Baggage Allowance on Most Cruise Lines

Most major cruise lines allow two bags per person at no extra charge, with each bag weighing up to 50 pounds and measuring roughly 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line all follow this two-bag standard, though the exact weight and dimension limits vary slightly by cruise line. You should check your specific cruise line's website before packing, because some lines count carry-on bags differently or charge fees for additional luggage.

Beyond the two free bags, you can bring a personal item—a purse, backpack, or small day bag—at no charge. This item should fit under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. If you need more than two checked bags, most cruise lines will charge you $15 to $25 per extra bag, depending on the line and the length of your cruise.

Key Takeaways

  • Two checked bags of up to 50 pounds each are free on most cruise lines, plus one personal item.
  • Bags larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches or heavier than 50 pounds may be rejected at check-in or charged as oversize.
  • Extra bags beyond the first two usually cost $15 to $25 each, and some cruise lines charge more for longer voyages.
  • Prohibited items—including weapons, flammables, and certain electronics—cannot be packed in checked or carry-on bags, regardless of how much luggage space you have.
  • Arriving at the port early gives you time to repack or pay for extra bags if you discover you have overpacked.

Weight and Size Limits by Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line allows two bags per person, each up to 50 pounds and 22 by 14 by 9 inches. A third bag costs $15 on cruises of 5 days or fewer and $20 on longer cruises. Bags over 50 pounds are charged at $15 per bag.

Royal Caribbean permits two bags per guest at no charge, with the same 50-pound and 22 by 14 by 9-inch limits. Additional bags are $15 each. Royal Caribbean also allows one personal item and one carry-on bag in addition to your two checked bags.

Disney Cruise Line includes two bags per person, up to 50 pounds and 22 by 14 by 9 inches. A third bag costs $15 for sailings of 5 days or fewer and $20 for longer sailings. Disney also allows one personal item and one carry-on.

Norwegian Cruise Line allows two free bags per person, up to 50 pounds and 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Additional bags cost $15 each. Norwegian also permits one personal item and one carry-on bag.

What Counts as Your Checked Bags

Your two free checked bags are the large suitcases you hand to the cruise line at the port terminal. Soft-sided duffel bags, hard-sided rolling luggage, and traditional suitcases all count toward your two-bag limit. If you bring a garment bag, it typically counts as one of your two bags unless it is small enough to fit in your cabin as a personal item.

Carry-on bags and personal items do not count against your two-bag limit. A carry-on is a rolling bag small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you—usually around 22 by 14 by 9 inches, the same size as a checked bag. A personal item is smaller: a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You can bring both a carry-on and a personal item in addition to your two checked bags.

Prohibited Items You Cannot Pack

Cruise lines prohibit weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives with blades longer than 4 inches, and martial arts weapons. You also cannot bring flammable items such as lighter fluid, paint thinner, or aerosol cans beyond a small amount of personal hygiene spray. Certain electronics—including drones, hoverboards, and some lithium-battery devices—are banned because of fire risk.

Alcohol is restricted on most cruise lines. You can usually bring a bottle or two of wine or champagne in your checked bag, but beer and spirits are prohibited. Check your cruise line's rules before packing, because policies vary. Illegal drugs, explosives, and items that could be used as weapons are always forbidden.

If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, contact your cruise line before you pack. Attempting to bring a prohibited item to the port can result in confiscation, and you may not be able to retrieve it after your cruise.

Packing Tips to Stay Within Limits

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. If a bag is over 50 pounds, remove items and redistribute them to your other bag or personal item. Cruise lines check bag weight at check-in, and overweight bags are either rejected or charged as additional luggage.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize items and reduce bulk. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your bag and lighter items on top. Leave room in one bag for souvenirs and items you buy during the cruise, or plan to check a bag on the return journey if you need the space.

Arrive at the port at least two to three hours before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to repack or pay for an extra bag if you discover you have overpacked. Cruise lines close check-in 30 to 60 minutes before departure, so arriving early protects you from missing your sailing.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limit

If your bag is overweight or oversized, the cruise line will charge you a fee at check-in. The fee is typically $15 to $25 per bag, depending on the cruise line and how much the bag exceeds the limit. Some cruise lines may refuse to accept a bag that is significantly overweight or oversized, especially if it poses a safety risk or cannot fit in the ship's storage areas.

If you bring more than two bags, each additional bag is charged separately. For example, if you bring four bags and two are within limits, you will pay for two extra bags. The cost adds up quickly, so packing efficiently before you leave home is cheaper than paying overages at the port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a suitcase on the ship if it is larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches?

Oversized bags may be accepted, but you will likely be charged an oversize fee of $15 to $25. Some cruise lines will refuse very large bags if they cannot fit in the ship's storage areas. Measure your bag before you pack to avoid surprises at check-in.

Do I have to check my bags at the port, or can I bring them to my cabin?

You must check your bags at the port terminal when you board. The cruise line transports them to your cabin, which usually takes a few hours. Keep a change of clothes and toiletries in your personal item or carry-on in case your bags are delayed.

Can I bring a second carry-on bag in addition to my personal item?

Yes. Most cruise lines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item in addition to your two checked bags. The carry-on should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Check your cruise line's specific rules, because some lines have stricter carry-on policies than others.

What if I need to bring medication or medical equipment?

Medications and medical equipment are usually exempt from baggage restrictions. Pack them in your personal item or carry-on bag so you have access to them when ready. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor if you are carrying controlled medications or large quantities of any medication.

Can I ship luggage to the cruise port ahead of time?

Some cruise lines partner with luggage shipping services, but this is not standard. Contact your cruise line to ask whether they offer this service. If they do not, you can use a third-party shipping service, but you will need to arrange delivery to arrive before your boarding time and confirm the port's receiving procedures.