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What is the luggage restriction on a cruise?

Packing for a cruise is a breeze as most cruise lines don't have a strict luggage policy. Generally, cruise lines recommend you bring two pieces of luggage per person at a maximum weight of 50 pounds as well as a small carry-on bag, with dimensions not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9.



Unlike airlines, most major cruise lines (such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian) do not have a strict "per-bag" fee, but they do have guidelines for weight and safety. The standard recommendation is two bags per person, with each bag weighing no more than 50 lbs (23 kg). This weight limit is primarily for the safety of the porters who handle thousands of bags in a single afternoon. However, the most important "restriction" isn't weight, but content. You are strictly prohibited from bringing items with heating elements, such as irons, kettles, or candles, due to fire risk (though hair straighteners are usually allowed). There are also complex rules regarding alcohol: most lines allow you to bring one or two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per cabin during embarkation, but beer and hard liquor are generally confiscated and held until the end of the cruise. All luggage is scanned via X-ray, similar to airport security. It is also highly recommended to carry a "day bag" with your essentials and medications, as it can often take several hours for your checked luggage to be delivered to your stateroom after the ship has set sail.

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Coolers: Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Pets/Live Animals: Only qualified service animals once approved by Guest Access Services at time of booking.

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To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person if you're travelling on a cruise of 3-5 nights, and to no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer.

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Does your purse count as a carry-on for a cruise? A purse would count as your personal item, but you'd still get to bring a carry-on bag as well! Depending on when your designated Port Arrival Time is, your stateroom may not be ready when you arrive onto the ship.

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While this can be confusing, most popular airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item, such as a backpack or purse. In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you.

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While airlines have restrictions on what size of toiletries you can bring on a flight, at least in your carry on or personal bag, cruise lines do not. If you're not concerned about packing space, you can bring full size toiletry items including shampoo and conditioner bottles, shaving cream and other hygiene products.

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Can you bring snacks, like candy, on a cruise? Shelf-stable snacks like chips, pretzels, protein bars or any other items packaged in sealed wrappers are permitted on every major cruise line.

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Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival has one of the loosest beverage policies of all cruise lines, allowing each guest to carry on a maximum of 12 sealed 12 oz. cans or cartons of a non-alcoholic beverage (e.g., sodas, juices, milk, or sparkling water) – a policy that most cruise lines have eliminated.

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Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom.

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Read on for our list of what not to bring on a cruise.
  1. Household Appliances Like Irons and Coffeemakers. The clothes iron -- that keystone to a frump-free formal night -- is, as far as we can tell, banned industry-wide. ...
  2. Weapons and Restraints. ...
  3. Liquor or Beer. ...
  4. Books. ...
  5. Toys That Will Get You in Trouble.


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What items are prohibited in carry-ons?
  • Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
  • Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns)
  • Stun guns and tasers.
  • Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)
  • Self-defense items (such as pepper spray, brass knuckle, billy clubs)


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What do I need to know when bringing medications on board a cruise? It is recommended that all daily medications be carried in your hand luggage in the event of delays or emergency situations. Be sure to bring an adequate supply, as certain medications may not be available on board or in port.

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Each guest is permitted to carry a reasonable amount of personal property (including luggage) aboard the vessel; however, for your comfort and convenience, it is recommended that you limit the number of pieces you take. Each guest has the option to carry their luggage on board or check-in luggage prior to boarding.

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Guests are not allowed to bring hard liquor, beer or plastic/glass bottled beverages, (e.g., water, sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks) on board. Please review our Beverage Policy for more information. Large speakers/radios are also prohibited and will be confiscated and discarded.

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The system for removing bags from the ship works this way: On the last night of your cruise, you pack your large bags and leave them in the hall for the crew to remove and transfer to the pier. You also have the option of carrying your own luggage off the ship.

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Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.

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Sure, you can eat at the buffet at almost any time of the day or make a reservation at a specialty restaurant, but to dine in the main dining room, most cruise lines require you to show up at either a set time or during a limited timeframe.

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Policy – Guests are allowed to take spirits, wine, and champagne onboard, though most alcohol is included in the price of the cruise. Policy – Two bottles (750ml each or smaller) of wine or champagne per cabin are allowed. No beer or spirits may be taken onboard for consumption.

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Your Toiletries Should Go in Your Carry-On As Well Much like having an extra set of clothes readily available, it's also a good idea to stash a few essential toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant, in your hand luggage so you can freshen up before your checked bags arrive.

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The plumbing generally operates on a vacuum system when you flush rather than on pure gravity, since waste might have to travel through lateral pipes and even upward rather than just down to reach its destination.

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Beach Towels: If you're planning to visit the beach, you don't need to pack beach towels. Most ships provide them, and you can return them at the end of the day.

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