Yes, cruise lines do have luggage guidelines, though they are generally more relaxed than airline policies.

I have been known to over pack, especially when we are driving to the port. On our first cruise we flew with Southwest and I took the allowed four big suitcases plus our carry-ons! Never again! Through the years I’ve really cut down on my packing and have eliminated a lot of unnecessary items. I think over packing is a common mistake most new cruisers make. But that’s whole other topic!

When new cruisers are packing for a cruise, they want to include every item that’s recommended. These recommendations often come from all of the members on social media groups.

Pretty soon, reality hits. Questions start to come up about luggage restrictions. People wonder what they are allowed to take on the ship.

Each cruise line has their own luggage policies but they all basically have the same requirements. Most of these policies are not enforced to any large degree.

As a note, they don’t weigh your suitcases when you give them to the porters. But, remember they need to be lifted by many workers. Handling them requires care, so a 50-pound limit is a good rule of thumb.

Here’s a breakdown of luggage policies by major cruise lines:

Carnival Cruise Line

• Recommended:
  
  • 1 bag per person (cruises 3–5 days)
  • 2 bags per person (cruises 6+ days)
• Size Limit: 16” high x 24” wide (lying flat)
• Weight Limit: 50 lbs per bag
• Carry-on: 1 bag that fits through x-ray + 1 personal item
• 🔒 Bags should be unlocked for screening

Royal Caribbean

• No strict limit, but recommends packing reasonably
• Suggested Max: 2 pieces of luggage per guest
• Weight/Size: Not strictly enforced, but oversized or very heavy bags may be delayed
• Carry-on: Important items only (documents, meds, etc.)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Limit: 2 pieces of checked luggage per person (airline standard 50 lbs each)
• Carry-on: 1 small bag
• Excess luggage may be subject to additional handling fees

Princess Cruises

• Recommended: 2 bags per person (no hard limit)
• Checked Bag: 50 lbs suggested max
• Carry-on: Essentials and valuables only

Celebrity Cruises

• No enforced limit, but standard is:
  
  • 2 checked bags per person (50 lbs each)
  • 1 carry-on bag
• Additional bags may require extra storage arrangements

General Tips for All Cruise Lines:

• Pack essentials in a carry-on: passport, meds, valuables, swimwear, and a change of clothes.
• If flying to the port, your airline’s baggage limits may be more restrictive than the cruise line.
• Overweight or oversized luggage can slow down delivery to your stateroom or be refused entirely.

Use common sense when packing for your cruise. Ask yourself if you really need each item before putting it in your suitcase. Most seasoned cruisers will tell you to take half as many things and you’ll do just fine!

Essential Packing List for Your Warm Weather Cruise