Most cruise lines allow two bags per person, plus a personal item
The standard luggage allowance on most cruise lines is two checked bags per passenger, each weighing up to 50 pounds, plus one personal item like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Some lines—including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian—stick to this baseline. Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises follow the same rule. The personal item has no weight limit as long as you can carry it yourself.
Weight and size limits exist because ships have finite storage in cabins and cargo holds. A bag that weighs 51 pounds will be rejected at check-in, even if you paid for it. The 50-pound threshold is industry standard, though a few pounds over may be accepted depending on the port and the crew member checking you in—but you should not count on leniency.
Luggage you bring onboard during embarkation (the day you board) is separate from luggage you check in advance. Embarkation luggage goes directly to your cabin and counts toward your two-bag allowance. If you arrive with three large suitcases, the third will be held or you will be charged a fee.
Key Takeaways
- Two checked bags of up to 50 pounds each plus one personal item is the standard allowance across major cruise lines.
- Bags over 50 pounds will be rejected at check-in, so weigh your luggage before you arrive at the port.
- Luggage you bring onboard on embarkation day counts toward your two-bag limit and goes to your cabin.
- Excess baggage fees range from $15 to $100 per bag depending on the cruise line, so packing efficiently saves money.
- Cruise lines prohibit certain items in checked luggage, including flammable materials, weapons, and large quantities of alcohol.
Excess baggage fees and how they work
If you arrive with more than two checked bags, you will pay a per-bag fee. Carnival charges $15 per excess bag on most sailings. Royal Caribbean charges $15 to $20 depending on the sailing date and itinerary. Disney charges $15 per bag. Princess charges $15 per bag. Norwegian charges $15 per bag on most sailings, though some premium itineraries charge $20.
These fees are charged at check-in, not in advance, so you cannot budget for them online. The crew member at the luggage counter will weigh and count your bags and tell you the total. Paying at that moment is your only option—you cannot defer the charge or dispute it later.
A smarter approach is to pack into two bags before you leave home. Use a luggage scale (available at most drugstores for $15 to $30) to verify each bag is under 50 pounds. This eliminates the surprise fee and the stress of repacking at the port.
Items you cannot pack in checked luggage
Cruise lines prohibit certain items in checked bags for safety and security reasons. Flammable materials—including lighter fluid, paint thinner, and aerosol cans—are banned. Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives longer than a butter knife, and martial arts equipment, are prohibited. Alcohol beyond what is allowed in your cabin (usually one bottle of wine or champagne per stateroom) cannot be brought onboard in any form.
Medications in their original, labeled containers are allowed. Batteries, including lithium batteries in electronics, are allowed if the device is packed in checked luggage (not carry-on). Candles, matches, and lighters are prohibited. Surge protectors and power strips are prohibited in cabins, though a single power adapter is usually allowed.
The full prohibited list varies slightly by cruise line and by the countries the ship visits. Before packing, check your cruise line's website for the complete list specific to your sailing. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, contact the cruise line directly—it is faster than arriving at the port and being told to leave something behind.
Luggage storage if you arrive early or stay after your cruise
If you arrive at the port hours before embarkation, you cannot bring luggage onboard until the official boarding time. Most cruise lines allow you to check bags at the port terminal starting in the early morning, and the bags will be delivered to your cabin by early evening. This service is included in your cruise fare and requires no additional fee.
If you are staying in a port city after your cruise ends, you can usually store luggage at the terminal for a few hours while you explore. Some ports charge a small fee (typically $5 to $10 per bag for up to 4 hours). Ask at the cruise line's desk before you disembark to learn what is available at that specific port.
Packing strategies to stay within the two-bag limit
A cruise typically lasts 3 to 7 days, and most people can pack for that duration in two 50-pound bags if they plan ahead. Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space. Wear your bulkiest items (like a jacket or boots) during travel rather than packing them. Pack a lightweight day bag or tote in your personal item so you have extra carrying capacity once onboard.
Toiletries and medications take up less space than clothes. Bring travel-size bottles or buy full-size items at a port if you run out. Most ships have a small shop onboard where you can purchase forgotten items at a markup, so do not overpack to avoid forgetting something.
If you are cruising with family, distribute items across multiple bags rather than packing one person's entire wardrobe in a single suitcase. A family of four can check eight bags total (two per person), which is usually enough for a week-long cruise if packed efficiently.
Luggage requirements for repositioning and longer cruises
Repositioning cruises—sailings that move a ship from one region to another, often lasting 10 to 14 days—may have higher luggage allowances because the voyage is longer. Some cruise lines increase the limit to three bags per person on sailings over 7 days. Check your cruise documents or the cruise line's website to confirm the allowance for your specific sailing.
Transatlantic and transpacific cruises (typically 10 to 15 days) often allow three checked bags instead of two. Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn typically allow three bags as standard. If your cruise is longer than a week, contact the cruise line to ask whether your allowance is higher than the standard two bags.
What happens if your luggage is lost or damaged
Cruise lines are not responsible for lost or damaged luggage in the same way airlines are. Your cruise ticket's terms and conditions typically limit the cruise line's liability to a small amount (often $100 to $500 per bag). Travel insurance that includes baggage coverage is a separate purchase and is not included in your cruise fare.
If your luggage is lost, report it to the guest services desk onboard as soon as you realize it is missing. Take photos of your bags before you travel so you have proof of what you packed. Keep receipts for any items you purchase onboard to replace lost belongings, as you may be able to claim them against travel insurance.
Damage during loading or unloading is common with cruise luggage. Hard-sided suitcases are more durable than soft-sided bags. If your bag arrives damaged, photograph the damage and report it to guest services before you leave the ship. The cruise line may offer compensation, though it is often modest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a carry-on bag in addition to my two checked bags?
No. Your personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) is your carry-on equivalent. The two checked bags plus one personal item is your total allowance. A rolling carry-on suitcase counts as one of your two checked bags, not as an additional item.
Do I have to pay for luggage if I book through a travel agent?
No. Excess baggage fees are charged by the cruise line at the port, regardless of how you booked. The fee is the same whether you booked directly with the cruise line or through a travel agent.
What if my bag weighs exactly 50 pounds?
A bag at exactly 50 pounds is within the limit and will be accepted. Most scales have a small margin of error, so a bag that reads 50.2 or 50.3 pounds may still be accepted. To be safe, aim for 48 to 49 pounds per bag.
Can I ship luggage to the cruise port instead of bringing it?
Yes. Some cruise passengers use luggage shipping services like UShip or Lugless to send bags to the port ahead of time. The cruise line will store the bags and deliver them to your cabin. Shipping costs $50 to $150 per bag depending on distance and the service used, so this is most practical for very heavy or oversized items.
Are there different rules for different cruise lines?
The two-bag, 50-pound standard is consistent across Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, and Princess. Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn allow three bags. River cruise lines like Viking and Uniworld typically allow two bags of 50 pounds each. Always check your cruise documents or the cruise line's website for your specific sailing, as policies can change.