How is royal caribbean luggage inspected

Immediate recommendation: Keep cash, passports, medications and electronics with you; pack one set of clothing and essential toiletries in your carry-on. Expect terminal security to X-ray checked bags, scan suspicious items with trace detectors and perform selective manual searches.

Typical procedures: Checked items usually run through conveyor X-ray systems; items flagged by algorithms or officers may be opened and examined manually. Canine teams and handheld explosive-trace devices are deployed at some ports. Identification and boarding documents are matched to bag tags before terminal release.

What is commonly prohibited or restricted: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, many types of fuel and compressed gas, and illegal drugs are banned. Spare lithium batteries and power banks should remain in carry-on only; onboard rules frequently bar battery-powered devices in checked compartments. Many lines permit a maximum of two 750 ml bottles of wine per stateroom at embarkation, held by staff until disembarkation evening – confirm the operator’s current policy before travel.

Packing and labeling tips: Place liquids in sealed bags and separate toiletries for quick visual checks. Tag each suitcase with name, phone and itinerary; keep a printed copy of your booking and ID inside the bag. Photograph contents and serial numbers of valuable items for faster claims processing if an item is opened or goes missing.

Medication and medical devices: Carry prescriptions and devices in original containers with physician notes when applicable. Notify check‑in staff about oxygen or other special needs at least 72 hours before terminal arrival if the operator’s rules require advance notice.

If a bag is opened by staff: You should receive a notice left inside describing the reason and an official contact for follow-up. Report missing valuables to guest services and terminal security immediately and keep all incident reference numbers and photos for any insurance or claim filings.

Final practical points: Arrive at the terminal with checked items at least 90–120 minutes before scheduled boarding windows, remove loose electronics and aerosols from checked compartments, and verify the cruise operator’s published prohibited items list before packing.

Terminal bag screening and handling

Keep valuables, medications and spare batteries with you in carry-on; expect X-ray machines, explosive-trace swabs and random manual openings of checked suitcases at the terminal.

What occurs during screening

X-ray units scan each hold item in seconds; ETD swabs take under a minute to analyze for residue; canine teams and handheld chemical detectors are used at random. If a checked case is opened by security or ship staff, it is normally resealed with a tamper-evident strap or sticker and a printed notice is left on the outside and inside; photograph the reseal tag and record the staff badge number or incident reference. Items found that violate terminal or onboard rules are removed, logged and dispositioned by security – ask for the written report number before you leave the terminal area.

Packing, labeling and immediate actions

List contents and photograph electronics and serial numbers before drop-off; place prescription meds, high-value jewelry and irreplaceables in your hand bag. Protect spare lithium batteries by keeping them in carry-on with terminals taped or in original packaging; sharp tools and most flammable liquids must go in checked suitcases or be left at home per the cruise line policy. Use visible identification (bright tags or unique color) – see best backpack color – and add two name/contact labels inside and out. Use disposable zip ties on checked pieces so a cut tie signals opening; keep spare ties so you can replace them if resealed. If you discover missing items or an unnotified opening, file a report with guest services and terminal security immediately and keep photos and the reseal notice; request a copy of the incident log within 24 hours.

Which travel documents and bag tags are verified during cruise check-in

Bring the original passport or government photo ID that exactly matches the booking name, plus a printed or digital copy of boarding documents and the cruise reservation number.

Travel documents verified

Staff will match the booking record against: passport (preferred for international departures; validity commonly required ≥6 months beyond sail date), government-issued photo ID for domestic embarkation, visa(s) for any foreign ports, proof of citizenship for minors (original birth certificate or passport), and any required health attestations or test/vaccine certificates specified for the itinerary. Names, dates of birth and document numbers must match the reservation exactly; mismatches can delay boarding or trigger denied boarding. Third-party payment authorizations and the card used for the onboard folio may be requested at check-in; bring the cardholder or a signed authorization form. For passengers under age thresholds that qualify for child/senior fares, carry supporting documents (school ID, birth certificate, passport) to verify age at the desk.

Bag tag checks and handling

Port staff attach carrier-issued tags to checked suitcases that include barcode, stateroom number, last name and booking ID; tags are scanned to route bags to the correct stateroom. Ensure tags are secured to a handle (use the ship tag only), remove previous-trip tags, and place a duplicate ID card or printed reservation inside the bag. Keep the claim stub provided at drop-off until luggage is delivered to your cabin. Do not place passports or originals in checked bags. Carry-on items should remain with you and contain all travel documents. For quicker processing, drop bags within the operator’s published drop-off window and avoid overstuffed or broken handles that prevent tag attachment.

Tip: Pack a small travel laundry option for multi-day sailings – e.g., a best fully automatic portable washing machine – so you can limit checked-piece count and keep essentials in your carry-on.

Carry-on screening at boarding: X-ray, explosive‑trace and hand inspection procedures

Arrive 30–45 minutes before sail time with carry-on bags organized for X‑ray: remove large electronics, place toiletries in a clear quart bag, and keep prescriptions and documentation in an easily reachable pocket.

X‑ray machines at terminals range from 2‑view conveyor units to CT/3D scanners; trays are provided for loose items. Leave power banks, laptops, tablets and boxed electronics on top of the bag for separate tray placement when requested. Dense packing, multiple layers of clothing or foil-lined items increase the chance of a secondary screen; arrange items so shapes and wiring are visible to the operator.

Explosive‑trace detection (ETD) is performed by swabbing selected surfaces of a bag or an item and running the swab through an analyzer (commonly ion mobility spectrometry). ETD is used after a suspicious X‑ray image, when a sniffer dog alerts, or randomly. A single swab result typically registers within 10–60 seconds. If a positive trace is detected, security will repeat swabs, open the item and perform an in‑hand search for powders, residues, or packaging that could explain the reading.

Manual searches happen when X‑ray or ETD flags an item. Staff will ask the passenger to open locks and remove contents; if the passenger is unavailable or unwilling, the operator may ask to cut zip ties or clear tamper‑resistant seals in the passenger’s presence. Same‑gender officers conduct personal pat‑downs; private screening areas are available on request for sensitive searches. Expect electronics to be powered on or removed for closer inspection if their interiors obscure scan images.

Detection dogs may sniff bags and carry‑ons before or after X‑ray. A dog alert usually triggers an immediate secondary screening and possible ETD swab. If prohibited items (weapons, explosives, illegal drugs) are found, local authorities will be notified and boarding denied; otherwise, items such as oversized alcohol or sharp objects are typically confiscated per terminal policy.

To minimize delays: pack powders and spices in sealed, clearly labeled containers; carry prescription medication in original bottles with matching photo ID or prescription; keep receipts for recently purchased electronics; and avoid packing unfamiliar chemical samples or hobby materials that can register on ETD. Allow an extra 10–20 minutes if your bag is selected for secondary screening.

When checked bags are opened by ship staff or customs – timing and items examined

Keep passports, prescription drugs, high-value jewelry, spare lithium batteries and receipts in your carry-on; checked suitcases may be opened without prior notice and those items are frequently targeted for removal or seizure.

• Typical moments a bag can be opened
  • Terminal drop-off: bags that fail X‑ray, produce an alert or lack proper tags are pulled aside for manual search before boarding.
  • Between terminals/transfer points: bags transferred between ports or vessels can be inspected by port agents or local authorities during transits.
  • Onboard baggage handling: ship security may open bags when policies are violated (undeclared alcohol, weapons, large quantities of restricted goods).
  • Arrival at foreign ports: local customs and biosecurity officers commonly inspect checked baggage at disembarkation or after tender operations.
  • Random or targeted enforcement: canine alerts, intelligence matches, passenger declarations or suspicious weight/contents trigger secondary searches.
• Most commonly examined item categories
  • Agricultural products: fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs and plants are routinely seized for biosecurity reasons.
  • Alcohol and tobacco: quantities exceeding the ship’s and destination’s allowances are removed and documented.
  • Firearms, ammunition and knives: must be declared where allowed; otherwise they are confiscated and reported to local authorities.
  • Controlled substances and prescription meds without proper labeling/prescriptions: subject to seizure and legal action.
  • Large amounts of currency: undeclared sums over US$10,000 (or local equivalent) prompt seizure and declaration procedures.
  • Undeclared commercial goods or untaxed high-value purchases: invoices, serial numbers and receipts are checked to determine duty liability.
  • Spare lithium batteries and certain electronics: many jurisdictions restrict batteries to carry-on; checked bags are examined for forbidden cells and e-cigarette devices.
  • Perishables and temperature-sensitive items: inspected for spoilage or prohibited transport methods.
• What to expect if a bag is opened
  • Repacking by staff or customs; bags may be resealed with an evidence sticker or tag and a written notice left inside or on the exterior.
  • Removal and retention of prohibited items until disembarkation or confiscation with a report to local authorities.
  • Photographic or inventory records taken of high-value items; an incident reference number provided on request.

Practical steps to reduce risk:

1. Document: photograph contents and keep receipts/serial numbers for valuables; store that record offsite (cloud or email).
2. Carry critical items: passports, prescriptions, cameras, spare batteries and cash declarations belong in carry-on.
3. Label internally: put a name/contact slip inside each checked bag in addition to external tags.
4. Use replaceable locks: secure with TSA‑approved locks if flying earlier, but expect non-TSA locks to be cut if authorities need access.
5. Declare high-value goods and cash over reporting thresholds at arrival forms to avoid seizure for undeclared status.
6. Avoid prohibited or restricted items entirely: check the destination country’s customs and biosecurity list before packing perishables, plant material, meat, batteries and e-cigarettes.

If a search results in loss or damage, request the written report and incident number on site; file claims only with the responsible authority indicated (port/country or vessel operator) and retain all documentation and photos for follow-up.

Packing, labeling and documentation to reduce screening delays and strengthen claims

Place prescriptions, passports, boarding documents and high-value items in a single carry-on compartment and photograph the contents of every checked suitcase with a timestamp before you surrender it.

Packing & labeling

Use two independent identity tags per case: one attached externally (durable plastic, printed with full name, phone and booking reference) and one inside in a sealed clear sleeve. Add a second contact (email) and the reservation number; include a small waterproof paper with the same info taped to an internal seam.

Secure closures with numbered tamper-evident cable ties or sequentially numbered tamper seals; record the numbers in your inventory file. Use a brightly colored strap for quick visual identification and place a unique sticker on top with a simple alphanumeric code (e.g., AB12) that matches your inventory sheet.

Keep electronics, jewelry, cash and prescriptions in your carry-on; for checked suitcases, pack valuable items in the center wrapped in clothing, and retain original boxes and serial numbers in your carry-on or digital archive. For on-the-go purchases such as umbrellas, retain the receipt (example merchant: best place to buy an umbrella in london).

Documentation for claims

Create an itemized inventory before departure: spreadsheet columns for item description, brand, serial number, purchase date, purchase price, receipt filename, internal tag code and tamper-seal number. Save that spreadsheet as PDF and JPEG versions and upload to two cloud services; email copies to yourself and a travel companion.

Photograph damage or missing-item evidence with a clear background and timestamp; capture serial numbers and any identifying marks. If an item is discovered damaged or missing, obtain a written report from onboard guest services and, if applicable, from local port/customs officials; record the report number, staff name and time. File claims with your insurer and with the operator within the claim windows specified in their terms – include PDFs of receipts, inventory, photos and the written incident report.

Store originals and copies separately: originals in carry-on, one printed copy in checked case, and digital copies in an encrypted ZIP named with the booking reference (e.g., BOOKREF_docs.zip). Label files with clear prefixes (PASSPORT_, RECEIPT_, INVENTORY_, PHOTO_YYYYMMDD) so adjusters can locate items quickly.