Print your NCL luggage tags online before you sail, or get them at the port on arrival

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) lets you print your luggage tags at home using your booking confirmation, or you can pick them up when you arrive at the terminal. Printing at home saves time at the port and lets you attach tags to your bags the night before you leave. The tags themselves are straightforward paper labels with a barcode that the ship's crew scans to route your luggage to your cabin.

You will need your NCL booking number and the names of everyone traveling in your party. The process takes about five minutes and works on any home printer. If you do not print them ahead, the port staff will hand you tags when you check in — there is no penalty, but the line moves faster if you arrive with tags already attached.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your NCL account at ncl.com using your booking number to access the luggage tag print option.
  • Print the tags on standard white paper at home, cut them along the dotted lines, and attach one to each bag with tape.
  • You can print tags up to 14 days before your cruise departure date.
  • If you do not print ahead, port staff will provide tags when you check in, though this adds time to your arrival process.
  • Each tag includes a barcode and your cabin number so crew members can deliver bags to the right place.

How to access the luggage tag print page on NCL's website

Go to ncl.com and sign into your account using your email address and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your booking number. Once you are logged in, look for the section labeled "Manage My Booking" or "My Cruise" — the exact name varies depending on when you booked.

Find the option for "Luggage Tags" or "Print Documents." This section usually appears near other pre-cruise tasks like checking in online or selecting dining times. Click on it, and the system will display a page with your booking details and the number of tags you need (one per person in your party).

Printing and preparing your tags at home

The luggage tags print as a PDF file on standard 8.5 by 11 inch white paper. Use your home printer's normal settings — no special paper or color printing is required. The tags are arranged in rows with dotted lines between them so you can cut them apart cleanly with scissors or a utility knife.

Each tag is roughly 4 by 6 inches and has a barcode on one side and your name, cabin number, and ship name on the other. Once you cut the tags, use clear tape or packing tape to attach one tag to the top of each bag, making sure the barcode faces outward so crew scanners can read it. Tape all four edges of the tag so it does not peel off during baggage handling.

When you can print tags and what to do if you miss the important date

NCL allows you to print luggage tags starting 14 days before your departure date. This window gives you plenty of time to print at home and pack your bags the night before you travel. The tags remain available to print right up until your sail date, so you can print them as late as the morning you leave for the port if needed.

If you arrive at the port without printed tags, the check-in staff will print them for you at no cost. This process takes a few extra minutes per guest, so lines move slower when many people need tags printed on the spot. Having tags ready does not speed up your overall check-in time significantly, but it does reduce congestion at the luggage drop-off area.

Troubleshooting if you cannot access the print page

If you log into your NCL account and do not see the luggage tag option, check that you are looking at the correct booking. Some guests have multiple reservations, and the luggage tag section only appears on the active cruise booking, not on past or future trips. Make sure the dates shown match your upcoming departure.

If the luggage tag link is still missing, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log out and log back in. If that does not work, contact NCL's guest services by phone or through the website chat. They can confirm your booking is set up correctly and send you a direct link to the tag print page. You can also ask them to email you a PDF of the tags if the website is not working.

What happens to your bags after you drop them off

Once you attach the barcode tag and drop your luggage at the port, crew members scan the tag and load it onto the ship. The barcode tells the system which cabin the bag belongs to, and baggage handlers sort bags by cabin number. Your luggage is usually delivered to your cabin within a few hours of boarding, though on busy arrival days it can take longer.

Keep your cabin number handy when you drop off bags so you can confirm it matches the tag. If a tag is damaged or the barcode does not scan, tell the baggage handler right away — they can print a new tag on the spot. Bags without readable tags sometimes end up in the ship's lost luggage office, which adds time to getting them to your cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print multiple sets of luggage tags in case I make a mistake?

Yes. You can print the tags as many times as you need. Print an extra set if you want a backup, or if you damage a tag while taping it to your bag. The system does not limit how many times you read the PDF, so there is no penalty for printing more than once.

What if I have bags that are not in my name?

Each tag prints with a passenger's name from your booking. If you are traveling with family members or friends, each person gets their own set of tags with their name on them. Bags belonging to children or other guests in your party should use the tags printed with their names, not yours.

Do I need to print tags if I am using a travel agent or cruise package?

Yes, the process is the same. Log into your NCL account using your booking number, whether you booked directly or through an agent. The luggage tag print option appears in your account regardless of how you purchased your cruise.

What if my printer is broken and I cannot print at home?

You can print the tags at a library, FedEx Office, or a friend's house before you go to the port. You can also wait and let the port staff print them when you arrive. There is no advantage to printing ahead other than saving a few minutes at check-in, so if printing is inconvenient, straightforward plan to arrive a little earlier and have the tags printed on-site.

Are the luggage tags reusable for future cruises?

No. The tags are single-use and specific to your booking. Each cruise requires new tags with your updated cabin number and ship name. Print fresh tags for each trip you take with NCL.