Luggage limits depend on your cruise line and cabin type
Most cruise lines allow two bags per person at no extra charge, though some permit three. The bag size limit is usually 50 pounds each, and dimensions typically cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches — roughly the size of a standard rolling carry-on. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line all follow this general rule, though each has slight variations in how strictly they enforce it and what they charge for overages.
The catch is that these limits explore to bags you bring aboard at embarkation. Once you are on the ship, you can order additional luggage sent to your cabin, and most lines will deliver it for a fee — usually $15 to $20 per bag. Some lines also let you purchase additional checked bags upfront when you book, which is cheaper than adding them later.
Weight and size matter more than the number of bags in practice. A cruise line employee at the gangway will weigh your luggage and measure it if it looks oversized. If your bags exceed the limit, you will either pay an overage fee (typically $25 to $100 per bag) or be asked to remove items and repack. Soft-sided bags pack more efficiently than hard-sided ones and are less likely to be flagged for size.
Key Takeaways
- Most cruise lines include two checked bags per person at no charge, with a 50-pound weight limit and maximum dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
- Additional bags cost $15 to $100 depending on when you order them and which cruise line you use.
- Soft-sided luggage packs more compactly and is less likely to be rejected at embarkation than hard-sided bags of the same capacity.
- Cruise lines measure and weigh bags at the gangway, so arriving with oversized or overweight luggage will result in fees or repacking on the spot.
- You can ship luggage to your cabin after boarding for a fee, which is useful if you want to bring more than the included allowance.
What counts as a checked bag versus a carry-on
Cruise lines distinguish between checked luggage (bags you hand over at embarkation) and carry-on items (bags you keep with you). The two-bag limit applies to checked luggage only. You are also allowed one personal item — a purse, backpack, or small bag — that you carry aboard without restriction on size or weight, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin.
Some cruise lines permit one additional carry-on bag beyond your personal item, though policies vary. Royal Caribbean allows one carry-on plus one personal item. Carnival permits the same. Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line also follow this model. The carry-on bag should fit in an overhead bin, which means roughly 22 by 14 by 9 inches — the same dimensions as checked bags, though enforcement is looser because crew members do not weigh carry-ons at the gangway.
The reason cruise lines care about carry-on size is fire code and safety. Overhead bins and cabin corridors have limited space, and oversized bags create a hazard. If your carry-on is visibly too large, crew may ask you to check it, which means paying an overage fee if you have already used your two free checked bags.
Overage fees and how to avoid them
If you arrive at the gangway with more than two checked bags, or if your bags exceed 50 pounds or the stated dimensions, you will pay an overage fee. Carnival charges $15 per additional bag on most sailings. Royal Caribbean charges $15 to $25 depending on the sailing length. Disney charges $15 per bag. Norwegian charges $15 per bag. These fees are non-negotiable and are collected at embarkation, not when you book.
The easiest way to avoid overage fees is to weigh your bags at home before you leave. A bathroom scale works fine — place the bag on the scale and read the weight. If a bag is close to 50 pounds, remove a few items. Soft-sided bags are also worth the investment because they compress slightly, making it easier to stay under the weight limit without sacrificing what you pack.
If you realize after booking that you need more luggage, order additional bags through the cruise line's website or by phone. Most lines offer a discount if you purchase extra bags when you book your cruise — typically $10 to $15 per bag instead of $15 to $25 at the gangway. This is the cheapest way to add luggage if you know you need it.
Cabin type and suite perks
Passengers in suites and higher-category cabins sometimes receive higher luggage allowances. Royal Caribbean, for example, permits suite guests three checked bags instead of two. Carnival offers similar perks on some ship classes. Disney Cruise Line does not increase the luggage allowance for suite guests, but suite guests do get priority embarkation, which means less crowding at the gangway and a smoother check-in process.
If you are considering a suite upgrade partly for the luggage benefit, calculate whether the extra bag allowance saves you money compared to the upgrade cost. A suite upgrade might cost $500 to $2,000 depending on the ship and sailing. One additional checked bag costs $15 to $25. Unless you plan to bring many extra bags, the upgrade is not worth it for luggage alone.
Standard cabin guests do not receive any luggage perks, but they can still order additional bags to their cabin after boarding. This is a good option if you travel light initially and realize mid-cruise that you want to bring more items home.
What you should pack in your carry-on
Pack medications, eyeglasses, important documents, and valuables in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. If your checked bags are delayed or lost during embarkation, you will still have access to these items. Cruise lines are not responsible for lost or damaged checked luggage, so keeping valuables with you is the safest approach.
Also pack a change of clothes, toiletries, and any items you need on the first night. Checked bags are usually delivered to your cabin within a few hours of embarkation, but delays happen. Having a fresh shirt and toothbrush in your carry-on means you are not stuck in the same clothes if your luggage arrives late.
Liquids in carry-on bags are subject to cruise line rules, which are similar to airline rules. Most lines allow a quart-sized bag of liquids (3.4 ounces or less per container) in your carry-on. Checked bags have no liquid restrictions, so pack full-sized shampoo, sunscreen, and other liquids in your checked luggage instead.
Prohibited items and what you cannot bring
Cruise lines prohibit weapons, explosives, and certain tools in both checked and carry-on luggage. Knives longer than 4 inches, firearms, and ammunition are not allowed. Lighters and flammable items are also banned. Most lines prohibit candles, irons, and hot plates in cabins for safety reasons, though some allow travel irons in checked luggage.
Alcohol brought aboard is prohibited in most cases. You cannot bring your own wine or spirits into your cabin, though you can purchase alcohol onboard. Some cruise lines permit passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or beer (usually one bottle per person) if they purchase it at the port and bring it back to the ship, but policies vary by line and by port. Check your cruise line's website before packing any alcohol.
Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia are strictly prohibited. Cruise lines operate in international waters, and drug violations can result in serious legal consequences. If you take prescription medications, pack them in their original labeled containers and keep them in your carry-on or cabin safe.
Luggage delivery services and pre-cruise shipping
If you want to avoid carrying luggage to the port, you can ship bags to your cruise ship in advance. Services like Luggage Forward and Baggage Forwarding will pick up your luggage from home, store it, and deliver it to your ship before departure. The cost is typically $100 to $200 per bag depending on distance and timing. This option is useful if you are flying to the port and do not want to check extra bags with the airline.
Alternatively, you can ship luggage directly to the cruise port using a shipping service like UPS or FedEx. Address the package to your name, the ship name, and the port of embarkation. Ship it to arrive at least two days before departure. The cruise line will receive it and deliver it to your cabin. Costs vary depending on package weight and distance, but expect to pay $30 to $100 per package.
These services are more expensive than straightforward packing light or paying overage fees, so they are best for passengers who are traveling with a lot of luggage or who want to avoid the hassle of carrying bags through the airport and to the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a suitcase that is slightly larger than the stated dimensions?
Cruise lines measure bags at the gangway, and oversized luggage will be flagged. If your bag is only slightly larger — an inch or two — it may pass depending on the crew member checking it, but you cannot count on it. Soft-sided bags that compress slightly are more forgiving than hard-sided bags of the same stated dimensions. If your bag is visibly oversized, expect to pay an overage fee or be asked to repack.
What happens if my luggage is lost during embarkation?
Cruise lines are not responsible for lost or damaged checked luggage. If your bag does not arrive in your cabin within a few hours of boarding, report it to guest services when ready. They will file a report and attempt to locate it. If the bag is truly lost, you may be able to file a claim with the cruise line, but recovery is not may provide. This is why packing valuables and medications in your carry-on is essential.
Can I bring an empty suitcase to fill with purchases during the cruise?
Yes. An empty suitcase counts as one of your two checked bags. If you plan to bring home a lot of purchases, pack light on the outbound journey so you have room in your checked bags for souvenirs. Alternatively, you can purchase an additional checked bag when you book your cruise, or order one to your cabin after boarding.
Do I have to pay overage fees if my bag is one pound over the limit?
Cruise lines typically allow a small margin of error — a bag that is 51 or 52 pounds may not be flagged. However, policies vary by line and by crew member, so do not count on it. If your bag is noticeably over 50 pounds, you will likely be charged. Weigh your bags at home and aim to stay well under the limit to avoid disputes at the gangway.
Can I bring a rolling carry-on and a backpack as my two carry-on items?
Yes. Most cruise lines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A rolling suitcase counts as a carry-on, and a backpack counts as a personal item. Both are permitted, as long as the rolling suitcase fits in an overhead bin. This gives you flexibility to bring items with you without checking them, though remember that your two checked bags are separate from these carry-on items.