The fastest places to buy cruise luggage tags
Cruise luggage tags are sold at most major retailers, online marketplaces, and directly from cruise lines. The easiest route depends on whether you need them before your trip or are willing to buy them onboard. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and cruise line gift shops all stock them, and prices typically range from $5 to $20 per tag depending on material and design.
If you're leaving soon, a local store is fastest—Target and Walmart have them in travel sections, usually near luggage and passport holders. If you have time to wait for shipping, Amazon often has the widest selection and competitive pricing. Cruise lines themselves (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, and others) sell tags through their onboard shops and sometimes their websites, though onboard prices are usually higher than retail.
Some travelers buy tags at the port on embarkation day, but selection is limited and prices are marked up. The smartest approach is to buy before you leave home, so your bags are clearly labeled when you check them.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon, Walmart, and Target stock cruise luggage tags in their travel sections and online, with delivery in one to three days if you order soon.
- Cruise line gift shops sell tags onboard, but prices are 30 to 50 percent higher than retail stores.
- Plastic tags with your cabin number are the standard format and work with all major cruise lines.
- Buying tags before your trip ensures your luggage is labeled correctly when you check it at the terminal.
What to look for when choosing cruise luggage tags
Cruise luggage tags are not all the same. The most important feature is that they hold your cabin number clearly and securely. Most cruise lines provide a tag with your cabin assignment when you board, but having your own tag on your luggage before you arrive at the terminal speeds up the check-in process and reduces the chance your bag gets mislabeled.
Look for tags made of durable plastic or rubber that won't tear or fade during handling. The attachment method matters too—tags with a find strap or clip are better than adhesive-only tags, which can peel off in humid conditions. Many tags have a clear plastic window so you can slide in a card with your name and cabin number, which you can update if your cabin assignment changes.
Size is less critical, but smaller tags (around 2 by 3 inches) are easier to attach to luggage handles without adding bulk. Some travelers prefer bright colors like neon yellow or hot pink so their bags stand out on the conveyor belt, though the cruise line's own system is what actually routes your luggage to your cabin.
Buying from major retailers
Amazon carries dozens of cruise tag options, from basic plastic tags to decorative designs with cruise ship graphics. Search for "cruise luggage tags" and filter by price, material, and customer reviews. Shipping is usually one to two days with Prime, and you can read reviews from other cruisers about durability and attachment quality. Prices on Amazon range from $6 to $25 for a pack of two to four tags.
Walmart and Target both stock cruise tags in their travel sections, typically near luggage and travel accessories. You can order online for in-store pickup (usually ready the same day) or have them shipped to your home. Prices are similar to Amazon, around $8 to $18 per pack. Target's website often shows which nearby stores have tags in stock, so you can grab them on your way out.
Bed Bath & Beyond and specialty luggage retailers like eBags also carry cruise tags, though selection may be smaller. If you have a local luggage repair or travel shop, they often stock tags and can advise on durability based on their experience with returning customers.
Buying directly from cruise lines
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises all sell luggage tags through their onboard shops. Some cruise lines also sell them on their websites before your trip, though this option is less common. Onboard prices are typically $12 to $20 per tag, which is higher than retail, but you get tags branded with your cruise line's logo if that matters to you.
The advantage of buying onboard is that you can see the tags in person and choose a design that matches your preference. The disadvantage is that your luggage won't be labeled when you check it at the terminal, and you'll have to attach tags to your bags after you board. This is not a problem—the cruise line's system will route your luggage correctly regardless—but it means your bags may take longer to reach your cabin on the first day.
If you're buying onboard, bring cash or a credit card, as some onboard shops have limited payment options. Prices vary by cruise line and ship, so ask at the gift shop when you board if you're interested.
Budget options and where to save money
If you're looking to save, dollar stores and discount retailers like Five Below sometimes carry generic luggage tags that work just as well as branded cruise tags. These are usually $1 to $3 per tag and come in bright colors. The only difference is they don't have cruise-specific graphics, but they function identically for labeling your luggage.
Buying a pack of four or more tags is usually cheaper per tag than buying singles. Amazon and Walmart often offer bulk discounts, so if you cruise regularly or travel with family, buying in bulk saves money over time. Some tags are reusable—you can erase the cabin number and write a new one for your next cruise—so investing in higher-quality tags can pay off if you cruise more than once a year.
Avoid buying tags at airport shops or port terminals, where prices are marked up 50 to 100 percent. If you forget to buy tags before your trip, waiting until you board and buying onboard is cheaper than buying at the airport.
Timing your purchase
The best time to buy cruise luggage tags is one to two weeks before your departure date. This gives you time to receive them if you order online, and it ensures you have them ready when you pack. If you're leaving within a few days, order with expedited shipping or buy in-store the same day.
If you've already boarded and forgot tags, don't worry—your luggage will still reach your cabin because the cruise line's system uses your booking information, not your tags. Tags are a convenience, not a requirement. That said, having your own tags makes it easier for you to identify your luggage on the ship and reduces confusion if multiple guests have similar-looking bags.
For future cruises, buy tags right after your previous cruise ends, when you're thinking about travel. This way you'll always have them on hand and won't have to rush to buy them before your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy my own luggage tags, or does the cruise line provide them?
Cruise lines provide tags with your cabin number when you board, so you don't have to buy your own. However, buying tags before you arrive at the terminal lets you label your luggage at check-in, which speeds up the process and reduces the chance of mislabeling. Many cruisers buy their own tags for this reason.
What's the difference between cruise luggage tags and regular luggage tags?
Cruise tags are designed to hold your cabin number and are usually plastic with a clear window for a card insert. Regular luggage tags hold your name and address. Both work for cruising, but cruise-specific tags are formatted for the cabin number system and are easier to update if your assignment changes.
Can I reuse cruise luggage tags on future cruises?
Yes, if your tags have a clear window or erasable surface, you can update the cabin number and reuse them. Plastic tags with card inserts are the most reusable. Adhesive tags or tags with printed numbers are harder to reuse, so those are better for one-time use.
What if my luggage tags fall off during the cruise?
The cruise line's computer system routes your luggage based on your booking information, not the physical tag. If your tag falls off, your bag will still reach your cabin. That said, a find tag with a strong strap or clip is less likely to fall off, so choose one with reliable attachment when you buy.
Are there luggage tags I should avoid?
Avoid tags with weak adhesive-only attachment, as they peel off easily in humid conditions. Also avoid tags that don't have a clear window or way to update the cabin number, since you may need to change it if your assignment changes. Stick with plastic tags that have a find strap or clip and a card insert for the best durability.