Michael Turner
Short answer: Follow the line’s prohibited-item list, size-and-stowage guidance and battery rules; keep valuables and medications in a carry-on and pack soft-sided bags that fit above or under stateroom furniture. Airline checked-weight limits apply to flights, while the ship focuses on safety, storage space and compliance with port regulations.
Absolute bans include firearms and ammunition, fireworks, flammable fuels and chemicals, and illegal narcotics. Spare lithium-ion cells and power banks must travel only in hand baggage; installed batteries in mobility devices or e-bikes require prior written approval. Hoverboards and unapproved personal transporters are commonly refused at the terminal.
Bulky sports gear (golf clubs, surfboards, diving cylinders, kayaks) needs advance notification; some items incur handling or stowage fees and may be refused at the gangway without prior approval. For motorized devices, supply manufacturer battery specs and shipping documentation well before sailing; unmanaged batteries are a safety hazard and will be denied.
Alcohol policies vary by sailing: small personal bottles can be subject to limits, inspection and corkage or disposal fees at boarding, so check the operator’s current beverage policy for your itinerary. Label every checked piece with name, phone and booking number; place a copy of your reservation inside each bag. Keep passports, cash, prescription meds and travel documents in your carry-on.
Actionable checklist: review the operator’s official “what to pack” page for your specific ship and itinerary, email guest services with any unusual-item questions, declare items that require approval, and arrive at the terminal with printed ID and boarding documents to speed inspection and handling. Tip porters when they deliver pieces to the stateroom if you use gangway service.
Guest baggage guidelines for sailings with this operator
Limit each checked suitcase to about 23 kg (50 lb) and keep carry-on bags within standard airline dimensions (22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm); place passports, prescription medicines, valuables, important documents and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on.
Prohibited and tightly controlled items
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid), compressed gases (propane, butane), camping stoves, gasoline-powered devices, hoverboards and fuel-powered models are not permitted. Illegal drugs, theft-deterrent spray, and most fireworks or signal flares are banned. Spare lithium batteries, power banks and e-cigarettes should travel in carry-on only; checked baggage is not appropriate for loose lithium cells. Medical oxygen, CPAP machines with wet-cell batteries or any item requiring onboard support must be declared and approved before boarding.
Packing, handling and special-item guidance
Label every bag with full name, phone and email; add an internal copy of travel documents. Use soft-sided bags or collapsible duffels for easier stowage in small cabins. Sports equipment (bicycles, surfboards, dive tanks) often requires advance registration and additional fees or separate shipping – book this prior to travel. Onboard staff normally deliver checked bags to staterooms, but keep valuables and immediate-need items on your person. If carrying alcohol: many operators allow a small number of sealed 750‑ml bottles at boarding and hold them until late in the voyage, but policies and corkage/service fees vary by sailing and port – confirm the specific allowance before departure.
Carry-on and checked bag size and weight allowances
Recommendation: limit carry-on to one standard roll-aboard (22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus a personal item (up to 18 x 14 x 8 in / 46 x 36 x 20 cm); checked pieces should fit within 62 linear inches (length + width + height = 158 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg) per bag to allow safe handling and cabin delivery. Use best underseat travel totes for the personal item to maximize under-seat space and quick access.
| Piece | Max dimensions | Max weight | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on (checked at terminal until boarding) | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Approx. 15–22 lb (7–10 kg) recommended for easy stowage | Fits overhead; keep valuables and meds inside |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in / 46 x 36 x 20 cm | Lightweight (under 10 lb / 4.5 kg) | Under-seat tote or small backpack; ideal for documents and electronics |
| Checked piece | 62 linear inches / 158 cm (L+W+H) | 50 lb / 23 kg suggested per bag | Soft-sided bags easier for crew to maneuver; tag each piece clearly |
Packing tips: keep medications, travel documents, swimsuit and one change of clothes in your carry-on for immediate access after boarding. Label bags with cabin number and phone/email. Overweight or oversized items may delay delivery or incur handling charges; confirm final limits with your ship operator and any carriers used for arrival/departure. For cleaning gear after active shore days, consider compact equipment such as a best pressure washer for home car wash to rinse muddy footwear and gear on return to the ship or dock.
Prohibited and restricted items: batteries, aerosols, electronics and flammables
Keep all spare lithium-ion cells and power banks in carry-on only; do not place spare lithium batteries in checked bags.
Watt‑hour limits: individual lithium‑ion cells or battery packs up to 100 Wh permitted without prior approval; 100–160 Wh allowed only with written authorization from the operator and typically limited to two spare packs per person; batteries above 160 Wh forbidden.
Handle spares safely: insulate exposed terminals with tape or store each cell in original retail packaging; avoid loose batteries mixed with metal items; power devices off and prevent accidental activation during screening and storage.
Prohibited aerosols: compressed-gas cartridges and spray cans with flammable propellants (butane, propane, aerosol fuels, spray paint) must not be packed. Personal-care aerosols (deodorant, hairspray) should be limited to travel-size containers and kept in carry-on when possible, subject to local port and onboard policies.
Electronics and vaping gear: devices with installed batteries permitted in carry-on; spare e-cigarette batteries and portable chargers must remain in carry-on. Portable battery packs must display a Wh rating; uncertified or modified packs may be refused. Use of vaping devices in staterooms, balconies, indoor public areas, and most open-deck spaces usually prohibited–follow onboard signage and crew instructions.
Flammable liquids and gases: gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid, propane/butane canisters, camping fuel, fireworks, flares, chemical oxygen generators, and similar items strictly forbidden. Torch lighters and butane refills generally prohibited; single-use disposable lighters may be permitted in carry-on at the operator’s discretion.
Medical batteries and approvals: for medical devices with high-capacity batteries obtain written authorization before travel, carry original battery documentation showing Wh rating, and present devices and spares to security staff during screening; undeclared or improperly packed hazardous items risk confiscation and denial of boarding.
Drop-off, stateroom delivery and lost-or-delayed baggage procedures
Carry essential clothing, prescription medicines, travel documents and valuables in your carry-on and keep the bag-drop receipt until your checked items arrive in your stateroom.
Terminal drop-off: exact steps and timing
- Typical window: bag-drop opens about 3–4 hours before scheduled departure and closes 60–90 minutes prior to sailing; follow the time printed on your boarding documents for your sailing.
- Attach the issued barcoded tag to the outside handle and a duplicate ID tag inside the main compartment.
- Retain the receipt containing the bag tag number(s) and a photo of the barcode; this number is the primary reference for recovery.
- Weigh and seal your checked items at home or curbside; security screening may inspect bags at the terminal.
- Declare high-value, fragile or medically necessary items to the terminal agent if they must be checked; request a written note on the receipt for fragile/high-value handling.
Onboard delivery: expected timing and actions
- Standard delivery timeframe: most checked bags reach staterooms between late afternoon and midnight on the first day; during peak embarkation or itineraries with short port calls, delivery can continue into the next morning.
- If you need an item earlier (medication, baby supplies, important documents), carry it with you and notify Guest Services immediately if it was accidentally checked.
- If your bag arrives but is damaged, note the damage with the crew member delivering it and file a damage report at Guest Services before the end of the cruise.
- Label inside garments with your name and stateroom number to speed identification if external tags fall off.
If a checked bag does not appear in your stateroom within the expected window, follow these steps:
- Report missing item to Guest Services immediately; provide bag-tag numbers, description (brand, color, size), and a photo if available.
- Request a written missing-baggage receipt from Guest Services and note the time and staff member’s name handling your case.
- Expect periodic updates; the onboard team coordinates with terminal baggage handlers and will attempt delivery to your stateroom as soon as the bag is located.
- For delayed deliveries: keep receipts for any essential purchases (clothing, toiletries, medication) and save them for a possible reimbursement claim; ask Guest Services for the correct claims procedure and required documentation.
- If an item is delivered damaged or missing contents, document with photos, complete the onboard property-damage/loss form and keep a copy of that form and all receipts.
- If a bag is confirmed lost by the baggage team, follow the claim instructions in your passenger contract; file paperwork within the timeline specified in those documents and provide the bag-tag receipt, inventory list and purchase/repair receipts.
Practical prevention tips: photograph packed items and the exterior of bags before travel, add a distinctive ribbon or luggage strap for quick ID, place a printed name-and-phone card inside, and never pack medications, passports or irreplaceable valuables in checked bags.
What to pack in your carry-on for boarding day and port excursions
Bring a small daypack with passport, boarding documents, one full change of clothes, swimwear and a lightweight waterproof layer; keep this bag with you during check-in and while transferring to shore.
Documents, money and meds
Must-haves: passport (plus photocopy), government photo ID, printed or mobile boarding pass, travel insurance card, emergency contact list and prescription list. Carry prescription medicines in original containers and at least a 48-hour supply in hand luggage. Keep a credit card and small denominations of local currency for tip jars, taxis and vendors.
Clothing, footwear and sun protection
Pack one quick-dry outfit, a swimsuit, a compact microfibre towel, water shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky shores, and a packable sun/rain shell. Include sunglasses with a strap, a wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen and reef-safe options if you’ll snorkel.
Toiletries and small health kit: travel-sized toothpaste and deodorant, sanitizing wipes, travel hand sanitizer (airport-allowed size), adhesive plasters, blister pads and motion-sickness tablets or a nausea wristband if you use them.
Electronics and accessories: phone, charger and an external battery pack, waterproof phone pouch, compact camera or action cam with extra memory card, and lightweight earphones. Store all valuable electronics in your carry-on rather than checked items.
Shore-excursion extras: collapsible water bottle (empty through airport security), dry bag for wet items, small daypack for on-land exploring, a written note of tour confirmations and pickup times, a zip-lock with emergency cash, and compact binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Packing tip: arrange items by frequency of use – documents and meds in an outer pocket, sun items together, electronics in a padded section – to speed through boarding procedures and maximize time on the first day and during port calls.
Rules for sports equipment, mobility devices, prescription medication and alcohol
Bring written medical documentation and battery specifications (manufacturer label showing voltage and amp-hours) for powered mobility devices; notify the ship operator at least 21 days before sailing and obtain written approval for on-board use or stowage.
Calculate lithium battery energy as Wh = V × Ah. Batteries rated up to 100 Wh may be carried in passenger spaces; 100–160 Wh require prior approval; batteries above 160 Wh are not permitted in cabins or carry-on. Spare lithium cells and power banks must be stored in carry-on, with terminal ends insulated (original packaging or tape) and individually protected from shorting.
Manual wheelchairs and non-powered mobility aids cleared for aircraft use may be used on board. Powered wheelchairs and scooters must be listed with battery chemistry (lithium-ion, AGM/gel, lead-acid) and condition; nonspillable batteries (AGM/gel) typically accepted with documentation; flooded wet-cell batteries generally prohibited from staterooms and may require special handling. Expect inspections at gangway and possible relocation to designated storage.
Common sports items usually permitted if safely packed and sized for stateroom storage: golf clubs, tennis rackets, fishing rods, snorkel gear. Oversized items such as surfboards, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and full-size bicycles often need advance approval and may be refused if safe storage cannot be provided. Hoverboards and self-balancing scooters with integrated lithium batteries are typically prohibited from boarding.
SCUBA tanks and compressed-gas cylinders require advance approval and carrier certification. Empty, depressurized tanks with visible “empty” markings and a recent dive-shop stamp or written confirmation from a dive operator may be accepted; charged cylinders and tanks containing compressed gas must not be carried by passengers unless shipped as cargo under approved procedures.
Keep all prescription medicines in original pharmacy containers with patient name, drug name and prescribing physician. Carry a copy of prescriptions or a physician’s letter for controlled substances and syringes. Store critical medications and injectables in carry-on; request refrigeration from ship medical services if temperature control required. Pack a medication list with generic names, dosages and emergency contact information.
Alcohol brought at boarding: one bottle of wine or champagne (750 ml) per stateroom is commonly permitted at check-in; additional bottles bought ashore may be held and delivered on the final night. Hard liquor and multiple large packs of beer often face more restrictive handling and storage rules. On-board purchases typically cannot be taken ashore. Confirm specific alcohol policies with the operator before travel to avoid spoilage or confiscation.
