact baggage rules
Your cruise line publishes its baggage policy on the main website under a section called "Planning Your Cruise," "Before You Board," or "Baggage Information." Royal Caribbean lists theirs under "What to Pack"; Carnival calls it "Baggage Policy"; Disney spells it out in the "Preparing to Board" section. The policy page tells you the number of bags, weight limits, dimensions, and what items are forbidden.
If you booked through a travel agent, call them first — they often have the policy printed in your booking confirmation or can answer questions faster than the cruise line's phone line. If you booked directly with the cruise line, log into your account on their website and look for a "My Cruise" or "Manage My Booking" section, where the baggage rules are usually linked.
The cruise line's customer service phone number is on your booking confirmation. Call at least two weeks before your cruise if you have questions about oversized items, medical equipment, or anything that does not fit the standard rules.
Weight and size limits for checked bags
Checked bags must usually fit within dimensions of 28 inches long by 22 inches wide by 14 inches deep, though some cruise lines are more lenient. The weight limit is almost always 50 pounds per bag, with a few lines allowing 70 pounds. If your bag is larger or heavier, you will be charged at the port when you check in — there is no way to avoid the fee by packing differently once you arrive.
Soft-sided luggage is easier to fit into tight spaces than hard-sided luggage, and it is less likely to get damaged during loading and unloading. Rolling bags are standard on cruises because you will be moving between your cabin and the ship's public areas multiple times a day.
Weigh your bags at home before you leave for the port. A bathroom scale or a luggage scale from a hardware store costs $15 to $30 and takes the guesswork out of whether you are over the limit. If you are close to the weight limit, remove items and pack them in a separate bag or ship them ahead to your destination.
What you can bring in your carry-on bag
Your carry-on bag goes with you onto the ship and stays in your cabin, so it should hold anything you need during the first few hours: medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, toiletries, and important documents like your passport or cruise ticket. The bag must fit in the overhead bin above your seat or under the seat in front of you during the boarding process.
Liquids in your carry-on are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized plastic bag — the same rule as air travel. This applies to shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, and any other liquid or gel. Solid deodorant, toothpaste in a tube, and other items in solid form do not count toward the liquid limit.
You can bring full-sized bottles of shampoo, lotion, and sunscreen in your checked bags with no restrictions. Many people pack a small travel-sized bottle in their carry-on for the first day, then unpack the full-sized bottles once they reach their cabin.
Fees for extra bags and overweight luggage
If you want to bring a third checked bag, most cruise lines charge $15 to $25 per bag per day of your cruise. A seven-day cruise with a third bag costs $105 to $175 in baggage fees alone. Some lines do not allow a third bag at all, no matter how much you are willing to pay.
Overweight bags — those exceeding 50 or 70 pounds depending on your cruise line — cost $15 to $25 per bag per day as well. If your bag weighs 75 pounds and the limit is 50, you will pay the overage fee for the entire cruise, not just for one day. There is no partial fee for being a few pounds over.
Some cruise lines waive baggage fees for suite guests or loyalty program members, so check whether your booking qualifies for any exemptions. If you are a frequent cruiser, the savings from loyalty status can offset the cost of an extra bag.
Items that are banned or restricted on cruises
Weapons of any kind are banned, including firearms, knives longer than a butter knife, and items that look like weapons even if they are not. Candles, incense, and anything with an open flame are forbidden because of fire safety. Irons, hot plates, and other electrical appliances that generate heat are not allowed in cabins.
Alcohol brought from home is banned on most cruise lines — you cannot bring wine, beer, or liquor in your luggage. Some lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne if you purchased it at the port and it is sealed, but policies vary widely. Check your cruise line's policy before you pack any alcohol.
Illegal drugs, prescription medications that are not in the original bottle with your name on it, and large quantities of over-the-counter medications can cause problems at boarding. Pack medications in their original containers and bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor if you are carrying a large supply.
Pets are banned on most cruises except for service animals. Scuba tanks, spear guns, and other diving equipment may be restricted depending on the ports you visit — some countries do not allow them to be brought into port.
How to pack efficiently and avoid overage fees
Make a packing list before you start filling your bags. Write down everything you plan to bring, then remove one-third of it — most people overpack by at least that much. Lay out your clothes and count how many outfits you can make from them, then pack only those pieces.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space. Wear your bulkiest items — jeans, sweaters, and jackets — during travel instead of packing them. Pack shoes in the corners of your bag and stuff socks inside them to use the space efficiently.
Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize your luggage and reduce the volume. A set of packing cubes costs $15 to $40 and makes it easier to find things in your cabin without unpacking everything. Compression bags can cut the volume of soft items like towels and extra clothes in half.
Wear your heaviest shoes to the port instead of packing them. If you are bringing dress shoes, heels, and sneakers, wear one pair and pack the other two. This alone can save several pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring more than two checked bags if I pay for them?
Most cruise lines allow a third checked bag for $15 to $25 per bag per day, but some do not allow more than two bags under any circumstances. Check your specific cruise line's policy before you assume you can pay for extras. Disney Cruise Line, for example, charges for a third bag but allows it; some smaller lines do not.
What happens if my bag is overweight at the port?
You will be charged an overage fee at check-in, usually $15 to $25 per bag per day of your cruise. There is no way to avoid the fee once you arrive at the port, so weigh your bags at home and remove items if you are over the limit. Some cruise lines will let you repack at the port for a small fee, but this is not may provide.
Can I ship luggage to the cruise port instead of bringing it?
Yes, several luggage shipping services like Lugless and Bounce let you send bags to your cruise port or your destination port. Costs vary but typically run $30 to $100 per bag depending on distance and timing. This works well if you are flying to the port and want to avoid baggage fees from the airline.
Are carry-on bags counted toward my baggage allowance?
No, your carry-on bag and personal item are separate from your two checked bags. You get two checked bags plus one carry-on plus one personal item at no extra charge on most cruise lines. The carry-on and personal item do not count against your checked baggage limit.
Do children get their own baggage allowance?
Yes, each passenger — including children and infants — gets the same baggage allowance. A family of four gets eight checked bags total (two per person), plus four carry-on bags and four personal items. Infants in bassinets may have different rules, so check with your cruise line if you are traveling with a baby.