Standard Luggage Allowances by Cruise Line
Most cruise lines allow two checked bags per person at no extra charge, though the exact limit varies by cruise line and cabin type. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line all permit two bags, each weighing up to 50 pounds. Disney Cruise Line also allows two bags per person, each up to 50 pounds. Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises follow the same two-bag rule with the same weight limit.
The weight limit is the real constraint for most travelers. A 50-pound bag is genuinely heavy—roughly the weight of a large suitcase stuffed full. If you pack a second bag, it should be noticeably lighter. Cruise lines enforce these limits at the port, and overweight bags incur fees that range from $15 to $25 per bag, per pound over the limit, depending on the line.
Carry-on bags are separate from checked luggage. You can bring one small carry-on bag (typically 22 by 14 by 9 inches) and one personal item like a purse or backpack onto the ship itself. These do not count against your two checked bags.
Key Takeaways
- Most cruise lines allow two checked bags per person, each weighing up to 50 pounds, with no charge for those two bags.
- Bags over 50 pounds trigger overweight fees at the port, usually $15 to $25 per bag per pound over the limit.
- Carry-on bags and personal items are separate from checked luggage and do not count toward your two-bag limit.
- Suites and higher cabin categories on some cruise lines may include extra bags or higher weight allowances as part of the booking.
- Packing a third bag or paying for extra luggage costs $75 to $150 per bag depending on the cruise line and when you book it.
What Happens If You Exceed the Limit
If a single bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you pay an overweight fee at check-in. The fee structure is not a flat charge—it scales with how much over the limit you are. A bag that weighs 55 pounds might cost $75 to $100 extra, while one at 65 pounds could cost $150 or more. The exact rate depends on the cruise line, so check your booking confirmation or the cruise line's website before you pack.
If you need to bring a third bag, you can purchase an extra luggage allowance before your cruise or at the port. This typically costs $75 to $150 per bag, depending on the cruise line and whether you book it in advance (advance booking is usually cheaper). Some cruise lines allow you to add extra bags during online check-in, which you can do up to a few days before departure.
The safest approach is to weigh your bags at home before you leave for the port. Most grocery stores, shipping centers, and gyms have scales you can use for free or a small fee. Knowing your actual weight ahead of time prevents surprises at check-in.
Cabin Category and Luggage Perks
Suite guests and higher-tier cabin categories often receive extra luggage allowances as part of their booking. A suite on Royal Caribbean might include three checked bags instead of two, or a higher weight limit per bag. Balcony cabins on some lines may include one extra bag. Always check your booking confirmation to see what your specific cabin category includes.
Loyalty program members on some cruise lines also receive luggage perks. If you have sailed with the same cruise line before, you may may have access to for an extra bag or higher weight allowance. Carnival's loyalty program, for example, grants extra bags at higher membership tiers. Check your account on the cruise line's website or call their customer service to confirm what you are may have access to to.
Items That Do Not Count as Luggage
Certain items travel outside your luggage allowance. Most cruise lines do not count a car seat, stroller, wheelchair, or mobility device toward your two-bag limit. Medications in their original containers and medical equipment also travel separately. If you are traveling with a child, a pack-and-play or portable crib usually does not count either.
Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, or a bicycle may be allowed but often requires advance notice and a separate fee. Surfboards and diving equipment are typically not permitted at all. If you plan to bring any specialized gear, contact the cruise line at least two weeks before departure to confirm whether it is allowed and what it costs.
Packing Smart to Stay Within Limits
The most practical strategy is to pack one full bag and one lighter backup bag, leaving room in the lighter one for souvenirs or items you buy during the cruise. Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and reduces wrinkles. Wear your bulkiest items—like a jacket or boots—during travel rather than packing them.
Leave behind items you will not actually use. Cruise ships have laundry services (some free, some paid depending on your cabin type), so you can wash clothes mid-cruise rather than packing enough for every single day. Most cabins are small, and overpacking creates clutter that makes the space feel even tighter.
If you are bringing valuables like jewelry or electronics, pack them in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. Checked bags are loaded and unloaded by port workers, and theft, though rare, does happen. Your carry-on stays with you the entire time.
Luggage Delivery Services and Alternatives
Some cruise lines partner with luggage delivery services that allow you to ship your bags directly to the ship or to your port of embarkation. This service costs extra—typically $30 to $50 per bag each way—but eliminates the need to haul heavy suitcases through the airport and port. If you are flying to your cruise departure city, this can be worth the cost.
Alternatively, you can ship bags to yourself at your home port before you depart, or to your destination if you are flying home from a different port. This requires advance planning and costs money, but it keeps your hands free during travel and reduces the risk of lost luggage during airport transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring more than two bags if I pay a fee?
Yes. You can purchase an extra luggage allowance for a third, fourth, or additional bag before your cruise or at the port. The cost is typically $75 to $150 per bag depending on the cruise line. Some cruise lines allow you to add extra bags during online check-in a few days before departure, which is usually cheaper than paying at the port.
What if my bag is 51 pounds instead of 50?
You will pay an overweight fee. The fee scales with how far over the limit you are—a 51-pound bag might cost $15 to $25, while a 60-pound bag could cost $100 or more. Weigh your bags at home before you leave for the port to avoid this surprise at check-in.
Do carry-on bags count toward my two-bag limit?
No. Your two checked bags are separate from your carry-on bag and personal item. You can bring one small carry-on (about 22 by 14 by 9 inches) and one personal item like a purse or backpack onto the ship without using any of your checked-bag allowance.
Can I bring a suitcase full of souvenirs back home?
Yes, but you would need to purchase an extra luggage allowance for the return trip, or pack the souvenirs inside your existing two bags by removing other items. Some travelers ship souvenirs home instead to avoid paying extra luggage fees. Check with the cruise line about whether you can add bags for the return leg of your cruise.
Do children get their own luggage allowance?
Yes. Each passenger, including children, receives the same luggage allowance—typically two checked bags per person. A family of four can bring eight checked bags total (two per person), as long as each bag meets the weight and size requirements.