Attach tags before you pack, using the official cruise line tag or a durable alternative
The fastest way to attach a luggage tag is to do it before you fill your suitcase. Most cruise lines send you a tag in your documents or email — it has your name, cabin number, and a barcode that the ship's system reads at the port. Slide the tag into the plastic sleeve on your luggage, or use the metal loop and string if your bag has one. If you don't have an official tag yet, buy a durable plastic tag from a travel or luggage store and write your cabin number, ship name, and sailing date on it by hand. The tag needs to survive being thrown, rained on, and scanned multiple times, so avoid paper tags or anything that won't stay attached.
Cruise lines require tags so their crew can sort thousands of bags in the right order and deliver them to your cabin. A missing or illegible tag means your luggage goes to the lost-and-found instead of your room, which can delay your first night on the ship. Attaching it correctly takes two minutes and prevents that problem.
Key Takeaways
- Attach your cruise line's official tag to the outside of your luggage before you pack, using the plastic sleeve or the built-in loop.
- Write your cabin number, ship name, and sailing date on the tag in permanent marker so it remains readable if the barcode fades.
- Use a durable plastic tag, not paper, because luggage gets wet and handled roughly between the port and your cabin.
- Attach the tag to a handle or the side of the bag where it won't get torn off during loading or unloading.
- If your official tag arrives damaged or you lose it, contact your cruise line before you travel so they can send a replacement or provide instructions for a backup tag.
Where to attach the tag on your luggage
The best spot is on a handle or the side of the bag at eye level — somewhere visible and straightforward to grab. Avoid the top of the suitcase, where the tag can get caught and ripped off when bags are stacked. Do not put it on the bottom, where it will drag on wet pavement and become unreadable.
If your bag has a plastic sleeve built into the handle area, that is the ideal location. Slide the tag in so it sits flat and protected. If there is no sleeve, use the metal loop and string that comes with most cruise tags, or buy a separate luggage tag holder from a travel store. Loop it through the handle firmly so it cannot slip off. Test it by tugging — if it moves, tighten it or move it to a different handle.
For soft-sided bags without a built-in loop, use a zip tie or heavy-duty string to attach the tag to the handle. Make sure the tag itself is made of plastic or laminated material that will not tear when wet. Avoid attaching anything to wheels or zippers, which move and can snag the tag.
What information to write on your tag
Your cruise line's official tag will have your name and cabin number printed on it, along with a barcode. Write your cabin number again in large, permanent marker on the back or side of the tag as a backup — if the barcode gets damaged or does not scan, the crew can still read your handwriting and route the bag correctly.
Include the ship's name and your sailing date in the same permanent marker. This helps if your bag is accidentally mixed with luggage from another ship or sailing. Use a thick marker so the writing is dark and straightforward to read from a distance. Do not use pen, which can smudge when wet, or pencil, which fades.
If you are using a generic luggage tag instead of the cruise line's official one, write all the information: your full name, cabin number, ship name, sailing date, and your phone number. The crew will not have your information in their system if you do not use the official tag, so the phone number gives them a way to reach you if the bag is delayed.
When to attach the tag and what to do if you don't have one yet
Attach the tag the day before you leave for the port, or the morning of your departure. This way it is already in place when you load your luggage into the car or taxi. Do not wait until you arrive at the port — you will be rushed, and the tag might not be find.
If your cruise line has not sent you a tag by email or in your documents one week before your sailing date, contact them directly. Most cruise lines have a customer service phone number on your booking confirmation. Tell them your name, booking number, and sailing date, and ask them to send a replacement tag or tell you where to pick one up at the port. Some lines allow you to print a tag from their website if you log into your account.
If you arrive at the port without a tag, the cruise line will provide one on the spot. You will fill it out by hand at the check-in desk. This is slower than having it done ahead of time, but it is not a problem — the crew is used to it. Write clearly and make sure your cabin number is correct before you hand it over.
Choosing a durable tag if you need to buy one
A good luggage tag costs between five and fifteen dollars and is made of plastic or laminated material with a clear plastic window. The window protects your handwritten information from water and wear. Avoid thin plastic tags that crack easily or paper inserts that fade in the sun.
Look for a tag with a sturdy attachment loop or strap — either a metal loop that goes through your luggage handle, or a strap that wraps around the handle and fastens with a snap or velcro. Test the attachment in the store if you can, or read reviews that mention how well it stays on after being thrown and handled.
Some travelers use bright-colored tags so their bags are easier to spot on the luggage carousel at the port. This is optional, but it can save time if you are looking for your suitcase among hundreds of similar ones. Choose a color that stands out — neon orange, hot pink, or bright blue are common choices.
What happens to your luggage after you attach the tag
When you check in at the port, the crew scans your tag's barcode and enters it into the ship's system. Your luggage is then loaded onto a truck, driven to the ship, and sorted by cabin number. The crew delivers bags to your cabin while you are boarding or during your first few hours on the ship. This process usually takes two to four hours, depending on how many passengers are boarding.
If your tag is missing, illegible, or attached to the wrong bag, your luggage will not be delivered to your cabin on time. It will go to the lost-and-found, and you will have to claim it there — which means you might not have your clothes and toiletries for your first night. The crew can usually find your bag within a few hours if your name is written on it, but it is much faster if the tag is correct from the start.
At the end of your cruise, you will attach a new tag to your luggage before you disembark. The cruise line provides this tag, and the process is the same — slide it into the sleeve or loop it onto the handle. Your bag is then loaded off the ship and sorted for delivery to the port's luggage claim area.
Common mistakes to avoid when attaching tags
Do not attach the tag to the inside of your luggage. The crew cannot see it, and your bag will be routed to lost-and-found. The tag must be on the outside, visible from at least three feet away.
Do not use tape to attach the tag. Tape fails when luggage gets wet or is handled roughly. Use the built-in loop, a zip tie, or a luggage tag holder instead.
Do not write your cabin number in pencil or pen. Use permanent marker so it survives rain and handling. Test the marker on a scrap of plastic first to make sure it does not smudge.
Do not attach multiple tags to the same bag. If you have an official cruise line tag, use that one only. A second tag can confuse the sorting system or cause your bag to be routed to the wrong place.
Do not attach the tag to a zipper, wheel, or any moving part of the luggage. These areas get caught and torn during handling. Use a handle or a flat side panel instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my luggage tag gets damaged or falls off before I board?
Contact your cruise line's customer service as soon as you notice it is missing. If you are still at home, they can send a replacement. If you are already at the port, go to the check-in desk and tell them your tag is damaged — they will provide a new one and attach it for you before your bag is loaded onto the ship.
Can I use a regular luggage tag instead of the cruise line's official tag?
Yes, but the official tag is better because it has a barcode that the ship's system recognizes. If you use a generic tag, write your cabin number, ship name, sailing date, and phone number clearly in permanent marker so the crew can find your cabin even if they have to look it up manually.
Do I need to attach a tag to carry-on luggage?
No. Tags are only for checked luggage that goes into the ship's hold. Carry-on bags stay with you, so they do not need a tag. However, some travelers attach a small tag to their carry-on anyway for identification in case it gets separated from them at the airport.
What if I have multiple suitcases — do I need a separate tag for each one?
Yes. Each piece of checked luggage needs its own tag so the crew can track and deliver each one separately. Your cruise line will send you multiple tags if you have multiple bags, or you can request extras when you check in at the port.
Can I attach the tag after I arrive at the port?
Yes, but it is slower. If you do not have a tag when you arrive, the crew will provide one at the check-in desk and attach it for you. It is faster and less stressful to attach it before you leave home, so your bag is ready to go as soon as you check in.