How Many Carry-on Bags Allowed on Carnival Cruise

When planning a trip on a Carnival Cruise, understanding the luggage policy is important. This article provides a detailed look at the rules regarding carry-on bags, which vary based on the length of the cruise and specific size and weight limitations.

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How Many Carry On Bags Are You Allowed?

I found that Carnival Cruise doesn’t impose a strict limit on the number of carry-on bags. For shorter cruises, lasting between 3 to 5 days, it’s recommended that each passenger brings only one bag. If your cruise is 6 days or longer, you can comfortably carry two bags per person.

Each bag, whether it’s a carry-on or checked luggage, must adhere to size and weight restrictions. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22″ x 14″ x 9″, and it should not weigh more than 50 pounds. This ensures that your luggage can fit through the X-ray machines and be stored under the bed in your stateroom.

Benefits and Restrictions of Carrying Personal Luggage

If you prefer, you can handle your own luggage on a Carnival cruise, but it’s generally more convenient to have the porters transport it to your stateroom. Should you arrive with less than two hours to spare before the ship sets sail, you’ll be outside the window for baggage service and will need to bring your bags onboard yourself.

Just remember to have some cash in your pocket to give them a tip for a couple of dollars. They do not work for the cruise line but for the port.

What To Put In Your Carry-on Bag

A person sitting on the floor next to an open suitcase, surrounded by a variety of clothes, with a laptop nearby. They appear to be in the process of packing or unpacking, with the emphasis on casual wear and travel essentials.

If you choose to leave your main luggage with the porters, it’s important to keep a carry-on bag with you for essential items. In this bag, you should include:

  • Your passport or ID
  • Travel documents
  • Mobile phone
  • Medications
  • Valuables like jewellery and laptops
  • A bottle of wine, if desired (You are allowed to bring only one 750ml bottle of wine)
  • Snacks (as long as they are pre-packaged and unopened)
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Sunglasses or reading glasses
  • Essentials for children

Since your main luggage might not be delivered until later in the afternoon, pack anything you’ll need on your first day, including your swimsuit if you plan to swim.

Prohibited Items

An overhead view of a person's hands organizing a suitcase filled with various travel items, including a camera, clothing, and a notebook, overlaid with a bold red 'no' sign indicating items not to pack or prohibited items for travel.

Certainly, here’s the updated section incorporating the detailed list of prohibited items on Carnival Cruise:

Carnival Cruise Prohibited Items

Carnival Cruise enforces strict regulations regarding items that are not permitted on their ships for the safety and security of all passengers and crew. It is crucial to be aware of these prohibitions to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.  Here are some examples of items that are prohibited on Carnival cruise ships:

  • Illegal drugs, kava, CBD, and medical marijuana
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Compressed gases, except for personal grooming items
  • Alcohol, with the exception of one 750ml bottle of wine per person
  • Non-alcoholic drinks, limited to 12 cans or cartons per person
  • Electrical appliances that produce heat, excluding hairdryers and hair irons/curlers
  • Knives, scissors, and open razors

Carnival Cruise takes the enforcement of these rules very seriously, as they are in place to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. Any prohibited items found in your luggage can result in consequences, as the cruise line is committed to maintaining a secure environment. Always check Carnival’s specific guidelines before packing to avoid any issues.

Security Measures: Will Your Bags Be Searched?

A security personnel checking the bag of a passenger before boarding the cruise ship.

As a standard procedure that all cruise lines follow, your bags will be subject to security screening when you board a Carnival Cruise ship. The first line of security is the X-ray machine, which scans your bags for any prohibited items.

If the X-ray machine detects something suspicious, a physical inspection of your bag may be conducted. The security team is trained to look for items that can pose a risk to the safety and security of the ship and its passengers.

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