Guidelines and Tips All Cruisers Must Know
Boarding a cruise has its own set of luggage rules and guidelines – boarding a cruise ship is completely different from boarding a plane.
1. Pack a Carry-On Size Luggage or Tote Bag.
If you are Checking your Luggage, it’s very important to pack a Carry-On Bag with you on Embarkation Day. Your Embarkation Day Bag Should have everything you might need for the first day of your Cruise. Delivery of your luggage can sometimes take a long time to arrive at your room.
2. Rules for the Size of Your Carry-On Bag
There are no strict rules for the size or weight of your Carry-On Bag, and weight limits are just suggestions. There is also not a restriction on the # of Bags that you bring. All luggage needs to fit through the Security Scanners and Xray Machines. Backpacks, small duffel bags or 20-21″ suitcases are fine.
3. TSA Liquid Rules Don’t Apply
You aren’t limited to the size and amount of liquids and creams you pack for a cruise.
4. Boarding with Luggage
If you choose to carry on all of your luggage – suitcases must fit through the security scanners. I always carry on my luggage, and have never had an issue, even with my largest suitcases. Remember, if you do carry on your luggage, you will have to carry it around with you until your room is ready (typically around 1:30 pm). On Carnival, if you are Diamond or Platinum Status, are booked in a Suite, or have purchased Faster to the Fun, you will be able to drop off your luggage in your room when you board.
5. Medications
Any essentials or Medication that you may need should be brought on with you in your Carry-On Bag. Most Cruise Ships don’t require passengers to bring Medication in Prescription Bottles or Original Containers. Most Cruise Lines Suggest bringing Original Prescription Containers as well as a list of Medications. In case of any potential travel delays, it’s always smart to bring a few extra days of Medication.
6. Passports and Government Identification
One of the worst mistakes any cruiser can make is to pack Passports or other IDs in checked luggage. Always have your Passports or Documents in your Carry-On or Passport Wallet.
7. Wallet and Credit Cards
Carry your wallet with money, cash and Credit Cards with you during Embarkation. Once inside your cabin, it is recommended to put these and other valuables in the stateroom safe.
8. Bringing Beverages on a Cruise
You can bring 12 – 12 oz. Cans of any Non-Alcoholic Beverages on Board. 1 12-Pack is permitted per person. They need to be brought in your carry-on or carried on. They do not need to be in the original box. You cannot bring any drinks in plastic bottles. You can bring an insulated reusable bottle for water or coffee. You can also bring drinks in cartons, as long as they are 12 oz. or less. You can mix and match different types of drinks if you want to. You can also bring on Energy Drinks such as Red Bull, but those also must be 12 oz. or less. You can also bring back 12-Packs onboard from the Ports.
9. Wine
Each Adult over the age of 21 is allowed to bring 1 Bottle of Wine on board. This must be brought in your Carry-On Luggage. Bottles can be no larger than 750 ml, and cannot have an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) content of more than 15%. I recommend bringing your own Corkscrew, as Carnival will charge a $15.00 Corkage Fee to open for you.
10. TSA Locks
If you choose to lock your luggage, make sure the lock is TSA Approved. These locks must be inside your Carry-On or Checked Luggage during Embarkation, not locked on the Suitcase.
11. Children’s Items
Be sure to pack toys or other items to keep your Children busy on the first day of your Cruise. If traveling with small children, make sure to pack a diaper bag, along with wipes and other essentials. Very smart to bring a change of clothes.
12. Chargers and Wires for Electronic Devices
It could take several hours until you have access to your cabin and can fully charge your devices. Make sure to pack a portable charger for your phone and other devices.
13. Packaged Snacks
There’s more than enough food on Cruises, but you can bring snacks like candy or chips. Anything snacks brought on board must be sealed and in their original packages. I like to bring a sleeve of crackers to snack on in the evening with Cheese and Meats I bring back to the room from the buffet or Dining Room.
14. Change of Clothes
Most likely you will get your luggage before dinner on the first day of the Cruise, but some people like to bring an evening outfit just in case. Bathing Suits are also nice to have in your Carry-On.
15. Other Optional Items
Optional Items to Pack in your embarkation bag include Personal Toiletries or Make-Up, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, AirPods and a Book or Kindle. For the smokers – you can bring Cigarettes/Cigars and lighters/matches with you in your Carry-On.
16. Things You Can’t Bring on a Cruise on Embarkation Day
- Surge Protected Power Bars
- Illegal Drugs or Substances
- Small electrical appliances that produce heat (hair appliances are exceptions)
- For a full list of items not allowed, click HERE.
17. Checked Luggage Suggestions
These are the recommended limits – they are just SUGGESTIONS. They will not turn you away if you have more bags or they weigh more than 50 lbs.
- 3-5 Day Cruises – maximum of one bag, per person.
- 6 Day Cruises or more – no more than 2 bags, per person.
- Each checked bag and carry-on bag SHOULD not weigh more than 50 lbs. and, when lying flat, must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor.
- For Security Screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked.
- Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays.
- I have personally never had an issue with any sized luggage or number of luggage. I personally carry on my luggage now, but even in the past when I checked it, there was no issue with size or quantity.