Carnival's Luggage Allowance Per Passenger

Carnival allows each passenger two checked bags and one carry-on bag at no extra charge. The two checked bags can be any size, but Carnival recommends keeping them under 50 pounds each — bags heavier than 50 pounds may be charged an overweight fee of $15 per bag. Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, which means roughly 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.

You can also bring a personal item like a purse, backpack, or small laptop bag in addition to your carry-on. This personal item does not count toward your luggage limit. Many cruisers use this to carry medications, valuables, or items they want when ready access to when boarding.

If you are traveling with a group, each person gets the same allowance — so a family of four can bring eight checked bags total (two per person) plus four carry-ons. There is no family or group discount that increases the total; the limit is per person, not per cabin.

Key Takeaways

  • Each passenger can bring two checked bags and one carry-on bag at no charge, with checked bags recommended at 50 pounds or less.
  • Bags over 50 pounds are charged $15 per bag, and bags over 100 pounds may not be accepted at all.
  • You can also bring a personal item like a purse or small backpack that does not count toward your luggage limit.
  • Checked bags should arrive at the port at least three hours before departure, and Carnival will deliver them to your cabin by evening on embarkation day.
  • If you need more than two checked bags, you can purchase additional bags for $15 each, up to a reasonable limit.

Weight and Size Restrictions That Matter

The 50-pound recommendation is not a hard rule — Carnival will accept bags up to 100 pounds, but you will pay $15 for each bag between 50 and 100 pounds. Bags over 100 pounds will not be accepted at all, so if you are packing heavy items like diving equipment or winter coats, weigh your bag before you leave home. A bathroom scale works fine: place the bag on the scale and read the weight.

Checked bags do not have a stated size limit, but extremely large bags (like steamer trunks or oversized storage containers) may be rejected at the port. Stick to standard luggage — hard-sided suitcases or soft-sided duffels that you would normally use for air travel. If your bag is larger than a typical checked suitcase, call Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL before your cruise to ask whether it will be accepted.

Your carry-on bag has a practical size limit because it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If your bag does not fit, you will be asked to check it at the gate, which defeats the purpose of carrying it on. Measure your bag before you pack, or bring a soft-sided bag that can compress slightly to fit.

How to Pack and Label Your Bags

Attach a luggage tag to every checked bag with your name, cabin number, and ship name. Carnival provides luggage tags when you check in at the port, but you can also print them from your Carnival account online before you arrive. Using the official tags helps the crew sort bags quickly and deliver them to the right cabin.

Pack checked bags the night before you leave for the port. Arrive at the port at least three hours before your departure time — this gives you time to check in, go through security, and have your bags loaded onto the ship. Carnival staff will collect your checked bags at the check-in counter and load them into the ship's hold. Your bags will be delivered to your cabin by evening on the day you board, though sometimes delivery takes until the next morning if the ship is very full.

Do not pack valuables, medications, or documents in checked bags. Keep your passport, travel insurance papers, medications, jewelry, and cash in your carry-on or personal item. If a checked bag is lost or delayed, you will not have access to these items until it arrives.

What You Cannot Pack in Any Luggage

Carnival prohibits certain items in both checked and carry-on bags. You cannot bring weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives longer than 2 inches, or martial arts weapons. You also cannot bring illegal drugs, explosives, or flammable items like lighter fluid or paint thinner.

Alcohol is restricted: you can bring one bottle of wine or champagne per cabin in your checked luggage, but no hard liquor or beer. If you bring wine, pack it in the center of your bag surrounded by soft clothing to prevent breakage. Alcohol purchased on the ship or at ports can be brought aboard, but it will be held by the crew and delivered to your cabin on the last night of your cruise.

Glass containers, including glass bottles and jars, are not allowed in your cabin — this is a safety rule to prevent breakage and injury. If you bring a glass item in your checked bag, it will be confiscated at check-in. Candles, irons, and hot plates are also prohibited because they are fire hazards in a cabin.

Purchasing Extra Luggage Space

If you need more than two checked bags, Carnival allows you to purchase additional bags for $15 each. You can add extra bags when you check in at the port, or you can purchase them in advance through your Carnival account online. There is no stated maximum number of extra bags you can buy, but port staff may refuse extremely large quantities if they cannot fit them on the ship.

Extra bags are charged per bag, not per pound, so a third bag costs $15 whether it weighs 30 pounds or 50 pounds. If you are traveling with a group and several people need extra bags, each person pays separately — so three extra bags for two people costs $30 total.

If you are unsure whether you need an extra bag, pack what you think you will need and weigh it before you leave home. Many cruisers find that two bags per person is enough because you will wear the same clothes multiple times during a week-long cruise, and laundry service is available on the ship.

Luggage Delivery and Retrieval During Your Cruise

Your checked bags are delivered to your cabin on embarkation day (the day you board). If your cabin is not ready when you board, your bags will be held in a storage area and delivered once your room is ready. You do not need to do anything — the crew handles all delivery automatically.

During your cruise, you can request laundry service to wash and dry clothes, which means you can wear fewer outfits and pack lighter. Laundry service is not free — prices vary by ship, but expect to pay around $1 to $3 per item. Self-service laundry rooms are available on some ships at no charge, though they are often crowded.

On your final night, pack your bags and leave them outside your cabin door by the time specified in your onboard materials (usually around 10 p.m.). The crew will collect them overnight and deliver them to the port terminal. You will pick up your bags after you disembark the next morning. If you need your bags during the night before disembarkation, ask your cabin steward to retrieve them for you.

Special Items and Exceptions

Mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes do not count toward your luggage limit and are not charged extra. Bring them in addition to your two checked bags and carry-on. If you use a wheelchair or scooter, inform Carnival when you check in so staff can help you board and navigate the ship.

Car seats and pack-and-plays for infants and toddlers also do not count toward your luggage limit. You can bring these items in addition to your regular bags. Strollers are allowed but may be stored in a designated area rather than in your cabin, depending on the ship.

Sporting equipment like golf clubs, diving gear, or surfboards may be allowed but often requires advance notice. Contact Carnival before your cruise if you plan to bring specialized equipment. Some items may be charged an extra fee, and some ships may not have storage space for large equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my bag is over 50 pounds?

You will be charged $15 per bag for each bag between 50 and 100 pounds. Bags over 100 pounds will not be accepted. Weigh your bag at home before you leave, and if it is close to 50 pounds, remove some items or purchase an extra bag instead.

Can I bring a suitcase that is larger than normal?

Standard luggage is fine, but extremely large bags like steamer trunks may be rejected at the port. Call Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL before your cruise if your bag is unusually large to confirm it will be accepted.

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 during check-in. The crew will load them onto the ship and deliver them to your cabin. You cannot carry checked bags onto the ship yourself.

What if my bag does not arrive in my cabin on the first night?

Contact your cabin steward or guest services when ready. Bags are usually delivered by evening on embarkation day, but sometimes delivery takes until the next morning if the ship is very full. Guest services can track your bag and arrange delivery to your cabin.

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

No. You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. If you bring a second carry-on, you will be asked to check it at the gate, which means you will not have access to it until your cabin is ready.