Can you bring luggage on royal caribbean

Packing plan: Stow passport, boarding pass, prescription drugs, a change of clothes, swimwear and essential electronics in the carry-on so access is immediate after boarding. Label every case with full name, phone and cabin number if available; photograph bag tags and contents before handing them to port staff.

Prohibited and restricted items: Weapons (including firearms and ammunition), explosives, flammable liquids, illegal narcotics and hoverboards are not allowed. Lithium-ion cells and power banks should travel in the carry-on with terminals protected; large mobility batteries require prior approval from both airline and ship operator. Leave valuables and irreplaceables in carry-on rather than checked cases.

Alcohol and specialty items: Many cruise operators permit a limited quantity of sealed wine or champagne per stateroom at boarding (policies vary), but such bottles are often held and delivered to the cabin or assessed a corkage fee if consumed in dining venues. Check current beverage rules for the specific operator before packing wine, specialty foods or expensive spirits.

Practical tips: Adhere to airline liquid rules for carry-ons (≤100 ml containers in a single clear bag) when flying to the port. Arrive early for check-in, keep essential paperwork and a credit card in the personal bag, and use sturdy, distinguishable luggage with TSA-approved locks to reduce delays and misplaced items.

Allowed baggage policy for the cruise line

Passengers should keep passports, boarding passes, prescription medication and a change of clothes in a carry-on for immediate access during terminal check-in and stateroom delivery.

• Checked pieces: Port-handling companies commonly process one to two checked suitcases per guest; many operators apply a 50 lb (23 kg) limit per piece. Final allowances are listed on the booking confirmation and terminal instructions – verify before arrival.
• Carry-on sizing and contents: Carry-on must fit in an overhead or stateroom closet; store valuables, electronics, travel documents and vital medications there. For air segments to the port, follow airline liquid limits (100 ml/3.4 oz per container in a clear bag).
• Prohibited items: Firearms, fireworks, explosives, illegal narcotics, combustible liquids and personal transport devices with lithium batteries (hoverboards) are not permitted. E-cigarette batteries should travel in carry-on when allowed by the operator.
• Alcohol rules: Many lines accept a limited number of unopened bottles at boarding; opened bottles carried aboard may be subject to confiscation or corkage fees. Check the sailing documents for the specific allowance.
• Packing and stowage tips: Use soft-sided bags for easier stateroom storage; pack cubes and compression bags to maximize closet space; label each piece with name, sail date and contact phone.
• Timing and delivery: Arrive within the posted check-in window; earlier arrival can improve the chance that checked items reach the stateroom sooner via porter service.
• Transfer advice: If flights are included, follow the airline’s checked-bag weight and size rules for the air segment to avoid fees; confirmed transfers may impose separate limits.
• Family gear: For hands-free shore and pool use, consider a best unisex diaper backpack with insulated pockets and a wipes compartment to keep baby supplies organized and accessible.

Consult the booking confirmation and the terminal’s online checklist for the definitive list of permissible items and any seasonal updates to handling procedures.

Permitted bag sizes and weight for boarding

Keep checked pieces below 50 lb (23 kg) and under 62 linear inches (length + width + height = 158 cm); carry-on allowance typically equals one personal item up to 16 x 12 x 6 in (40 x 30 x 15 cm) plus one small wheeled bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) per guest.

Measure including wheels, handles and external pockets. Use a digital luggage scale at home and a tape measure for linear dimensions. Airline limits to the embarkation port override cruise-operator recommendations for flights; follow the stricter policy if different.

Oversized items (surfboards, kayaks, large trunks, certain musical instruments) frequently require advance approval and separate freight arrangements; bicycles often must be partially disassembled and boxed. Crew may refuse excessively heavy or awkward pieces that pose a manual-handling risk.

Tag each bag with full name and stateroom number, choose soft-sided suitcases for tighter stowage spaces, and split heavy contents across multiple bags if any single piece exceeds 50 lb. Keep passports, medications, electronics and valuables in a carry-on tote such as a best tote bag for travelling.

How to pack medications, passports and valuables for carry-on

Place prescription medications, passport and high-value items in the carry-on and keep that bag on hand during airport transfers and port arrival procedures.

Medications: retain all drugs in original pharmacy-labeled containers; attach a printed medication list with generic names, dosages, administration times and known allergies; carry a clinician letter for controlled substances and injectable therapies. Pack a contingency supply of at least 7 extra days or 10% of the trip duration (whichever is greater) plus a separate 48-hour transit pouch for immediate needs.

Liquid and temperature-sensitive meds: declare liquid medications at security; larger-than-100-ml containers are accepted when presented for inspection. For insulin and other refrigerated items use an insulated travel case with reusable gel packs frozen solid at screening; keep spare syringes/needles in original packaging and include a prescription or physician note.

Passport handling: store the original passport in an RFID-blocking sleeve or concealed neck pouch and carry it on person during shore excursions. Leave one paper photocopy in a separate bag and upload encrypted images of passport bio pages to a secure cloud account plus the phone’s secure vault. Place emergency contact details and insurance policy number on the photocopy.

Valuables: transport jewelry, cash above local spending needs, cameras, laptops and other high-value electronics in the carry-on; photograph serial numbers and register devices with manufacturers. Use the cabin safe or on-board secure storage for items not worn, and avoid displaying expensive items ashore–carry minimal cash and a backup card in a hidden belt or money pouch.

Packing technique and access: separate meds/docs in clear resealable bags and label contents; position the document pocket and the medication pouch at the top of the carry-on for quick retrieval during check-in, security inspection and muster. Keep scanned copies of prescriptions and physician letters accessible offline on the phone and in email for border or medical checks.

Which items are forbidden in checked or carry-on baggage on the cruise ship?

Do not pack firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, flares or blasting caps in either checked or carry-on baggage; these items are banned at terminals and onboard the ship.

Weapons and self‑defense devices: all guns (including replicas, BB/pellet guns), tasers and stun devices, brass knuckles, nunchaku, throwing stars, spear guns, large hunting or combat knives and similar items are prohibited in both checked and carry‑on.

Flammable and combustible materials: gasoline, propane canisters, butane cartridges, lighter fluid, charcoal, fireworks, sparklers, flammable solvents, aerosol paints and paint thinners are not permitted.

Lithium batteries and powered personal transporters: spare lithium‑ion batteries (power banks, spare camera batteries) must travel in carry‑on only and are forbidden in checked baggage. Guidance: batteries ≤100 Wh allowed in carry‑on; 100–160 Wh require carrier/operator approval; >160 Wh are prohibited. Hoverboards, electric scooters, e‑bikes and similar devices with non‑removable batteries are banned from both checked and carry‑on.

Heating and cooking appliances, open‑flame items and candles: portable stoves, grills, hot plates, immersion heaters, electric skillets, irons with exposed elements (many ships prohibit irons in cabins), candles and incense will be confiscated if found.

Hazardous chemicals and corrosives: bleach, pool chemicals, pesticides, spray paints, solvents, corrosive acids and industrial adhesives are forbidden.

Medical and compressed‑gas equipment: industrial oxygen cylinders and compressed gas tanks are restricted and generally not allowed without advance medical approval and documentation; portable oxygen concentrators typically require pre‑clearance.

Perishables and agricultural goods: fresh fruit, meat, dairy and other items prohibited by destination port authorities may be seized at embarkation or during port calls – do not pack restricted agricultural products.

Illegal drugs and controlled substances without valid prescriptions are strictly forbidden and subject to criminal prosecution by local, federal or port authorities.

Consequences and declaration: items discovered during security screening will be confiscated; guests face denied boarding, fines or legal action. Declare any ambiguous or regulated items to terminal security or the ship’s guest services before arrival to avoid delays.

Alcohol and food policies for personal bags on the cruise

Alcoholic beverages placed in checked bags are routinely seized at the terminal and held until the end of the cruise; keep any permitted bottles in carry-on and with purchase receipts.

• Alcohol – permitted items:
  • One unopened 750‑ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest aged 21+ is allowed in carry‑on at boarding; the bottle must be surrendered at the gangway, will be held and delivered to the stateroom, and a $15 corkage fee applies if consumed in ship dining venues.
  • Duty‑free spirits bought at the port on the day of boarding are allowed if sold in a sealed tamper‑evident bag with receipt; such bottles are typically held and delivered to the stateroom.
• Alcohol – prohibited or restricted:
  • Hard liquor, kegs, multi‑bottle packs and bottles brought in checked baggage are subject to confiscation.
  • Consumption of personal alcohol is restricted to staterooms or by paying the corkage fee in designated dining areas; empty or opened bottles may be refused for service elsewhere on board.
• Food – permitted items:
  • Commercially sealed, non‑perishable snacks (chips, candy, crackers) are generally allowed in carry‑on items.
  • Infant formula, baby food and medically necessary dietary items are permitted; label containers and carry a physician’s note or prescription when applicable.
• Food – prohibited or likely to be seized:
  • Fresh produce, raw or undercooked meat, seafood, poultry and other perishables are typically not allowed and will be confiscated.
  • Homemade meals, open containers of cooked food and items that require refrigeration without prior arrangement will be refused.

Packing and declaration best practices:

1. Place the single permitted wine/champagne bottle in carry‑on, keep the sales receipt visible and declare it at check‑in; do not conceal alcohol in checked items.
2. Label all medical and infant food with names, prescriptions or doctor’s notes; request refrigeration with medical services ahead of boarding if required.
3. Avoid perishable items in any checked bag; plan to purchase specialty or fresh foods from ship or port vendors instead.
4. If special dietary supplies are essential, notify the cruise operator before sailing to arrange approval or on‑board storage options.

How to label, deliver and retrieve checked suitcases at the cruise terminal

Labeling

Label each checked suitcase with full legal name exactly as on the reservation, booking reference, and a mobile number. Attach one barcode tag to the main handle and a second identification tag inside the main compartment. Use a permanent marker on printed tags; cover with clear packing tape to resist moisture. Remove all old airline tags and adhesive labels to avoid misrouting.

Apply a bright strap or tape band around the case for instant visual ID. Place a paper inventory list inside, with serial numbers for electronics and a brief contents description. If tags detach, the interior tag should alone provide full contact and reservation details.

Delivery at the terminal

Arrive at the port’s bag drop during the window specified on the ticket (commonly 2–4 hours before scheduled check-in). Present a boarding pass and government ID at the drop desk; staff will scan the barcode and issue a claim receipt–retain that receipt until the item is in the stateroom. Port agents may attach tamper-evident ties; keep a photo of each barcode and the outside of every checked suitcase on a phone or cloud storage for claims.

For fragile, odd-sized or special equipment, declare at the drop desk so the port team can route to the proper handling area. Do not use non-documented external batteries or pressurized containers in stowed baggage; when uncertain about technical items, consult manufacturer guidance and the cruise operator’s hazardous materials list. For items related to air quality or CO₂ control that will be stowed, consult how to make a carbon dioxide scrubber before packing.

If early arrival is planned, confirm whether the terminal accepts drop earlier than the listed window; some ports offer morning drop while others restrict to a tighter timeframe.

Retrieval and missing-item procedure

Most stowed cases are delivered to cabins later the same evening; if a checked suitcase is not present by 23:59 on sail date, present the claim receipt at Guest Services or the port operations desk and file a missing-bag report. Provide the internal inventory, photos of the barcode, and the receipt number. Expect initial updates within 4–12 hours and resolution or delivery within 24–48 hours in the majority of cases.

For urgent items needed immediately, request priority handling and note any serial numbers or unique identifiers that speed localization. If a barcode tore off or was lost, the interior tag and the receipt photo are the quickest recovery tools. Keep all claim receipts and any handover slips until final delivery confirmation has been received.

Practical tips: use waterproof external tags, avoid fragile stickers as the sole protection (use padding instead), photograph tags before handing over, and keep a concise electronic inventory for claims.

Managing carry-on during port security, tender boats and shore excursions

Use a compact, soft-sided daypack (10–20 L) with a waterproof compartment and crossbody strap for port screening, tender transfers and shore trips.

Port security handling

Keep passport and boarding card in a clear, waterproof sleeve on the outside of the bag for rapid presentation at checkpoints. Place laptops and tablets in a top-access pocket so they can be removed quickly if X-ray screening is requested. Store prescription medications in original containers with a printed medication list and physician contact details; present them separately if requested. Expect metal detectors and X-ray machines at most terminals; belts with large buckles, coin-filled pockets and sharp objects should be in checked items or ship-side storage before arrival at security lines.

Tender-boat transfer rules

Use a soft pack with secure shoulder straps; wheeled hard-shell suitcases are impractical and often prohibited during small-boat transfers. Recommended maximum daypack dimensions: roughly 40 x 25 x 20 cm (16 x 10 x 8 in), weight under 4.5–7 kg (10–15 lb). Fasten all pockets, use zipper pulls or a small cable tie for extra security, and wear the pack front-facing when climbing gangways. Place electronics in a padded sleeve and inside a waterproof pouch during transit. Avoid loose straps and long handles that can catch on railings or steps.

If a wet landing is expected, transfer essential items to a 2–5 L dry bag prior to boarding the tender; keep the dry bag inside the daypack or attached externally where it can be removed quickly.

Prepare a small “quick-access” pouch with passport copy, ship card and two credit cards; keep it separate from the main pack for rapid transfers from tender to excursion transport. Label all bags with name, cabin number and phone/email on a durable tag; include a removable ribbon or bright tape for fast visual ID at crowded docks.

FAQ:

Can I bring my suitcases and carry-on items on a Royal Caribbean sailing?

Yes. You can bring both checked suitcases and a carry-on bag when sailing with Royal Caribbean. At the terminal you will hand checked bags to porters for transport to the ship; those bags are usually delivered to staterooms later in the day. Keep important documents, medications, valuables and a change of clothes in your carry-on so you have them during embarkation day. Security screening takes place at the terminal, and you are responsible for your bags until they are processed by the cruise staff.