Before heading out on your Carnival Cruise, it’s crucial to be acquainted with their luggage guidelines. Unlike some other cruise lines, Carnival does not limit the number of bags you can bring. However, there are specific requirements concerning the weight and size of your suitcases that you must adhere to.
Knowing what items you can and cannot bring on board is essential. This guide will walk you through Carnival’s luggage restrictions, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey without any hiccups.
Key Takeaways
- Familiarize yourself with Carnival’s luggage size and weight limits.
- Be aware of what items are permitted and prohibited on board.
- Remember to use luggage tags and holders for a smoother boarding process.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions
On a Carnival cruise, you’re free to bring as many bags as you like. The key thing to remember is that each bag should weigh less than 50 pounds. This ensures your luggage can be managed easily throughout your trip.
Size Restrictions
The maximum size for your bags is 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide. These dimensions are important because your bags need to fit through the X-ray machine and be stored under the bed in your cabin.
Handling Your Luggage
When you arrive at the port, the bags you check in will be taken from you and delivered to your stateroom. You can also have carry-on bags for essential items and valuables. Remember that being generous with tips will be appreciated if your bags are on the heavier side.
Three Essential Carnival Cruise Luggage Rules to Remember
1. No limit on the number of bags you can bring
Carnival Cruise Line suggests that passengers bring one bag per person for 3-5 day cruises and no more than two bags for longer trips, but this is just a recommendation. There are no official limits on the number of bags you can bring on board.
If you bring more than the suggested number of bags, you might have trouble storing them under the bed. Many people prefer storing their cases under the bed to maximize available space in the cabin. However, you can also use the wardrobe if you need extra storage.
It’s worth considering bringing suitcases of different sizes. That way, you can nest smaller ones inside the larger ones, saving space if needed. You have the freedom to decide how much luggage to bring, making it easier to pack everything you might need for your cruise journey.
2. Each bag should weigh under 50 pounds
Each bag you bring should weigh no more than 50 pounds. This rule is in place because porters need to lift the bags safely. If you must bring more than 50 pounds of items, it’s better to split your belongings into multiple smaller bags.
Although some travelers have reported bringing slightly heavier bags without issues, it’s always a good idea to stick to the guidelines to avoid any potential problems. If you’re flying to your cruise’s starting point, make sure to also check the airline’s weight restrictions for checked luggage.
An interesting point to note is that Carnival Australia allows for a higher weight limit of up to 32 kilograms (around 70 pounds), which suggests that the weight limit may not be strictly enforced. Nonetheless, it’s best to adhere to the 50-pound rule for ease and safety.
3. Bags shouldn’t be too large
To ensure your bags fit through the X-ray machine and can be stored comfortably under your bed, they mustn’t exceed 16 inches in height and 24 inches in width. The length of the bag isn’t restricted.
Here’s a simple way to measure your luggage correctly:
- Lay your bag flat on the ground.
- Measure the height from the bottom to the top when flat.
- Measure the width from left to right.
- The length measurement isn’t necessary.
- Include wheels and handles in your measurements.
- Ensure the height is less than 16 inches, and the width is less than 24 inches.
Remember to Bring Your Luggage Tags!
Once your online check-in for your Carnival cruise is complete, you will receive electronic documents containing your personalized luggage tags. You can access these by logging in at www.carnival.com and printing them at home. Black and white prints are perfectly fine, so no need for color printing.
Before arriving at the port, ensure that you fasten your tags securely to your baggage. If you’ve run out of tags, don’t worry. You can collect extras from the curbside porters. Make sure each bag has a tag to help the porters deliver your luggage accurately to your stateroom.
If your tags display “TBA” for the cabin number, porters will replace them with tags showing the correct cabin number. This helps to avoid any mix-ups during the delivery process.
Securing Your Luggage Tags
After printing your tags, follow the folding instructions provided on the paper. Use staples or tape to attach the tags securely to your bags. Since the tags are made of paper, be mindful of potential issues, particularly if you’re flying to the port or if the weather is wet.
To minimize the risk of the tags coming off, a good strategy is to wait until you are at the port before securing them. This reduces the chance of damage during transit.
If your tags do come off, there might be delays in your luggage reaching your stateroom. Should you not find your bags in your room, visit guest services to track them down.
Best Luggage Tag Holders for Carnival Cruises
Investing in luggage tag holders can save you from the hassle of lost or damaged paper tags. These holders are affordable and reusable for future cruises. Luggage tag holders eliminate the need for tape or staples, making your travel preparations smoother. They’re waterproof and durable, ensuring that your tags remain securely attached to your bags.
Carnival luggage tags are generally wider than those used by other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. Despite this, many luggage tag holders are designed to fit tags from all cruise lines, making them versatile and handy travel accessories.
Carrying Your Own Luggage – If You Really Want To
On a Carnival cruise, you can choose to carry your own luggage if you prefer. But it’s more convenient to let the porters handle it. They’ll deliver your bags directly to your stateroom. If you arrive at the port less than two hours before the ship’s scheduled departure, you’ll miss the baggage service and will need to carry your own bags onto the ship.
Tipping Porters
When you cruise, it’s customary to tip curbside porters. These porters aren’t employed by the cruise line but work for the port. A good rule of thumb is to tip them $1-$5 per bag for their assistance with your luggage. This ensures that your bags are handled with care and reach your stateroom safely.
What You’re Allowed to Bring on a Carnival Cruise
Snacks
You are welcome to bring pre-packaged snacks on board. Items like candy and crisps are perfectly acceptable. Homemade food, however, isn’t permitted.
Drinks
You can carry up to 12 cans or cartons of soft drinks, no larger than 12 ounces each. Only cans or cartons are allowed, not bottles.
Alcohol
Each guest over 21 can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne. Beer and spirits are not allowed. The wine must be in your carry-on. You can enjoy it in your stateroom or pay a $15 corkage fee to drink it in a bar or dining room.
Wine
Every adult is allowed one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne. This should be packed in your carry-on bag and can be consumed in your stateroom without incurring the corking fee.
Soda
You can bring a 12-pack of soda cans or cartons, each not exceeding 12 ounces. If you prefer, you can choose other non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, juice, or milk.
Red Bull
Energy drinks count as soft drinks, so you can bring up to 12 cans of Red Bull. Make sure to pack these in your carry-on luggage.
Water
Bottled water is not allowed, but you can pre-order a pack of 12 bottles for $19.20 to be delivered to your stateroom. If you need distilled water for medical reasons or for babies, you can bring it in your carry-on.
A Cooler
Bringing a small cooler, no larger than 12 inches on each side, is allowed. Use it to store non-alcoholic drinks or medication. It should be carried on board with you.
Your own cup
Personal cups, like Yeti cups or reusable water bottles, are permitted. You can fill these with any beverages you like. Remember to use a clean cup to transfer drinks from public machines for hygiene reasons.
A vape
Vape pens are allowed but can only be used in designated vaping areas. Using them in your stateroom or on the balcony is not allowed.
A fan
If you like extra airflow, you can bring a small personal fan. The rooms already have good air conditioning, and you can also request a fan from your room steward if needed.
A corkscrew
Bringing a corkscrew is fine, which is useful if you plan to drink wine in your room. If you forget one, ask your room steward for assistance.
What’s Not Allowed on a Carnival Cruise
An Iron
You aren’t permitted to bring clothing irons or travel irons aboard Carnival cruise ships. However, you can bring flat irons for your hair. These can work in a pinch to remove wrinkles from your clothes. If you need to iron your clothes, Carnival provides laundry rooms where you can do so.
A Steamer
Clothing steamers are not allowed on Carnival cruise ships, along with other electrical appliances that generate heat. If you need to take care of your clothes, you can use the irons in the laundry rooms. You could also opt for specialized cleaning services offered by the ship.
A Pocket Knife
Carnival Cruise Line has a strict no-knives policy. Even pocket knives with small blades aren’t allowed. The only exception is for scuba diving knives, but these must be checked in with the security department and collected when you reach a port.
A Drone
Since May 2022, drones have been prohibited on Carnival cruise ships. Previously, you could bring a drone in your luggage to use outside the ship and port area. Now, you have to check it in with the Chief Security Officer immediately upon boarding.
Weed
Marijuana, including medical cannabis and CBD products, is strictly banned on Carnival cruises. This includes even those with a prescription. Carnival enforces this policy very strictly, and attempting to bring any cannabis products onboard can result in a lifetime ban from their ships.
What to Put in Your Carry-On Bag
Packing your carry-on bag carefully is crucial when you go on a cruise. You may not receive your main luggage until later in the afternoon, so make sure to include everything you’ll need for the first day. Here are some essentials:
- Passport or ID
- Travel documents
- Mobile phone
- Medication
- Valuable items like jewelry and laptops
- Wine
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses and/or reading glasses
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Kids’ essentials
What to Expect During Carnival Cruise Luggage Searches
When you board a Carnival cruise, all your luggage will go through an X-ray scanner. This is mainly to look for any alcohol, weapons, or explosives. Sniffer dogs might also be used during the screening.
If anything looks suspicious, your bag might be opened for a more thorough inspection. Make sure your bags are unlocked when you check them in.
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