Cruise lines set luggage limits, but the rules vary by company and cabin type
Most cruise lines allow two bags per person, each weighing up to 50 pounds, plus a carry-on bag you bring aboard. Some lines are stricter—Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, limit you to two checked bags of 50 pounds each. Royal Caribbean allows two bags at 50 pounds each. Carnival permits two bags at 50 pounds each as well. The carry-on bag you keep with you typically has no weight limit but must fit in your cabin's overhead storage or under your bed.
A few cruise lines charge fees if you exceed these limits. Carnival, for instance, charges around $15 per bag for a third checked bag. Disney charges $15 per bag for anything beyond the standard two. Royal Caribbean does not charge for a third bag but will charge for a fourth. Always check your specific cruise line's website before packing, because policies change and some lines offer different allowances for suite guests or loyalty members.
Key Takeaways
- Most cruise lines allow two checked bags at 50 pounds each, plus one carry-on bag you bring aboard yourself.
- Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian all enforce the two-bag limit, though some charge fees for additional bags.
- Carry-on bags have no weight limit on most lines but must fit in your cabin storage space.
- Suite guests and loyalty program members sometimes receive higher baggage allowances—check your booking confirmation or call the cruise line directly.
- Bags must be tagged with your cabin number and ship name before you board, and the cruise line will deliver them to your cabin.
What counts as a checked bag versus a carry-on
A checked bag is any luggage you hand to the cruise line at the port before boarding. The line transports it to your cabin and delivers it there, usually within a few hours of departure. These bags count against your two-bag limit and must meet the weight and size restrictions. A standard checked bag is typically a rolling suitcase or large duffel, though some lines accept soft-sided luggage as well.
A carry-on bag is anything you bring onto the ship yourself and keep in your cabin. This includes a rolling carry-on, a backpack, a purse, or a small duffel. Carry-on bags do not count toward your two-bag limit. However, they must fit in your cabin—most cabins have limited overhead storage and under-bed space, so extremely large carry-ons can be a problem. If your carry-on is so large it does not fit in your cabin, the cruise line may ask you to check it, and it will then count against your checked-bag allowance.
How to pack within the weight limit
A 50-pound bag is heavier than most people realize. To stay under the limit, weigh your bag at home before you leave. Use a bathroom scale or a luggage scale—they cost $10 to $20 and are worth owning if you cruise regularly. Pack one bag completely, weigh it, then adjust by moving items to the other bag until both are under 50 pounds.
Common mistakes: packing shoes, toiletries, and books all in one bag, which adds weight quickly. Shoes alone can weigh 5 to 10 pounds depending on how many pairs you bring. Instead, distribute heavier items across both bags. Wear your heaviest shoes on the day you travel rather than packing them. Leave behind items you think you might need but probably will not—most cruise ships have laundry facilities, so you can wash clothes mid-voyage if your cruise is longer than a week.
Tagging and delivering your bags at the port
When you arrive at the cruise port, you will see a check-in area where you drop off your luggage. The cruise line will provide luggage tags—these are usually mailed to you with your cruise documents, or you can pick them up at the port. Write your cabin number and ship name on each tag, then attach it securely to the handle of each checked bag. Do not use old airline tags or tags from previous cruises.
After you tag your bags, place them on the conveyor belt or hand them to a crew member. The line will scan the tag and transport your bags to your cabin. Delivery usually happens within 2 to 4 hours after the ship departs, though on busy embarkation days it can take longer. If your bags do not arrive by early evening, contact guest services in your cabin—they can track the bags and deliver them if there was a delay.
Special items and restrictions
Cruise lines prohibit certain items in checked luggage. You cannot pack alcohol, firearms, or flammable materials. You also cannot pack candles, lighters, or anything with a lithium battery that is not in a device you are actively using. Medications must stay in their original containers with your name on the label, and you should keep them in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage in case your bags are delayed.
Electronics like laptops, cameras, and phones should go in your carry-on. If you bring a hair dryer or curling iron, pack it in checked luggage only after it has cooled completely—never pack a hot appliance. Some cruise lines allow one small safe in your cabin; if yours does, use it for valuables like jewelry and passports rather than packing them in luggage.
Baggage allowances for different cabin types
Standard inside and oceanview cabins follow the two-bag rule. Balcony cabins and suites sometimes offer higher allowances. Royal Caribbean, for example, allows suite guests three checked bags instead of two. Disney allows suite guests two checked bags plus one additional item. Carnival's suite guests also receive an extra bag allowance. Check your booking confirmation to see what your cabin type includes, or call the cruise line's customer service before you pack.
Loyalty program members may also receive higher allowances. Carnival's loyalty program members can bring an extra bag depending on their tier. Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society members receive similar perks. These benefits vary by program level and change periodically, so verify your specific allowance when you book or a few weeks before your cruise.
What to do if you need more luggage space
If you are packing for a long cruise or traveling with family, two bags per person may not be enough. Your options are to pay the fee for an additional bag, ship items to your cabin before the cruise, or buy a second carry-on bag that fits in your cabin. Shipping items ahead costs money but guarantees they arrive before you do—use a carrier like UPS or FedEx and address the package to your name, cabin number, and ship name at the port address.
Another option is to pack light and do laundry on the ship. Most cruise ships have self-service laundry rooms on guest decks, and you can wash clothes for a few dollars per load. This works well for cruises of 7 days or longer. For shorter cruises, packing efficiently and staying within the two-bag limit is usually simpler than paying extra fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a suitcase as a carry-on if I do not check any bags?
Yes. A carry-on suitcase counts as your carry-on bag, not as a checked bag. You can bring it aboard and keep it in your cabin. However, it must fit in your cabin's storage space. If it is too large and does not fit, the crew may ask you to check it, which would then count against your two-bag limit.
What happens if my bag is over 50 pounds?
The cruise line will likely refuse to accept it at check-in. You will need to remove items and redistribute the weight between your two bags before they will take it. Have a backup plan: bring a small empty duffel in your carry-on so you can move items if needed at the port.
Can I bring a personal item like a purse or backpack in addition to my carry-on?
Yes. Most cruise lines allow a personal item (purse, backpack, or small bag) in addition to your carry-on rolling bag. Neither counts toward your checked-bag limit. Just make sure both fit comfortably in your cabin.
Do I need to unpack my bags when they arrive in my cabin?
No, but you should unpack soon after arrival so you can use the cabin's closet and drawers. Leaving suitcases open on the floor takes up valuable space in smaller cabins. Most cruise lines ask that you return empty suitcases to a designated area by a certain time so they can be stored.
Can I check bags on the last day of my cruise to bring home souvenirs?
No. Checked luggage is only accepted at the beginning of your cruise when you board. On the final day, you pack your own bags and carry them off the ship yourself. Plan ahead if you want to bring home large items—pack light at the start so you have room in your checked bags for purchases.