Carnival's Luggage Allowance Per Passenger

Carnival allows two bags per passenger at no extra charge, plus one personal item. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure no more than 28 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 14 inches tall. Your personal item—a purse, backpack, or small carry-on—must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

If you need more than two bags, you can bring additional luggage for $15 per bag, per cruise. This applies to bags beyond your two included pieces. There is no limit to how many extra bags you can purchase, so if you are packing for a two-week cruise or traveling with a group, you can add as many as you need at that rate.

Carnival does not charge for bags that are soft-sided or collapsible if you can compress them to fit within the size limits. However, the weight limit of 50 pounds still applies to every piece of luggage, regardless of whether it is included or paid.

Key Takeaways

  • Every passenger receives two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each, plus one personal item.
  • Additional bags beyond the first two cost $15 per bag for the entire cruise.
  • Bags must not exceed 28 inches by 22 inches by 14 inches, and the 50-pound weight limit applies to all luggage.
  • You can bring soft-sided or collapsible bags at no extra cost if they compress to the size limit.
  • Oversized or overweight bags may be refused at check-in or charged as additional bags.

How to Measure and Weigh Your Bags Before You Leave

Use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of each bag. Measure the longest point in each direction—from the top of the handle to the bottom, side to side, and front to back. Write down the three numbers and add them together; if the total is more than 64 inches, the bag is too large. Carnival measures bags this way, so a bag that is 30 by 24 by 16 inches will be rejected even though each dimension is close to the limit.

Weigh your bags on a bathroom scale or a luggage scale before you arrive at the port. If your scale is not accurate, many grocery stores, shipping centers, and laundromats have scales you can use for free or a small fee. Bags over 50 pounds will be charged as additional luggage at check-in, so it is worth checking twice. If you are close to the limit, remove items now rather than paying $15 at the terminal.

What Happens If Your Bags Are Overweight or Oversized

If a bag exceeds 50 pounds or the size limit when you check in, Carnival will charge you $15 for that bag as an additional piece. You will pay this fee at the port terminal, not in advance. There is no way to avoid the charge once you are at check-in, so weighing and measuring at home is your only protection.

In rare cases, if a bag is extremely oversized or damaged, Carnival may refuse to take it at all. This happens most often with bags that are rigid, have broken wheels, or cannot fit through the ship's corridors. If this occurs, you will need to arrange for the bag to be shipped to your destination or returned home. Call Carnival before your cruise if you have an unusual bag you are unsure about.

Items You Cannot Pack in Checked Luggage

Certain items are prohibited in checked bags on Carnival cruises. Flammable items—lighter fluid, paint thinner, aerosol cans, and fireworks—are never allowed. Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives longer than 4 inches, and brass knuckles, are forbidden. Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia are prohibited. You also cannot pack large quantities of alcohol; Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per stateroom, but only if you purchase it in the ship's wine shop during the cruise.

Electronics with lithium batteries—such as laptops, power banks, and some e-readers—must go in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. This is a safety rule enforced by maritime law. Medications should also travel in your carry-on so you have access to them if your checked bags are delayed. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, contact Carnival's customer service before your cruise.

Packing Strategy for Cruises Longer Than a Week

For cruises of seven days or longer, most passengers find that one large checked bag plus a personal item is enough if they plan to do laundry onboard. Carnival charges $1 per wash and $1 per dry cycle, or you can purchase a laundry package for the cruise. Washing clothes halfway through means you can reuse items and pack less overall.

If you do not want to use the laundry, bring your second free bag and consider purchasing one additional bag for $15. This gives you three bags total and costs less than paying for laundry service. For cruises longer than 10 days, many passengers bring two paid bags in addition to their two free bags, which comes to $30 total and provides plenty of space without overpacking any single piece.

Luggage Delivery to Your Stateroom

When you check your bags at the port terminal, they are tagged and loaded onto the ship separately from passengers. Your bags usually arrive in your stateroom within two to four hours after you board, though on busy embarkation days it can take longer. During this time, you will not have access to your checked luggage, so pack a change of clothes, toiletries, and any medications in your personal item.

If your bags do not arrive by evening on embarkation day, notify guest services when ready. Carnival keeps track of all luggage and can locate it if it was loaded onto the ship. In the rare event that a bag is lost, Carnival will compensate you for the contents up to a certain amount, though you will need to provide receipts or proof of value. Keep your luggage tags and boarding documents in case you need to file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a carry-on bag in addition to my two checked bags?

Yes. Your two free checked bags are separate from your personal item, which is a small carry-on that fits under the seat or in the overhead bin. You can also bring a standard carry-on roller bag if it meets airline carry-on dimensions, though Carnival does not officially list a size limit for carry-ons. Most passengers bring a small roller bag or backpack as their personal item without issue.

What if I am traveling with a child—do they get two bags too?

Yes, every passenger, including infants and children, receives two free checked bags and one personal item. If you are traveling with a baby, you can pack a crib, high chair, or stroller as one of your checked bags without it counting toward your luggage limit. Contact Carnival in advance if you need to bring baby equipment so they can note it on your reservation.

Can I ship luggage to the ship instead of bringing it to the port?

Carnival does not offer a luggage shipping service to the ship. You must bring your bags to the port terminal on embarkation day. However, you can ship luggage to your home address after the cruise ends if you do not want to carry it home, or you can arrange for a luggage delivery service to pick it up from the port.

Are there size limits for soft-sided bags or duffel bags?

Soft-sided bags must still fit within the 28 by 22 by 14 inch limit when fully packed. Duffel bags and compression bags are allowed as long as they meet this size requirement when stuffed. If a soft bag expands beyond the limit, Carnival may charge it as an additional bag or refuse it at check-in.

Do I pay for extra bags when I book, or at the port?

You can purchase extra bags when you book your cruise online, or you can pay for them at the port terminal during check-in. Paying in advance is slightly cheaper on some Carnival websites, but both options are available. If you are unsure how many bags you will need, you can always add them at check-in without penalty.