Michael Turner
Recommendation: pack no more than two checked suitcases (up to 23 kg / 50 lb each), plus one carry-on (8–10 kg / 18–22 lb) and a personal item. Airlines flying to the port normally enforce the strictest weight and size rules (typical checked size limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm), while most major ship operators do not charge for checked baggage delivered to cabins but expect reasonable quantity for safe stowage.
If the itinerary includes small-ship or expedition segments, restrict to one soft-sided bag no heavier than 20–23 kg (44–50 lb) and a compact backpack; rigid suitcases are harder to store and move at tendered ports. For large ocean liners, choose compressible garments and soft duffels to maximize limited locker and under-bed space.
Packing priorities for the carry-on: passports and boarding documents, prescription medications (in original containers), a change of clothes, swimwear for immediate use, chargers, and valuables. Place these items in a bag that fits typical cabin doors and closet shelves; tag with a waterproof card showing full name, phone and shore address.
Banned or restricted items: irons, candles, portable stoves, fuel canisters, fireworks, and most hoverboards. Lithium batteries: spare power packs must travel in the cabin; batteries above 100 Wh require operator approval and anything above 160 Wh is prohibited. Aerosol limits follow airline security rules for carry-on liquids (100 ml/3.4 oz per container in a clear bag) when passing through airports.
Practical tips: weigh each bag before departure and label externally and inside; place fragile items in carry-on. Use one collapsible daypack for shore calls and tender operations. Confirm the specific operator’s baggage rules before departure–expedition operators, river vessels and small-ship lines commonly enforce stricter size/weight limits and may require soft bags only.
Bag counts and size/weight limits enforced by major lines
Limit checked bags to two per guest: standard practice is 1–2 checked suitcases per stateroom with each checked bag kept at or under 50 lb (23 kg); carry-ons should fit within approximately 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
Standard restrictions and practical numbers
Weight: 50 lb (23 kg) per checked bag is the common operational threshold used by port handlers and many ship operators; some operators state a firm 23 kg max. Size: oversized cases (longer than ~30 in/76 cm or bulkier than airline checked dimensions) may be subject to refusal at tender terminals or extra handling fees. Count: most staterooms tolerate two checked cases per guest; families often consolidate into fewer, larger pieces to reduce handling.
Operator-specific notes and handling rules
Carnival – no strict published bag count for boarding, but port staff expect bags ≤50 lb; oversized boxes may require special coordination with the embarkation desk.
Royal Caribbean – recommended 50 lb per checked bag; carry-on crates must be manageable by a single porter and fit standard carry-on dimensions if kept in-cabin.
Norwegian – typical allowance aligns with the 23 kg guideline; shore tenders sometimes limit bulky or heavy items, so declare oversized freight in advance.
Princess – enforces practical handling limits (≈23 kg); musical instruments, large sports gear or commercial boxes may need pre-approval and freight booking.
MSC & Celebrity – published policies commonly reference 23 kg per checked bag; both require battery-powered items to follow IMDG or airline-style battery rules for safe carriage.
Holland America – similar 23 kg advisory; crew will refuse bags judged unsafe for manual handling.
Special items: battery-powered tools, e-bikes, large lithium packs and oddly shaped personal goods often need pre-approval and may be restricted or carried as freight; for example, always check manufacturer specs before attempting to transport bulky battery-powered garden equipment – see best cordless lawn mower for medium lawns as a reference for battery size considerations.
Packing recommendations: label each piece with guest name and phone number, distribute heavy items across multiple bags to stay below the 23 kg threshold, and contact the operator’s baggage/embarkation desk in advance for any item heavier than 50 lb or with unusual dimensions.
Verify baggage rules for specific sailing date and fare type
Check the operator’s baggage-allowance page for the exact sailing date and fare code; have booking reference, passenger names and stateroom number ready for verification.
What to confirm on official documents
- Fare code and fare class details (found on booking confirmation or fare rules PDF) – these determine free-piece policies, pre-pay options and surcharge tiers.
- Allowed pieces, maximum linear dimensions (L+W+H) and per-piece weight limits; search the page for “pieces,” “dimensions,” “weight,” “oversize” and “excess fee.”
- Specific rules for sporting equipment, mobility aids, lithium batteries, e-bikes, firearms and musical instruments – many operators require advance approval or crating and charge separate handling fees.
- Carry-on/hand-bag policy for terminal security and onboard storage restrictions for certain cabin categories (e.g., inside cabins with limited closet space).
- Alcohol, duty-free and prohibited-item limits applied at embarkation ports and onboard; port authority rules may differ from operator policy.
- Cut-off times for online check-in and final baggage declarations; late additions may be refused or incur higher fees.
When and where to reconfirm
- At booking: verify fare code and any pre-paid baggage options so charges are locked into the reservation.
- 30–60 days before sailing: submit requests for special items (bikes, medical oxygen) – many operators require at least 30 days for approvals.
- 7–14 days before sailing: recheck policy pages and email confirmations after any fare changes or upgrades.
- Online check-in window (operator-specified): confirm declared pieces and print or screenshot the final allowance page for terminal staff.
If policy language is unclear, contact the operator’s guest services or the booking agent using the following checklist in the inquiry:
- Booking reference, full sailing date, fare code and stateroom number.
- Exact description of items (dimensions, weight, battery type if applicable).
- Requested action: pre-approval, pre-paid excess, special handling or waiver.
- Request written confirmation (screenshot or email) of any exceptions or pre-paid charges.
Save screenshots of policy pages and all written confirmations; present them at terminal check-in if in-person staff state different rules, and escalate to a supervisor with the saved evidence when necessary.
Which items must be checked, which are permitted as carry-ons, and common prohibited articles
Keep passports, boarding documents, prescription medication, high-value items (jewellery, watches, cash) and one change of clothes in a carry-on bag for access during transfer and potential delayed stowage.
Checked items: large suitcases and trunks; bulky sporting gear (surfboards, kayaks, bicycles) and motorized conveyances; pressurized gas cylinders (propane, butane) unless shipped via an approved hazardous‑goods carrier; gasoline‑ or fuel‑powered equipment and spare fuel containers; fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics; aerosol products with flammable propellants in large quantities; power tools containing fuel; firearms and ammunition only when properly declared, unloaded, locked in an approved hard case and compliant with port and local regulations; spare lithium batteries above 160 Wh (typically prohibited in checked holds).
Carry-on permitted items: passports, boarding passes, prescription medicines in original packaging, small electronics (laptop, camera, phone) and chargers, fragile or high‑value souvenirs, essential toiletries within airline liquid limits if transiting by air (100 ml / 3.4 oz per container), travel documents and emergency contact information. Medical devices such as CPAP machines and portable oxygen concentrators require advance notification and battery specifications; spare lithium‑ion batteries and power banks must travel in carry-on only and follow Wh limits: ≤100 Wh permitted; 100–160 Wh require operator approval and are usually limited to two spares; >160 Wh generally prohibited.
Commonly prohibited articles: open‑coil heating appliances (irons, hot plates), candles and incense, charcoal or propane grills, hoverboards and many e‑scooters (battery fire hazard), flammable liquids and solvents, chemical agents and pepper spray, fireworks and flares, large knives and martial‑arts weapons (local laws and operator policies differ), live ammunition unless declared and stowed per rules, and unapproved animals. Personal vaporizers and loose e‑liquid often face restrictions; check operator policy before packing.
Medical and special‑use guidance: declare oxygen use, controlled medications and mobility batteries ahead of departure and provide supporting documentation; certain medical devices require pre‑approval and detailed battery capacity information from the operator.
Port quarantine and operator rules may restrict natural materials and bulk beach items – for example, sealed play sand for an umbrella base – so verify destination limits; see a reference on suitable sand options at best sand for patio umbrella base. Final acceptance of any item rests with the ship operator and local authorities; contact the operator’s baggage/safety desk before travel for definitive rulings.
What to do if allowance is exceeded: fees, shipping options, and onboard storage
Pay excess-baggage charges at the terminal to resolve matters fastest; typical terminal rates range from $25–$150 per extra piece and $50–$250 for overweight items (weights commonly start penalties at 50–70 lb / 23–32 kg). Expect separate fees for oversized items (sports equipment, musical instruments) of $75–$400 depending on dimensions and whether the item requires special handling.
Fees, timing, and documentation
Ask the embarkation desk or port agent for an itemized fee sheet before payment. Credit-card charges usually post immediately; receipts are required for any later reimbursement claims. Caravan/porter tips are customary at $2–$5 per bag at U.S. ports and higher for heavy or bulky pieces. If a mobility device, stroller, or bicycle requires storage, pre-approval is often required and a signed waiver may be requested; expect handling fees of $50–$150 plus paperwork at check-in.
Shipping options and onboard storage solutions
Short-term: arrange courier delivery to the pier or a nearby shipping facility with delivery scheduled 24–48 hours before sail date; typical domestic 2–3 day service for a 30–50 lb box runs $50–$200, international rates higher and dependent on customs clearance. For slow, economical removal, ship excess items home via postal or freight forwarder (allow 5–10 business days). Always mark boxes with full booking reference, cabin number (if known), and a contact phone number at embarkation port.
Onboard storage: small surplus articles fit under beds, in closet shelves, or in dedicated stowage bins–use vacuum compression bags and soft-sided containers to maximize space. Bulky or hazardous items (large batteries, propane cylinders) are prohibited from cabin storage and must be shipped offsite or surrendered to cruise administration following their disposal protocol; check specific acceptance lists before handing items over. For scooters and power wheelchairs, confirm acceptance and storage location before arrival; many lines place these in secured storage areas but require advance notice, detachment of batteries, and a fee for special handling.
If refusal of items occurs at the gangway, options include: pay the posted excess fee, contract a same-day local courier to return items to town address, or move nonessential pieces to a hotel or port storage facility. Retain all receipts and photograph items with tags for proof in case of damage claims; liability for third-party shippers differs from carrier liability, so insist on insurance for items valued over $500.
