Are there luggage restrictions on carnival cruise

Follow this rule: bring no more than two standard carry-on bags plus one personal item per guest; checked suitcases should not exceed 50 lb (23 kg) and combined dimensions of 62 linear inches (157 cm) (length + width + height). Carry-ons must fit in cabin storage or under the bed and should be compact enough for overhead bins at the terminal.

Prohibited and regulated items: firearms, ammunition, explosives, compressed gas cylinders, gasoline or fuel-powered devices, candles, incense, onboard irons, hoverboards/self-balancing scooters, and illegal drugs. Lithium-ion power banks and spare batteries must be kept in carry-on; most terminals refuse them in checked stowage. Prescription medicines belong in hand baggage in original containers with prescriptions or a doctor’s note.

Checked-bag handling at the terminal: port staff typically collect larger suitcases for delivery to the cabin after boarding; tag each bag with full name, contact phone and stateroom number if available. Overweight or oversized pieces can be subject to refusal or handling surcharges, so weigh and measure bags before arriving at the terminal.

Packing strategy: prepare a 24-hour essentials bag for the first night (swimsuit, change of clothes, necessary meds, chargers, travel documents) because checked cases can arrive later. Use soft-sided suitcases or collapsible duffels to maximize cramped cabin closets. Secure valuables, important documents and spare chargers in carry-on.

Airport-to-port notes: comply with airline carry-on liquid limits (containers ≤100 ml in a 1‑liter clear bag) and check local port/terminal rules for prohibited items and security screening. If bringing alcohol purchased at port shops, keep receipts and follow the operator’s policy on bringing bottles back on board.

Shipboard bag policy and packing guidance

Limit checked suitcases to two medium pieces per person, each under 50 lb (23 kg); keep passports, prescription medicines, valuables and electronics in a carry-on.

Bag drop deadline: 90–120 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic ports; arrive earlier when using port drop-off service or third-party transfers.

Port handlers typically refuse single items exceeding 50 lb (23 kg) or oversized pieces; recommended maximum suitcase dimensions: 30″ x 20″ x 12″ to fit under beds or inside cabin closets; soft-sided duffels compress better for stowage.

Prohibited items: firearms and ammunition, fireworks, propane or pressurized tanks, combustible liquids, industrial-strength adhesives, non-approved lithium batteries for e-bikes, and large oxygen cylinders without advance approval by the operator.

Battery rules: spare lithium cells and power banks must travel in carry-on only; capacity guidance: ≤100 Wh unrestricted, 100–160 Wh requires written approval from the operator, >160 Wh forbidden; tape exposed terminals to prevent short circuits. E-cigarettes and vaping devices forbidden in checked bags and for in-cabin use; use of such devices limited to designated outdoor deck areas when allowed.

Alcohol policy basics: sealed retail bottles purchased in port shops may need to be carried in hand until after initial security screening; onboard shop purchases often delivered to stateroom after the first port visit; local port rules can override general policy, so verify specifics with the operator before sailing.

Packing and labeling tips: attach a secure tag with full name, sail date and stateroom number; place a copy of travel documents inside a zip pouch within checked pieces; use TSA-approved locks; pack a spare outfit and essential toiletries in carry-on for potential delivery delays; photograph bag contents and tags for claims.

Fees and handling notes: port porter tips customary; third-party transfer firms may charge for oversized or overweight items; some terminals enforce manual handling limits and refuse bulky items without special arrangements.

Cabin storage snapshot: single small closet with limited hanging space, a few drawers and under-bed storage; rolling full-size hard cases into cabins can reduce usable living space–opt for compressible bags when possible.

Allowed carry-on items at boarding and port security

Bring one small carry-on bag plus one personal item; keep passport/ID, boarding pass, prescription medications, and electronic devices in your hand baggage for screening and quick access.

Permitted items and exact limits

Documents & valuables: passport/ID, boarding pass, wallet, travel itineraries, jewelry and small electronics should remain with you. Medications: original containers recommended; injectable meds require a doctor’s note and needles in a protective case. Liquids: containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single clear, resealable quart-sized bag; medically necessary liquids and baby formula/breast milk allowed in reasonable amounts but must be declared for inspection. Electronics: phones, tablets, laptops are permitted; expect to remove laptops and large tablets from bags for X-ray. Batteries: spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must travel in carry-on only – up to 100 Wh routinely accepted; 100–160 Wh may need carrier approval; >160 Wh generally prohibited. Small personal items: nail clippers, disposable razors, sealed toiletries, and compact umbrellas are acceptable; knives, large blades, and tools are not.

Screening procedures and port rules

Place liquids bag and large electronics in an accessible part of your hand baggage for separate screening. Declare prescription injectables, oversized cash (reporting limits vary by country; U.S. threshold $10,000), and any agricultural products at customs. Duty-free sealed items with receipts are usually allowed but may be opened for inspection. Security officers and port authority personnel have final authority to seize prohibited items or refuse boarding to non-compliant passengers.

Checked baggage size, weight limits and tagging rules

Limit each checked bag to 62 linear inches (length + width + height / 158 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg). Bags exceeding those dimensions or weight increase risk of extra handling, delayed delivery or refusal by dock staff.

Recommended maximum: two checked pieces per guest to simplify pier handling and cabin delivery; label extras clearly if required to bring more.

Definition: linear inches = length + width + height. Measure with wheels and handles included. Convert: 62 in ≈ 157.5 cm; 50 lb ≈ 22.7 kg.

Tagging process: staff at the terminal will affix pre-printed, color-coded tags with stateroom number, guest name and barcode to each checked item. Keep the claim stub or photograph the tag on arrival; remove old airline or past-voyage tags before check-in to avoid misrouting. Place a duplicate ID inside the bag (name, phone, stateroom number).

Tag placement: attach the tag to the main handle or zipper pull so it hangs free and is fully visible. Reinforce fabric handles with a luggage strap or a zip tie if the handle is weak. Do not cover the barcode or stateroom info with tape.

Special handling: mark fragile items with a clear FRAGILE sticker and use extra padding; place heavy items at the bottom and balance weight for safer manual lifting. Use hard-sided cases for dense, breakable contents.

Locks and security: use TSA-approved combination or keyed locks for checked items to allow authorized inspection without damage. Remove or obscure old tags and airline peel-off labels that could cause misidentification.

Pickup and delivery notes: once stateroom delivery is complete, remove the temporary tag to prevent bags being taken on debarkation day by mistake. If you want to collect a bag at the terminal instead of cabin delivery, request a hold-at-terminal or do-not-deliver label during check-in.

Prohibited and restricted items you cannot pack for this operator’s sailings

Immediate rule: Do not pack firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, ballistic or combat knives, tasers, stun guns, or any item intended to cause harm; possession usually leads to confiscation, denial of boarding, and possible criminal charges.

Flammables and fuels: Gasoline, propane cylinders, lighter fluid, kerosene, butane canisters, aerosol paints, solvent-based adhesives, and fuel-powered tools with residual fuel must not be brought aboard. Petrol-powered garden equipment is forbidden; consider battery-powered alternatives such as best cordless lawn mowers for medium gardens.

Lithium batteries and power banks: Spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries belong in carry-on only, with terminals taped or individually sealed. Watt-hour (Wh) guidance: up to 100 Wh allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh require written authorization from the operator or airline; >160 Wh prohibited. Installed batteries inside devices may be checked only if device meets specific acceptance rules; do not place loose power banks in checked suitcases.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices: Vaping devices and disposable e-cigarettes must remain in carry-on and must not be used inside cabins or indoor public areas; use limited to designated outdoor zones when permitted. Devices found in checked bags will be removed.

Medical supplies and oxygen: Keep prescription medicines in original containers and carry a copy of the prescription plus a physician’s letter for controlled substances. Insulin pumps and sharps allowed if declared and boxed; compressed oxygen cylinders prohibited. Portable oxygen concentrators typically require advance written approval and an approved power source.

Alcohol, food, plants and animals: Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, live animals, raw meat and uncooked seafood often violate port and customs rules and must not be packed. Alcohol policies vary; many operators collect alcohol purchased in port and return it on the final morning.

Sporting equipment, tools, and special gear: Scuba tanks, spearguns, bows and arrows, large fishing spears, motorized watercraft engines, chainsaws, fuel-powered tools, and similar hazardous gear are not permitted. Electrically powered scooters or bikes with non-removable high-capacity batteries are typically banned unless battery removed and carried in cabin.

Drones, hover devices and remote equipment: Drones, model aircraft, and many remote-control devices prohibited by maritime and local regulations; check port rules before packing. Hoverboards and self-balancing devices with internal lithium batteries commonly forbidden.

Illegal substances and customs-controlled goods: Illicit drugs, unprescribed controlled medications, and drug paraphernalia are strictly prohibited and subject to law enforcement action. Declare tobacco, firearms and other customs-controlled items when required by local regulations.

How to proceed with borderline items: Declare any unusual or potentially restricted item during online check-in or via the operator’s customer service; obtain written approval for medical gases, large batteries, compressed gases, or atypical sporting equipment. Keep all supporting documentation and prescriptions in carry-on for inspection.

Packing and declaring medications, travel documents, and valuables

Keep prescription drugs in their original pharmacy containers inside your carry-on, with a printed prescription and a physician’s letter listing generic names, dosages, quantity, and administration schedule.

Medications: documentation, quantities, screening

Bring enough medication for the entire voyage plus at least seven extra days; place all pills, inhalers, eye drops and injectables in carry-on baggage to avoid loss or temperature exposure during transfer. Liquids exceeding standard airport liquid limits are permitted for medical use if declared at the security checkpoint and presented separately for inspection.

For controlled substances, carry the original prescription label and a physician’s letter on office letterhead that states medical necessity, diagnosis code (if available), drug names (both brand and generic), doses and total quantity. Insulin and other injectables require a signed note, syringes in a hard case, and a labeled sharps container for disposal; expect to show these items at screening.

If a medication requires refrigeration, notify ship medical staff before boarding and bring an insulated travel cooler with gel packs for the transit to the terminal; ship medical facilities typically provide secure refrigeration once onboard but confirmation ahead of time avoids surprises.

Travel documents and valuables: storage and proof

Keep passports and visas in your carry-on; verify passport validity at least six months beyond your planned return date and confirm visa requirements with destination embassies. Store digital encrypted copies of passport pages, visas and prescriptions in a secure cloud folder and keep printed photocopies separate from originals.

Carry high-value items (jewelry, expensive watches, cameras) with you rather than checked bags. Use the cabin safe for items left onboard and create a photographed inventory with serial numbers and receipts; provide appraisals to your insurer for any items over typical policy limits. If checked bags sustain damage en route, arrange professional repair as soon as possible–for example, use a local service such as best luggage repair toronto.

Complete any required medical declaration forms during online or terminal check-in and present medication documentation to ship medical staff on boarding for faster processing and to avoid unexpected questions from security personnel.

Rules for transporting sporting gear, lithium batteries and e-cigarettes

Keep all spare lithium batteries in carry-on; never place spare cells or power banks in checked bags.

Sporting gear: packing, declaration and on-board handling

• Declare oversized or unusual items (bicycles, surfboards, kayaks, windsurfers, scuba cylinders) to the operator before departure; failure to declare may result in refusal at the pier.
• Bicycles: partially deflate tires, turn handlebars parallel to frame, remove or loosen pedals and secure chain. Protect frame with a bike box or padded bag.
• Surfboards / paddleboards: use rigid travel cases or padded bags; expect size/length limits and possible handling fees – contact carrier for maximum dimensions and stowage procedures.
• Scuba tanks: must be completely depressurized, valves open, and receive a certified empty-tank tag from the dive shop or fill station prior to boarding the vessel. Compressed gas cylinders with residual pressure are prohibited.
• Golf bags, fishing rods and inflatable watercraft: pack in protective covers; fuel-powered motors, fuel tanks and pressurized gas canisters are forbidden.
• Declare bulky equipment at check-in counter so crew can advise on storage location and handling; unsecured or improperly packed gear may be refused for safety reasons.

Lithium batteries and e-cigarettes: capacities, packing and usage

• Battery capacity rules (use these thresholds when deciding what to pack):
• Up to 100 Wh – allowed in carry-on without special approval.
• 100–160 Wh – allowed in carry-on only with prior operator/airline approval and normally limited to two spare batteries per device.
• Over 160 Wh – not permitted in passenger baggage.
• Non-rechargeable lithium metal cells – generally allowed if each cell contains ≤2 g lithium metal; larger cells are prohibited.
• Calculate watt-hours: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000. Example: a 3000 mAh, 3.7 V power bank = 11.1 Wh.
• Spare batteries (power banks, camera packs, e-bike batteries removed from device) must be individually insulated (tape terminals or use original packaging) and stowed in carry-on; avoid metal contact between terminals.
• High-capacity batteries integrated into equipment (e.g., electric bike batteries) often require special handling, shippers or shore-side freight arrangements; do not attempt to check these in passenger bags.
• E-cigarettes and vaping devices: carry in hand luggage only, devices must be switched off and protected from accidental activation; spare cartridges and pods also in carry-on. Using vaping devices inside cabins, balconies or public indoor spaces is typically prohibited; expect fines or device confiscation for use onboard.
• If uncertain about a specific battery or powered device, photograph the label (mAh and V or Wh) and contact the operator or ticketing office for written guidance before arrival at the port.

Steps to follow if your baggage is delayed, lost or damaged

Report the problem immediately at the ship’s Guest Services desk and obtain a written report number. Ask staff for a copy of that report and a point-of-contact (name, phone, email).

If bags fail to arrive at the terminal counter, file a report with the port baggage office and request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent claim form; retain boarding pass, bag tag stub and any port receipts.

Photograph damage from multiple angles, include bag tags and contents, and keep original packaging and tags. Do not discard damaged items until the claim is settled or the carrier expressly permits disposal.

Purchase immediate essentials (toiletries, undergarments, one change of clothes) and keep all receipts. Present those receipts with the initial claim; ask Guest Services for the operator’s policy on interim reimbursement and per-item limits.

For suspected theft, notify ship security and port police, obtain incident report numbers and copies, and note names of officers handling the case.

Log every contact: date, time, staff member, method (phone/email/in-person) and report number. Use that log when following up with the operator, terminal, airline or insurer.

When submitting a formal claim, include boarding passes, bag tag stubs, the ship/port written report, photos, itemized receipts, serial numbers for electronics, and repair estimates. Send materials by tracked email or certified mail and keep delivery confirmations.

Notify your travel insurer immediately; provide the operator’s claim number and complete documentation requested by the policy. Ask the insurer for its claim reference and expected processing timeline.

Request an estimated response timeframe from the operator and a dedicated escalation contact if the initial response is unsatisfactory. If repair is offered, obtain a written estimate before consenting to work or disposal.

If unresolved after reasonable follow-up, escalate to the line’s corporate claims department by email with all supporting documents attached, copy the port/terminal contact and your insurer, and request a formal written decision and deadline for payment or settlement.