Michael Turner
Recommendation: Limit your primary onboard bag to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) external measurements and keep weight under 35 lb (16 kg); carry one small personal item no larger than 12 x 8 x 6 inches (30 x 20 x 15 cm) for documents, medications and valuables.
Measure total size with handles, wheels and exterior pockets extended – most stateroom shelves, under-bed spaces and overhead racks require that full measurement. Choose a soft-sided bag if you need to squeeze into tight storage; a rigid suitcase that exceeds the dimensions above will be harder to stow and may need to be checked at the pier.
Pack essentials (passport, boarding pass, prescription meds, a change of clothes) in the small personal item for immediate access during boarding and tender operations. Use a compact luggage scale to avoid surprises and add a visible name tag with your full name and stateroom number for fast recovery if items are misplaced.
Exceptions: medical devices, infant supplies and declared sports equipment follow separate handling rules on the operator’s sailing paperwork. Before departure, review the printed embarkation packet or emailed documents for any size limits specific to your sailing or port of departure.
Onboard hand-bag size and immediate recommendation
Limit your onboard bag to no more than 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) external dimensions and take only one wheeled cabin suitcase plus one small personal item (purse or backpack) per guest; place valuables, medications and travel documents in that small item.
- Why 22×14×9: that profile fits most stateroom closet shelves and under-bed clearance while still passing through gangways and terminal checkpoints.
- Measure correctly: include wheels, handles and external pockets when measuring length, width and height.
- Metric check: 56 × 36 × 23 cm. If any side exceeds ±2 cm over these values, switch to a softer duffel or compressible tote.
Practical packing and handling rules
- Bring a soft-sided bag for the cabin; hard-shell valises over 24 inches (61 cm) high are harder to stow and may delay access to your items when porters deliver checked pieces.
- Keep a dedicated day bag (approx. 16 × 12 × 6 in / 41 × 30 × 15 cm) with passport, boarding documents, medications, chargers and one change of clothes – checked pieces are often delivered several hours after boarding.
- If you travel with mobility aids or a stroller, collapse it and measure folded dimensions; most operators accept compact folds but reserve the right to gate-check oversize items.
- Weight guideline: avoid individual bags heavier than 50 lb (23 kg) for easier handling by porters and crew; extremely heavy bags may be refused for safety reasons.
Measurement checklist before departure
- Lay the bag flat and measure the longest side, then the other two sides – add nothing extra for compression straps.
- Include wheels and a fully extended handle when measuring height.
- If using a backpack, pack it full and measure external dimensions; a packed backpack often exceeds its empty-profile measurement.
If your item exceeds recommended dimensions
- Switch to a compressible duffel or use packing cubes to reduce volume.
- Plan to check the oversized piece at the terminal and carry essentials in your small personal item.
- Label checked pieces clearly with name, contact info and cabin number to speed delivery to the stateroom.
Follow these numeric limits and handling suggestions to ensure immediate access to essentials and smooth onboard stowage without surprises at the terminal.
Maximum cabin bag dimensions and onboard storage locations
Keep your cabin bag at or below 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) so it will fit in overhead lockers and under-berth spaces without crowding the stateroom.
Where to stow items inside the stateroom
Under-bed space: best for soft-sided suitcases and duffels–slide them lengthwise under the bed platform; use packing cubes or vacuum bags to reduce volume.
Overhead lockers/shelves: rigid roller bags are acceptable if within the size above; place wheels toward the walkway and secure zippers with a small luggage strap to prevent shifting while underway.
Wardrobe/closet shelves: use for folded clothing, shoes in boxes, and garment bags. Avoid piling items to the ceiling so the door closes fully and ventilation is maintained.
Fold-out sofa and luggage racks: useful for short-term access items (toiletries, electronics). Do not block access to life jackets, evacuation routes or cabin emergency equipment.
Practical storage and handling recommendations
Boarding day: bring a small daypack with travel documents, medications, chargers and one change of clothes–store checked bags as instructed at the terminal and keep essentials with you until your cabin is ready.
Valuables and important documents: store in the cabin safe or carry on your person. Do not leave passports, wallets or devices unattended in public areas or stateroom when ashore.
Soft-sided vs hard-sided: choose soft-sided for under-bed storage and harder cases only if you need structured protection; add a luggage tag with your stateroom number and name for identification.
When leaving the vessel for shore calls, remove personal items from public areas and stateroom surfaces; stateroom stewards may rearrange bags during servicing–keep fragile items secured and labeled.
Measure Your Bag and Test Overhead-Bin Fit Before Boarding
Concrete instruction: Measure external Length × Height × Depth including wheels, bumpers and fixed side handles; collapse the telescoping pull-handle and measure again. Record values in both inches and centimetres and round up to the nearest 0.5 in / 1 cm.
Precise measuring technique: Use a rigid tape measure. Measure depth at the widest point (including wheel housings and external pockets). Measure height from the ground to the highest hard point with the handle fully retracted. Measure width across the widest face, including side handles and protruding name tags. For soft-sided cases, pack to a typical fullness and compress gently while measuring.
At-home overhead-bin mock-up: Create an aperture from corrugated cardboard using the operator’s published internal opening dimensions. Cut a rectangular hole to the exact opening size, tape a small flange to mimic the bin lip, and place the mock-up on a table edge at the same height as an onboard shelf. Practice inserting the case at the same angle you would on board; note whether wheels or corners catch and whether the case needs rotation. Stack books or foam above the opening to simulate restricted vertical clearance.
Field test options: If access to the vessel is not available, try the bag in an airplane overhead compartment or at a ticketing/terminal area with similar bins. Confirm the collapsed handle remains locked, zippers clear the bin edge, and any external pockets don’t snag. If the bag requires force or a special angle to stow, consider switching to a softer case or removing external straps.
Practical tolerances and tweaks: Allow at least 0.5–1.0 in (1.3–2.5 cm) of clearance in each dimension to permit easy insertion and retrieval. Remove detachable items (lanyards, luggage tags) and flatten external pockets. Use compression packing cubes or vacuum bags to reduce profile when necessary. Verify wheels sit flush; add protective tape over delicate corners if they rub.
Weather and coverage pointers: Pack a compact travel umbrella – see best umbrella for rainy days – and review off-board protection options such as umbrella policy coverage before departure: best umbrella policy coverage.
Final check: Complete the measurement and mock-fit routine while fully packed and with the collapsed handle locked; if insertion into the mock-up is smooth, the case is likely to fit onboard storage without damage or delay.
Prohibited and restricted items onboard: liquids, alcohol, batteries, sports gear
Do not pack outside alcoholic beverages or unapproved liquids in your cabin-accessible bag; security will seize and retain non-compliant items and may charge corkage if opened.
Liquids and alcoholic beverages
TSA rules apply for transport to the port: containers must be 100 ml/3.4 oz or smaller and fit within a single clear one-quart (one-litre) resealable bag. Larger toiletry bottles should go in checked baggage. Prescription medicines and medically necessary liquids are permitted in carry items but must be declared with original labels and a copy of the prescription.
Outside alcoholic beverages brought onboard will be collected and held by ship security and released at the end of the voyage or handled per the ship’s corkage policy if consumed. Duty-free purchases made the same day of boarding are often retained until sailaway; retain receipts and leave items sealed until directed by staff.
Avoid aerosols and flammable solvents; household cleaners, bleach, paint thinner, and large pressurized cans are prohibited. To reduce spills and to clean bottles or equipment before packing, consider a reusable scrubber – how to make natural scrubber.
Batteries, electronics and sporting equipment
Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be carried in a personal bag with terminals protected (tape over contacts or use original packaging); they are forbidden in checked baggage. Airlines typically restrict consumer lithium-ion cells to 100 Wh without prior approval; devices 100–160 Wh require airline permission and manufacturer documentation. Lithium metal batteries over 2 g per cell are prohibited.
Vaping devices and e-cigarettes must not be used in staterooms or on private balconies and should be stored in a cabin-accessible bag; refills count as liquids and follow the 100 ml rule. Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, and electric skateboards are banned from both checked and personal bags due to fire risk.
Sporting equipment with sharp edges, pressurized cylinders or weapons requires advance approval. Firearms, ammunition, spearfishing guns, large knives, and illegal knives are prohibited. Scuba tanks and compressed-gas cylinders are accepted only if emptied, purged, and certified by a dive shop; provide documentation and arrange handling with guest services 7–14 days before departure. For bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, golf clubs and similar items: disassemble where possible, drain fuel and lubricants, remove and pack removable batteries separately, use hard cases, label weight and dimensions, and request pre-approval to confirm storage and fees.
Packing checklist: remove spare batteries or place them in device, tape exposed contacts, keep aerosols and flammables out, leave outside alcohol sealed and expect collection, photograph gear and email specs to guest services before travel.
Options for oversized items: gate check, stateroom storage, and pickup procedures
Drop oversized items at the pier check-in bag desk and keep the claim stub; most tagged items are delivered to staterooms the same evening (usually by 6–9 PM).
Pier check & tagging process
At terminal check-in, present the item to the bag desk so staff can apply a numbered tag and record your booking name/cabin. Remove medications, passports, cash, electronics, and spare batteries before handing off. Use a soft tie or zip-tie to secure zippers and attach a paper business card with your name and cabin number inside the main pocket. If staff decline the item because of size or fragility, ask for written directions to the designated oversized-gear area.
In-cabin storage and retrieval rules
Stowing onboard: Soft duffels and collapsible bags are easiest to tuck under beds, behind curtains, or on closet shelves; hard-shell cases that won’t fit overhead should be emptied of valuables and left laid flat under the bed if space permits. Do not place bulky items on the balcony or block cabin exits, safety equipment, or access to life jackets. For musical instruments, bikes, or bulky sports gear, request an onboard storage receipt from Guest Services–these items are typically moved to a secured hold.
Pickup protocol: if a tagged item isn’t in your stateroom by evening, present the claim stub to Guest Services; they will trace the tag and either arrange next-day delivery or direct you to the terminal pickup point. At disembarkation, oversized-item collection is handled at a separate curbside or baggage area–keep the tag and your photo ID. Lost tag: provide booking confirmation and a clear description; staff will check the storage log and CCTV timestamps when available.
