Most cruise lines set a weight limit of 50 pounds per bag, though some allow up to 75 pounds
The weight limit for cruise luggage depends on which cruise line you book with. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line all allow 50 pounds per checked bag as standard. Norwegian Cruise Line permits up to 75 pounds per bag. Some smaller or luxury lines set different limits—Celebrity Cruises allows 50 pounds, while Cunard's Queen Mary 2 permits 70 pounds. The limit applies to each individual bag, not your total luggage weight.
Weight limits exist because crew members physically load and unload bags, and because ship storage space is finite. A bag over the limit may be refused at check-in, or you may be charged an overage fee—typically $15 to $25 per bag, depending on the line. The safest approach is to weigh your bags at home before you leave for the port.
Carry-on bags usually have no weight limit, only size restrictions. You can bring a small bag and a personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) onboard without weighing them. This means you can distribute heavier items between checked and carry-on luggage if you're close to the limit.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney allow 50 pounds per checked bag; Norwegian allows 75 pounds; check your specific cruise line's policy before packing.
- Weight limits explore to each individual bag, not your total luggage allowance, so a second or third bag must also stay within the limit.
- Bags over the weight limit may be refused or charged an overage fee of $15 to $25 per bag at check-in.
- Carry-on bags have no weight limit on most cruise lines, only size limits, so you can pack heavier items in your personal bag if needed.
- Weigh your bags at home before leaving for the port to avoid surprises or fees at the cruise terminal.
How to find your cruise line's exact weight policy
Your cruise line's luggage policy appears in the documents you receive after booking. Look for the section titled "Luggage" or "Baggage" in your cruise documents or on the line's website under "Planning Your Cruise" or "What to Bring." Most lines post this information in the FAQ section as well.
If you booked through a travel agent, call them and ask directly—they have access to the policy and can tell you the limit in seconds. If you booked directly with the cruise line, log into your account on their website and search for "baggage" or "luggage." You can also call the cruise line's customer service number, which appears on your booking confirmation.
Do not assume all bags are the same limit. Some cruise lines allow one free checked bag at 50 pounds, a second bag at 50 pounds, and charge for a third. Others charge for any bag beyond one. Read the fine print to see how many bags you can bring and whether each one has the same weight limit.
What happens if your bag is overweight
At the cruise terminal, staff will weigh your checked bags before they go into the ship's hold. If a bag exceeds the limit, you have three options: pay the overage fee (usually $15 to $25 per bag), remove items and redistribute them to other bags, or leave items behind.
Some cruise lines will not charge if you are only slightly over—a pound or two—but do not count on this. The safest assumption is that any bag over the limit will incur a fee. If you are traveling with family, you can sometimes move items from an overweight bag into another family member's bag if theirs is under the limit, though staff may not allow this if it creates a new overweight situation.
Overage fees are paid at the terminal, not in advance. Bring a credit card or cash in case you need to pay on the spot. Some cruise lines allow you to pay online before arrival if you know your bags will be over, which can be faster than dealing with it at check-in.
Packing strategies to stay under the weight limit
The easiest way to avoid overage fees is to weigh your bags at home and adjust before you leave. Use a bathroom scale or a luggage scale (available at most drugstores for $10 to $20). Weigh each bag individually and note the weight on a piece of tape on the bag's handle.
If a bag is over the limit, remove the heaviest items first: shoes, jeans, books, toiletries in large bottles. Move them to a carry-on bag or a second checked bag. Shoes and books are often the culprits—a pair of dress shoes can weigh 2 to 3 pounds, and a hardcover book can weigh 1 to 2 pounds. Wear your heaviest shoes during travel instead of packing them.
Consider packing light clothing made from thinner fabrics. A week's worth of cotton t-shirts and shorts weighs far less than jeans and sweaters. You can also do laundry onboard—most cruise ships have self-service laundromats or offer laundry service for a fee—so you do not need to pack two weeks of clothes for a seven-day cruise.
Carry-on bags and personal items have size limits, not weight limits
Cruise lines do not weigh carry-on bags, only checked bags. Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and your personal item (purse, backpack, small bag) must fit under the seat. If your bag is too large, crew will ask you to check it, but they will not weigh it first.
This means you can pack heavier items in your carry-on without penalty. Electronics, shoes, books, and toiletries can all go in your carry-on bag. Just make sure the bag itself is not so large that it will not fit in the overhead bin. Typical carry-on dimensions are 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep, though this varies slightly by cruise line.
Liquids in carry-on bags must follow TSA rules if you are flying to the port: containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, all in a single quart-sized clear bag. Once you are onboard the ship, you can buy full-size bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and other toiletries at the ship's shop, or bring them in your checked luggage.
Special items and equipment with weight considerations
Sporting equipment, mobility aids, and medical devices are usually exempt from weight limits or count separately. A wheelchair, walker, crutches, or oxygen equipment will not count toward your 50-pound limit. Scuba gear, golf clubs, and ski equipment may be allowed but often require advance notice and may incur a separate fee.
If you are traveling with medical equipment or mobility aids, contact the cruise line before your trip to confirm what is allowed and whether it counts toward your luggage limit. Most lines are accommodating with these items, but policies vary. Inform the cruise line in writing (email is best) so you have a record of their response.
Car seats and strollers for children are usually allowed in addition to your regular luggage, though they may need to be checked separately. Ask your cruise line whether these items count toward your bag allowance or are treated as exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring multiple bags if each one is under 50 pounds?
Yes, but the number of free bags depends on your cruise line. Most allow two free checked bags per person at 50 pounds each. A third or fourth bag may be charged at $15 to $75 per bag. Check your cruise documents to see how many bags are included in your fare.
What if I'm traveling with a child—do they get their own weight limit?
Children typically receive the same luggage allowance as adults. A child's two free bags can each weigh up to 50 pounds (or whatever your line's limit is). Some lines offer reduced fares for children but the same luggage allowance.
Do I need to remove items from my bag before it's weighed at the port?
No. The weight limit includes everything inside the bag—clothing, shoes, toiletries, souvenirs, all of it. You do not remove items for weighing. If the bag is over the limit, you can ask to remove items on the spot and redistribute them, but this must happen before the bag is tagged and sent to the ship.
Can I ship luggage to the cruise port instead of bringing it with me?
Yes. Services like Luggage Forward and Ship Sticks allow you to send bags to the port ahead of time. This costs $30 to $100 per bag depending on distance and timing, but it eliminates the need to transport heavy bags to the terminal yourself. The bag must arrive at the port at least one day before your cruise departs.
What if I buy souvenirs onboard—how do I get them home?
You can pack souvenirs in your checked bags on the return journey, as long as the total weight stays within the limit. If you are concerned about space or weight, ask the ship's guest services about mailing items home, or use a shipping service at your final port to send packages ahead of you.