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I Used to Work on a Cruise Ship, and These Are the 13 Things You Should Never Leave Port Without

A former crew member reveals the most important packing essentials.

Kelsey’s writing has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, TripSavvy, Edible Magazine, and TimeOut. Some of the most standout experiences in her travels include living in Tokyo, abseiling in Vanuatu, surfing in Costa Rica, and cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

My first career as a cruise ship entertainer had me sailing all over the world, living and working aboard these large floating resorts for six to eight months at a time. After years of roaming the world’s ports and experiencing every ship and shoreside scenario that you could imagine, I became adept at packing a single suitcase to ensure a comfortable life at sea. 

Although living on a ship long-term is different from taking a 10-day cruise, crew and guest cruise packing lists are similar — emphasizing items that make sailing more comfortable and easy. Whether you’re embarking on a world cruise or just escaping to the Caribbean for a quick trip, these essential travel accessories are what my fellow seafarers and I would suggest bringing to make life on the water all the more comfortable. From versatile travel bags to helpful gadgets and genius seasick remedies , here’s what to pack for a cruise like a pro. 

Travel Voltage Converter

Most ship staterooms are outfitted with a three-prong 110-volt (North America-grounded) and a 220-volt (Europe) outlet. It’s always a good idea to carry an international adaptor and surge protector to safeguard your devices from electric irregularities. What's more, smaller interior cabins may have only two outlets, which could pose a problem if you and your guest have multiple devices to charge at the same time. Useful for more than just onboard, an internal adaptor is also handy for cruise itineraries that drop you off in multiple countries. Keep this adaptor in your day bag so you can plug it in ashore if your tech needs a charge.

Liquid I.V. Packets 

Cruises are vacations, a time to enjoy yourself and indulge. But it’s all too easy to go a tad overboard (ship pun intended) on alcoholic beverages, savory foods, and sunbathing. If you think a hangover is bad, just wait until you have one on a rocky ship at sea. To avoid losing a precious day of your cruise, bring along Liquid I.V. powder, an electrolyte mix that delivers hydration to the bloodstream faster than just water alone. Each bag comes with 16, travel-friendly powder packets and you have your choice between 17 flavors. 

Portable First Aid Kit 

Visits to the ship’s medical center can be pricey. Avoid this unexpected expense if you can by bringing  your own first aid kit. Start by packing your essential prescription medications. Then,  add bandages and antibiotic ointment for attending to small surface wounds. Bring pain relief medication and cold medicine, just in case. Don’t forget antacids and over-the-counter medicines to ease digestion. Sunscreen and aloe vera gel are must-haves  so you don’t spend your whole cruise hiding from the sun. Bug repellent and after-bite lotion will also ease your sleep if you’ve run into sand fleas at the beach. If you have any allergies, make sure that you have an EpiPen or your chosen allergy medication. 

Portable Charger

When I lived on a ship, I would be one of the first ashore and the last back onboard. Exploring new locales is one of the best parts of cruising. If you like to head ashore for the whole day, you’ll want to keep your phone charged so you can navigate your way back to the ship, call for help in case of an emergency, and snap pictures and videos of your destination. Carry a powerful battery bank with you like the Anker Portable Charger so your phone doesn’t die and you’re prepared for long adventures, or fun overnights, in ports of call.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

You’re never far from water on a cruise ship, which means that you’ll want to protect your tech with waterproof gear. Great for island cruise itineraries, this phone bag is watertight and retains touchscreen operations through its polyvinyl shell. It comes with a detachable lanyard should you want to take it into the waves and capture underwater adventures. Even if you’re not going in the water, this pouch will protect your phone from snow and rain, too. Beach-bound cruisers will also find it useful for keeping their phone sand- and salt-free too. 

Collapsible Umbrella

Weather on a cruise can be tough to predict, particularly for various ports of call. Even if the forecast is fair, weather can change in an instant particularly if you’re cruising near shoulder seasons. You’ll be grateful to come prepared with an umbrella so you aren’t forced to buy the marked-up ones in port or onboard. Even if there’s no sign of rain, a good umbrella doubles as a sun protectant for harsh midday sun.

Formal Night Attire 

Almost every cruise has a formal night where guests are encouraged to dress in elegant wear. This event usually occurs on a sea day at the beginning of your itinerary. Formal nights are fun and evoke the old-world, slow-travel glamor of cruising. Even the officers dress up and don their formal ship whites. When everyone onboard participates in the formal night dress code,  it makes the event all the more special and luxurious, so remember to bring a few upscale resort looks onboard. This stunning Tadashi Shoji Off-Shoulder A-Line Crepe and Taffeta Gown will do the trick, but if you’re shopping on a budget, there are plenty of swanky cocktail dress options at Amazon; start your search with the Anrabess Pleated Maxi Dress or PrettyGarden One-Shoulder Slit Maxi Dress — starting at $43. 

Sand-Free Beach Towel

Most cruise guests bring the ship’s pool towels shoreside for lounging. But, the terry cloth towels cling to the sand, bringing it back in your bag to be dumped on your stateroom floor. If you want a tidier beach trip, bring along a sand-free beach blanket like this Turkish Beach Towel. It's made with cotton and folds up slim so it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase. What's more, it dries quickly to prevent your bag and its contents from getting soggy. 

Packing Cubes

When I reached out to a crew member friend to discuss packing tips, his first thought was emphatically packing cubes. Organization is key to enjoying your cruise, particularly on the day that you embark as it’s the most hectic day for all staff onboard. By the time that you’re able to check into your room, it’s almost time to sail away, and you’ll probably want to be on deck with a daiquiri and sweet treat in hand, not organizing your wardrobe — which is why I recommend traveling with packing cubes. They're not only great for condensing your suitcase contents but also keeping them organized and easy-to-spot, so you can spend less time searching for the things you need and make unpacking and getting ready a breeze. 

Collapsible Duffel Bag

One of the perks of cruise ship travel is that, unlike airlines,  most cruise lines don’t have strict luggage policies. For travelers who like to shop or collect souvenirs, this is a huge perk. On itineraries with excellent shopping, cruising can be a great way to source neat gifts. Onboard shopping is also a fun way to pick up items to remember your trip. If you’re worried that you won’t have room in your case for your purchases, bring a collapsible duffel bag like this handy 40-liter version from REI for your treasures. Amazon reviewers also love the Gonex Foldable Travel Duffle Bag and the Vomgomfom Travel Duffle Bag for the same reason. 

Reusable Collapsible Bag

If you’re cruising around islands, you can make this collapsible tote bag your designated beach bag. Its nylon fabric makes it easy to brush off sand and it dries quickly should you need to wash it (or accidentally get it wet while you're at the beach). If you’re cruising around Europe, you’ll quickly learn that single-use plastic bags are often banned. Many markets, shops, and stores expect everyone to come with their own bag to take away their products. This reusable bag folds to a pocket-size when you’re not using it, so you can keep it in your purse or backpack until you need it. 

If you’re a light sleeper, the noises of a ship may come as a shock. Whether it’s the sounds of the anchor dropping at 5 a.m. or your raucous neighbors enjoying late-night revelry, earplugs will help you get restful sleep at sea — no matter the time of day. Make sure you pick up this on-sale pack of 60 at Amazon; they're made with soft foam for a comfortable and adjustable fit and deliver impressive noise-canceling capabilities. 

Non-Drowsy Seasick Patches 

If your itinerary is taking you through rough waters, like the Drake Passage or the Tasmanian Sea, be prepared with remedies to fight motion sickness. More than 11,500 reviewers swear by these seasick patches that use a holistic herbal blend to fight nausea. The onboard medical center offers Dramamine to seasick guests, which will make you sleepy and groggy. If you want to stay alert while fighting the nausea, these non-drowsy patches are the way to go. A few crew tips for fighting sea stomach: stay on the upper levels of the ship, munch on green apples, and keep your eyes on the horizon. 

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What to Pack When Working on a Cruise Ship

If you’ve finally secured your first ship contract, congrats! Now you’re probably wondering what to pack when working on a cruise ship .

After working on ships on and off for a little over three years across six ships, I’ve put together this crew packing list for first-timers to help out any new seafarers looking for a bit of advice.

A general preface before I get started: remember to take into account what your onboard position is and what your own requirements are.

Be sure to ask your recruiter or hiring partner if you’re not sure about something because they will have more insight specific for your position than some random crew member writing on the internet.

(My job onboard was a youth staff/counselor aka underpaid babysitter to 1500 kids and all-around clown on puppet strings if anyone is wondering.)

Related: What Working on Cruise Ships is Really Like

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How Much Should I Pack for My First Contract?

Let’s start with the most basic questions that typically come up when determining what to pack for working on a cruise ship:

• How much should I pack?
• What’s my luggage weight allowance?
• How much do crew members usually pack?
• What size of luggage will fit into my cabin?

I got you, fam

There are a good number of crew members who bring two large suitcases, but I think that’s a bit excessive and not so much fun when you have an over-packer for a roommate.

But in general, the average that people bring, and what I’d recommend is one large bag (50 lbs/ 23kg check-in limit), one smaller bag (carry-on size), and a backpack (carry-on personal item).

Keep in mind that where you fly to for the beginning of your contract may not be the same destination you’ll be flying out of to return home and this may incur additional baggage fees not covered by your company should you pack any more than I suggested.

For example: even if you get extra baggage allowance since you’re flying from the US to Europe to embark, you might be on a domestic flight home after the ship has crossed to the States, thus saddling you with excess baggage fees.

Just something to think about.

What Type of Luggage is Best for Working on Ships?

The most ideal luggage would be something collapsable like a duffel bag with wheels or ones that can nest within each other for optimal space-saving. 

I highly DO NOT recommend hard case suitcases (the ones pictured above) as I’ve seen nearly every roommate of mine struggle to squeeze them under the bed.

Because they don’t squish down like soft-shell suitcases, sometimes the only place to store them is beside a wall in the cabin, taking up precious real estate.

Nonetheless, many crew members do opt for plastic suitcases due to its durability.

If you absolutely must bring a hard-shell suitcase (maybe it’s the only one you have, in which case I wouldn’t suggest spending extra money on getting another one just for this contract), a pro-tip when it comes to storing it in your room is to open it up completely like a book and put it under the bed unzipped.

It’s not the most ideal way to store it, but at least it’s out of sight and your roommate won’t hate you for taking up extra space in the cabin.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

AKA: the most important things you absolutely cannot board your ship and start your contract without.

Chances are you will be traveling many hours over several flights to reach your ship. And while I hope for nothing but the best for you and your belongings, statistically speaking, there’s a good chance some of your stuff will get lost.

I’ve seen this happen to more than a few crew members, where they have to embark with literally nothing other than what they have on their backs.

One couple I know went a month without their luggage.

I always travel with a few extra pairs of underwear in my carry-on personal item (not even the carry-on luggage) because on nearly every flight I’ve taken in the last few years, I’ve been asked to check in my small carry-on suitcase due to running out of overhead bin space.

Us crew members or the crew store can always help provide extra shampoo or deodorant if your things don’t end up on the ship with you, but underwear and medication are a little different.

TL;DR: make sure you pack these things on your person, literally on your back, in your personal items bag (preferably a backpack ), and never EVER check in these items:

• Seaman’s book (if applicable)
• Letter of Employment
• Medical clearance/ certificate
• Safety certifications (STCW)
• Itinerary (flight info, pick up info, hotel details)
• Phone number for your transit point of contact
• A few pairs of underwear and socks
• One pair of your uniform
• Cash/cards (enough cash for at least 2 weeks onboard and in ports)
• Any expensive electronics

TIP: Take a picture of all your documents as well as your luggage and save it in a cloud account so you always have access to these things should they go missing.

Essential Things to Pack

TIP: Packing cubes make packing so much easier. I use them to separate my clothes and label them (uniform, undies, etc.) so I never have to guess what’s where when I need it. This is especially helpful on your first day when you might not have much time to unpack and change for work.

Uniform (or Space For It)

If you’re a new hire, you may not get all of your uniform items until you get onboard.

In that case, save a good portion of your luggage space for it so that you can carry it home after your contract.

Your recruiter or hiring partner will have sent you a list of all other uniform clothing items you’ll need to bring, and unfortunately, this list will most likely be way more than you actually need.

Just keep in mind that the list they give you is generalized across the fleet and some ships make use of certain uniform items and others don’t.

It’s just something you have to suck up and accept as a newbie that you’ll be lugging around extra crap you won’t ever use in your first contract.

Underwear and Socks

Pack more than a week’s worth if you can. The more, the merrier.

Even if you’re the most disciplined, responsible human who always does laundry every week, sometimes it’s just not possible onboard.

From exhausting schedules to a limited number of washers and dryers, just because you want to do your laundry at a certain time doesn’t always mean you can.

Uniform Shoes

Repeat after me: comfort over style.

You’ll be in these shoes every day for 9-11 hours, 4-9 months straight.

If your feet aren’t happy, your body won’t be happy, you won’t be happy, and your guests won’t be happy.

Casual and/or Gym Shoes

Remember that space in your room and luggage is limited, so you’ll want a pair of shoes that can be used for more than one occasion (or just don’t go to the gym, that works too).

Formal Shoes

Depending on your rank, you may be allowed to be in the guest areas as long as you’re dressed in the appropriate attire.

(You can read more about that and all the other fun things about crew life here .)

But chances are, if you are allowed, formalwear will also be part of your uniform since you’ll probably have evening duties around the ship with guests.

TIP: Ladies, again, you don’t need several pairs of heels. Find one pair (closed-toe) that goes with all of your smart casual and formal clothing, typically in nude or black. 

Check your itinerary, but chances are you’ll be docking in beachy ports, probably in the Caribbean. If you plan on going to the beach, pack some sandals.

Smart Casual and Formal Clothes

As I noted earlier, if you work in the entertainment division or other front of the house departments, you may be required to bring along evening attire as part of your uniform. 

For Royal Caribbean, the evening attire for the last night of the cruise for crew on some ships was “all black,” so I made sure I always had this covered with either an all-black smart casual outfit or cocktail dress, both of which—again— could be worn for several occasions.

Here’s what I typically pack for this category:

• 1 pair of black slacks (jeans aren’t allowed in guest areas)
• 2 blouses (one of which was of course black)
• 1-2 cocktail dresses (one– you got it– in black)
• 1 floor-length gown

TIP: If your position is not activity host/cruise staff, I would only suggest you bring one formal gown as you most likely won’t be needing it often enough to warrant spending an extra $100+ on a second one.

With Royal, only the first formal night of the cruise required us to wear a dress past the knee. Cocktail dresses were allowed the following formal nights within the same cruise.

Personal Clothes

This category includes off-duty clothes, gym wear, and swim attire.

Look at your itinerary for the entirety of your contract and do a quick check on the weather you’ll be experiencing in those places at the time you’ll be visiting .

Then, pack accordingly.

Remember that you might start your contract in one season and finish in a completely different climate. Sometimes this can even happen within a single cruise.

Again, my rule is to pack items that can be worn with almost any other article of clothing I’m bringing.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to limit the amount of clothing you plan on packing, a quick search on Pinterest for “ capsule wardrobes ” can be helpful.

Here’s an example of what and how much personal clothing I typically pack for a 5-month contract in the Caribbean:

• 1 white camisole (also used under some smart casual blouses that are a little sheer)
• 1 black tank top
• 3 t-shirts (one either black or white, one with minimal print/design, and one wildcard)
• 2 pairs of denim shorts (black and light blue)
• 1 set of pajamas
• 1 thin flannel shirt (used for layering or inside the AC-blasted ship)
• 1 pair of lounge pants (joggers or leggings)
• 2 gym tank tops
• 1 pair of gym shorts
• 1 pair of gym leggings
• 2 bikinis (that can– and have– served as emergency undies when I couldn’t get my laundry done)
• 1 sarong (can also be used as a towel, scarf, or picnic blanket)
• 1 windbreaker (used mostly in transit to and from foggy San Francisco)

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Here are some basic toiletries you should ensure you have:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap/ body wash
• Lotion and moisturizer
• Gel/ hairspray (if you use it)
• Hairbrush/ comb

TIP: Pack small, travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotions as they end up adding a few precious pounds to your luggage and you can buy the full-sized version of these items in most ports.

Keep it to a small pouch, and only the basics.

Remember that you probably won’t have the time or energy to be spending more than 10 minutes getting ready in the morning, so if you’re a makeup wearer, I’d recommend bringing just the essentials— whatever that may be for you.

While I typically don’t wear makeup at work around the kids (besides a quick swipe of concealer or foundation on my rosacea-prone cheeks), I did have a basic kit for looking presentable during evening duties around the ship.

These are the makeup essentials that I brought to every contract:

• 1 foundation
• 1 liquid concealer
• 1 color-correcting BB cream (for my red cheeks that also doubled as a primer)
• 1 red lip product
• 1 eyeshadow quad (black, gray, brown, taupe)
• 1 eyebrow pencil
• 1 black eyeliner
• 1 waterproof mascara (2 if I thought I’d need more as I use a specific brand not sold in drugstores that’s a miracle for my Asian, smudge-prone monolids)

This small travel-sized dryer goes with me everywhere and every roommate I’ve ever had has always asked to borrow it.

Even if you like drying your hair naturally, there will be times when you absolutely need to shower and wash your hair before heading to your next shift. (Coming back from the beach, for example.)

Wet hair at work is absolutely unacceptable and your manager may even write you up for showing up to work looking unprofessional.

Over-Door Hooks and S-Hooks

Space is limited and closets are small, so having extra places to hang your towel or clothes is every bit helpful.

I always bring two for my closet and one for the bathroom door.

S-hooks and over-door hooks can easily be purchased at any dollar store (I get mine at the Japanese $1.50 store Daiso) and don’t take up any luggage space.

Zippered Mesh Laundry Bags

I haven’t seen any other crew member use these bags , but I think they’re amazing and I always make sure to bring a few to every contract.

I normally use them for my undies, bras, and socks for three reasons:

• To make moving items from the washer to dryer easier and more efficient.
• To make sure I don’t accidentally lose a sock or those sports bra foam inserts randomly.
• **And this is the most important** To make sure other people aren’t touching my underwear.

It’s understood among crew that if you’re not there to move your clothes immediately to the dryer once the wash cycle is completed, any crew member next in line is allowed to move it for you.

Same with the dryer, except people will stop your drying cycle to see if it’s done and take it out since some people set the timer for over an hour when it’s not needed.

Period Products

I’m going to be real with you ladies.

Ships absolutely wrecked my hormones to the point where I have my period every other week onboard.

I’ve talked about this before about how ships affect everyone’s health differently, so there’s really no preparing or telling how it may (or may not) affect you.

I found that the best way for me to deal with this was by regulating my period through birth control and investing in a reusable menstrual cup to save money on tampons.

Again, find what works for you; but in my opinion, something that is reusable (i.e. menstrual cups or period panties ) is not only great for the environment, but also your wallet and luggage space.

You’ll likely have a roommate, and not getting good enough sleep due to your roommate’s snoring isn’t an excuse for poor work performance.

If the dimmest light wakes you, get yourself something to cover your eyes.

Ideally, you’ll be able to work out a compromise or agreement with your roommate as to how you’ll deal with entering the cabin and which lights are acceptable to use after the other person is in bed, but don’t bank on it.

I had one roommate request that I not use the bathroom (shower, toilet, or sink) after she’d gone to bed (which for her was like 10 p.m.) as she’s easily woken by any light or sound, to which I offered to help her find a sleep mask as most of my shifts ended well after midnight.

The air on ships destroyed my eyes.

With every ship contract, my eyes became drier, redder, and less tolerant of my contacts so much to the point where by my final contract I couldn’t wear them at all.

And upon seeing if laser correction could be an option, the doctors said they’d have to bring my eye’s health up first as it was some of the driest and worst they’d seen.

To paint a picture, it was as if I was looking out a very dirty window 24/7. Like extremely chapped lips, but on my cornea .

They recommended I use this eye gel (not regular drops) daily for a month and, my God, what a difference it made for me just using it alone.

Now I don’t go anywhere without it.

So if you’re worried about dry eyes on ships, planes, or even Antarctica (where I took my trusty eye gel drops) , get yourself a bottle or two of this miracle potion.

Your eyes will thank you.

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle keeps you from having to purchase bottled water onboard. There are usually a few refill stations around the ship’s crew area to keep you hydrated.

Electronics

Laptop/ Tablet

You probably don’t need both, but assess your needs and decide for yourself.

I used my laptop primarily for watching movies and TV shows, although I also used it one contract just for the internet as the ship’s internet refused to connect with my phone for the entire five months.

Since I’m not a gamer and just need the basics out of a laptop that’s thin, lightweight, and travels well, I have a MacBook Air that has yet to fail me after four years and six ship contracts.

Tablets are obviously smaller and easier to pack, so if you have one that you use regularly, bring it.

External Hard Drive

Make sure you fill your hard drive with all your favorite movies, TV shows, and music while you have fast Wi-Fi at home.

You’ll be so grateful you did after the excitement of ships wears down within a few weeks onboard.

Also, it’s good to have an external hard drive to back up everything. Because things do— and probably will— go wrong, and you don’t want to risk it.

USB Memory Stick

A thumb drive with decent storage (I have a simple 8gb one I always carry) is great especially when you’re a new hire because you can get a digital copy of any work materials or extra information on your department’s system and review it at your leisure.

I found this to be helpful when learning about all the kids games we had to host as well as the dance routines we had to perform with the other entertainment staff during the cruise’s themed nights.

It’s also great for passing around movies and shows with other crew members without having to loan out your hard drive.

Alarm Clock or Watch

I use my phone as an alarm, but some prefer an alarm clock as phones have a tendency to screw up during time zone changes on ships, often leading to crew members being late (or early!) for work.

You can use your phone in crew areas, but once in guest areas (most likely where you work), phones are to be completely invisible.

So it’s a good idea to bring a watch along to make sure you’re always on time and performing your duties according to schedule.

TIP: Once onboard, make sure to sync all your electronics to ship time as that is the official time everything runs on regardless of the time on land or according to the internet.

You’ll be visiting some really beautiful places; make sure you document them properly!

Again, I’d recommend looking at your itinerary and judging from there what gear you’ll want to bring.

Keep in mind that professional DSLRs are great, but if you’re going to beachy destinations with the intent of being in the water most of the time, maybe leave the nice camera at home and bring a GoPro instead.

For my first and last contract, I looked up my itinerary and realized there were several destinations that would require a good amount of zoom to take a decent picture— so I lugged along my Canon EOS Rebel just for the handful of pictures I took (and don’t regret!).

I relied on my trusty phone’s amazing camera for the rest of my contracts, and as most phones go these days, they more than sufficed.

Universal Adapter

Most American-based cruise lines have American-style plugs onboard, but a universal adapter comes in handy if you’re traveling abroad to meet your ship.

Small Power Strip

Outlets in cabins are precious real estate, so be the hero in your room and bring a small power strip. One that has USB charging on it is especially helpful if you have several devices.

Just be sure to not overload your cabin outlets and remember to unplug your devices after they’re charged, even the power strip, as that’s a common fire starter on ships (and will fail both you and your roommate during cabin inspection).

Extension Cable or Chargers with Long Cords

Chances are, you’ll be on the top bunk for your first few months until your roommate moves out.

(Social protocol on ships is newbie get top bunk until the more senior roomie leaves.)

This means you’ll be farther away from the outlet.

If you’re like me and like to use your phone from the bed, I’d recommend looking into a charging cable that’s at least 6 ft. in length . 

Nonessential Items to Pack If You Have Room

AKA things that significantly enhance your contract and ship life.

There a quite a few items I’ve learned are essential for my comfort during contracts, but not really necessities.

They do, however, improve my life, attitude, and general pleasantness when I’m at sea for 5+ months at a time.

Again, these are just things I recommend, but take a look at my list and build/edit what you’ll actually bring according to your needs.

Hot Beverage Thermos

If you’re a tea or coffee drinker, this is pretty much a no brainer.

Collapsable Closet Organizer

You probably already know that crew cabins are small, so it should be no surprise that your wardrobe closet will be small as well. Most have 2-3 small drawers below a hanging area.

I’ve found that bringing a hanging shoe organizer like this allows me to easily store all my stuff without taking up too much of my closet.

Bonus points for being lightweight and travel-friendly.

Personal Bedding

While bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases are provided for, there’s just something about having the familiarity and comfort of your own personal bedding.

Your bunk is the only personal space you have, so I like to make it as cozy and comfortable as possible even if it takes up some precious luggage space.

Even the cheapest of bed sheets and pillowcases will be miles more comfortable than the used ones they have for crew onboard.

I always bring a microplush blanket that easily packs down and doesn’t take up too much weight.

Vacuum Sealing Bags

Wondering how you’ll be able to pack these bulky items? Get yourself one or two of these large vacuum-sealed, space-saving bags .

I typically just use one for my blanket and I’m able to stuff my bedsheets into a packing cube.

Again, towels are provided, but I just prefer to bring my own.

I have this set of travel microfiber towels that rolls into a small, convenient pouch and takes up hardly any space at all.

And an added bonus is that since they’re so thin, they dry super quick so my room doesn’t end up with that damp, moldy towel smell.

Portable Mini Steamer

There are irons for you to use in the crew laundry, but if a lot of your clothes or uniforms require ironing, a mini steamer can do wonders.

Twinkle Lights

Make your cabin (or bunk) a cozy oasis.

These are usually small and easy to pack, but just make sure they’re battery-operated (the only ones allowed onboard for fire safety purposes).

Every cabin comes with two small lock boxes, but you’ll need to bring your own lock .

While this isn’t a problem so much anymore, in years past crew paychecks were actually given out in cash, so keeping it out of sticky roommate hands was more of an issue.

I’ve personally never had to lock anything away, but it can’t hurt. Especially since you won’t know your roommate before you move it.

Mini Speaker

A completely nonessential item, but portable speakers do make cabin parties and beach trips more fun.

In addition to the typical holiday festivities, crew parties are always happening. If you like dressing up and you have some extra room, bring a few of your best party costumes.

Comfort items

You’ll be away from family and friends for a long time.

It’s worth the extra luggage space to bring something that helps you relax and puts a smile on your face.

I like to bring a few hydrating face mask sheets and a small stuffed animal, but I’ve seen crew members bring snacks, photos, video games and consoles like the PS4 and Switch, and even a personal pillow.

Final Thoughts

And now that you know what to pack for working on a cruise ship, you’re ready to embark (literally and figuratively) on your new journey!

You might be feeling overwhelmed, but that’s totally normal.

As long as you pack the essentials and more or less try to stick to the packing tips I’ve laid out, you’ll be fine.

I know how scary and nerve-racking getting ready for a first contract can be, so feel free to message me on my Instagram if you have any other questions.

Happy contract and bon voyage!

Fellow crew members, is there anything else that should be on this list? Let me know so I can add it and help our eager new hires out!

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Michelle is a freelance writer who has traveled to all seven continents and 60+ countries through various forms of employment. Over the last ten years, she’s worked as an ESL teacher in Japan, a youth counselor aboard cruise ships, and a hospitality manager in Antarctica.

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I found this to be SUPER helpful! I start my contract with Royal Caribbean next weekend and this is a super helpful resource. I’ve been watching some YouTube videos and they just don’t quite have as much helpful information. THANK YOU!

You’re very welcome! So happy I could help and congrats on your first contract!!! I loved my time with RCL and I’m sure you will as well :)

I thought about bringing the menstrual cup with me, but, how do you keep it clean? Can you boil it somewhere?

I just used a gentle, fragrance-free soap with hot water and never ran into any issues. But there are portable menstrual cup sterilizers available that you could try out too.

This has really helped! I start on the Pacific Encounter on Wednesday(found out yesterday) and its my first contract. Super nervous but excited.

In regards to uniform, what shoes would you recommend? Also, if you’ve ever had to pay for visas, medicals etc, how quickly do they pay this back to you? They’ve jut said I will get it reimbursed on the ship.

Hi Charlotte,

Wow, how exciting– congrats on your contract!

Uniform shoes will depend on your position/requirements, which your recruiter should have informed you about. If you don’t have that info, I’d suggest getting in touch with them as every company and department differ. The same goes for reimbursements. It was fairly quick for me with Royal Caribbean (within a month), but this will vary by company.

Thanks for sharing. Helpful 🙂

Hello, Thank you for your information. Really very helpful ,found in time will help me what type of uniform should i carry for reception department as it is my 1st contract . Also for period is it safe & comfortable to use sanitary pads onboard?

Glad I could help! Great question. You can use any type of sanitary products that you’re most comfortable with. The crew store should have both tampons and pads available for purchase.

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The best cruise ship luggage – suitcases, carry-ons & cross-body bags

Finding your perfect cruise ship luggage pieces.

As cruise travelers, we want sturdy, long-lasting suitcases and bags that are easy to transport and withstand the heavy handling by airline and the cruise line baggage handlers. We also want our luggage to look good, be comfortable, and offer flexible packing options with plenty of compartments and pockets for our travel essentials.

We have listed our favorite luggage set in our essential cruise item list, but luggage does deserve a little more focus. After all, there are many options depending on what type of traveler you are. Often the very minimum we cruise with is one large checked suitcase plus a smaller piece of carry-on cabin baggage containing items such as travel documents, medicine, and a few spare items of clothing. Should our checked luggage go missing, the items we bring in our carry-on will be our lifeline for at least a day or two.

And with the mention of missing luggage, a trackable device attached to your suitcase to quickly locate your bag is a good idea.

When visiting different destinations, you may want to include a backpack or a popular cross-body bag for your shore excursion. You will need to carry your passport, wallet, smartphone, cruise card, and other essentials such as sun cream, a water bottle, and a waterproof jacket.

How we have chosen the cabin luggage pieces below

We travel as a family of four. Two adults and two children. Often our parents join us. And we all have different needs and therefore not the same type of luggage. When contemplating the best bags to buy, the decision is based on a combination of cost and need. Read on to find out which pieces are best for you and your cruise travel companions.

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Best cabin luggage

Top of the list for me is a sturdy hard case with great wheels, easy access, and lightweight. The full-zip interior divider and cross straps for easier packing are a plus.

Best-seller cabin luggage

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On

• Spinner wheels for easy mobility
• Hard shell, long-lasting and robust
• Lightweight casing in a variety of holiday colors
• 10-year limited warranty
• Side-mounted locks for security

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A budget 2-piece cabin luggage set

If you travel less frequently, choosing a less expensive luggage set can make a lot of sense. Maybe you want luggage that will be used once or twice a year.

2-piece budget luggage set

Rockland 2-piece Budget Luggage Set

• Great value for infrequent travelers
• Light-weight with two front pockets
• Size standing: 20″ x 13″ x 7.5″ (with wheels)
• Smaller bag: 13.5″x 11″x 5″
• Telescopic handle

Stylish 3-piece travelers set

Travel in comfort and style with this beautiful 3-piece luggage set that will last you for years to come.

Hardside Expandable, Spinner (3-Pieces)

• Expandable luggage in a choice of colors.
• Includes a carry-on, boarding tote, and a travel kit toiletry case
• Spinner wheels for smooth mobility
• Light and durable hard shell
• The tote bag attaches to your cabin luggage

Kids’ 5-piece luggage travel set

A bright, fun, and durable set of kids’ luggage! Choose from various vibrant colors that make it easy to spot the bags on the baggage carousel.

5-pice luggage set for kids

Travelers Club Kids Luggage

• Keep your kids organized with their own luggage set
• Hardside carry-on luggage, 15″ backpack, 10″ lunch bag, neck pillow, and luggage tag
• Fun, durable, and in vibrant colors so they are easily identifiable
• 4 wheels and telescopic handle
• Glides easily for kids to use

Vintage-style suitcase set

Splash out when it’s all about style for your cruise vacation with this vintage-style luggage set, a perfect gift for your cruising partner!

Combining style & function

Urecity Vintage-style Suitcase Set

• Travel with the elegance of the Victorian era
• Lightweight, durable material with an aluminum alloy framework
• 4 spinner wheels for easy mobility
• Fun vintage colors to choose from

Our favorite hardshell checked luggage

Best hardshell checked luggage

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage

• Eight 360-degree spinner wheel
• Large packing capacity
• 100% Polycarbonate hard shell with built-in lock
• Divider panels and accessory pockets
• A variety of vintage color choices are available

Soft side large checked luggage

If you prefer soft-sides luggage rather than a hard shell, this expandable roller luggage from SwissGear is hard to beat. With a handy zippered wet bag includes, it’s the perfect case to take on your cruise vacation

Best soft side checked luggage

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage

• Available in a choice of colors and sizes 
• 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels
• Removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items
• Reinforced, comfortable, padded top handle with an integrated side and bottom handle

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Small Crossbody Bag

This beautiful anti-theft small crossbody bag from Travelon is one of our favorite crossbody bags on the market. Excellent quality, and durable with room for all smaller items needed on a shore excursion; it is also fitted with anti-theft hidden panels and locking zippers.

Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

• Cotton and canvas material with a 5-year warranty
• Lightweight and practical to wear over your body or shoulder
• Hidden slash-resistant stainless steel mesh body panels
• Locking zippers

Crossbody Sling Backpack / Daypack

A fantastic crossbody backpack that looks good and holds everything you need for touring your port destinations. Comfortable, lightweight, and sturdy, this backpack comes in many colors. Pick the one that suits you best!

Ideal for cruise port visits

Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack 

• Separate compartments inside for smaller items
• Easy access to your earphones
• Perfect for shore tours and outings

Waterproof Dry Bag

If you plan on a beach excursion or water sports such as swimming with dolphins, kayaking, or a snorkeling adventure, this water dry bag will keep all your valuables secure and dry. We think this one’s a winner!

Waterproof dry bag

• Certified waterproof 2-liter bag
• Multifunctional dry bag for any outdoor activity
• Touchscreen access to your phone
• A detachable and adjustable shoulder strap to wear it crossbody or as a backpack.
• Hidden earphone hole for easy access to your earphones
• Zipper closure with external mesh pockets for your water bottle

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12 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

When you board a cruise ship, the items you bring with you in your carry-on might be the only possessions you can access for the entire first afternoon you're on board.

Why? Typically, when you arrive at the pier, you give your larger suitcases to the porters, who bring guest luggage on board en masse for the crew to deliver to your cabin door. Your bags might not arrive until later in the day — or even that evening — especially if you're on a larger cruise ship carrying six or seven thousand passengers.

If you're a smart cruiser, you carry on everything you need for check-in and the first day on board — plus emergencies. It's better to come prepared, so you can make the most of those first hours on the ship, either relaxing by the pool or enjoying the ship's public spaces. Plus, should the unthinkable happen and your luggage never arrives, you'll be as prepared as possible.

For smooth sailing on embarkation day and the rest of your trip, always pack these 12 items in your cruise carry-on bag.

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Travel documents, passport and ID

It's crucial to have all your boarding documents organized in a wallet-style case or in a clear or manila folder that's easily accessible when you arrive at the cruise terminal. The check-in process should be mostly seamless, so you don't want to be fidgeting around looking for everything when it's your turn to step up to the counter.

You should also keep your passport or another form of ID, such as a birth certificate and driver's license, as required by your cruise line, with your cruise documents, as you'll need to show those at check-in.

Other documents you'll want to carry on to avoid misplacing include your travel insurance information (especially the phone number for emergencies) and confirmations of any restaurant reservations and tour bookings you made through the ship or independently.

Paper copies are helpful backups, especially when Wi-Fi is spotty, or your phone runs out of juice.

Medications, vitamins or supplements

If you or your family members take any regular prescription medications, vitamins or supplements, pack them in your carry-on bag. Even if you don't need them for the first 24 hours of your cruise, you don't want to risk losing them and going without them for the entire trip.

You should also consider putting together an emergency kit that includes pain relievers, antacids, bandages and other over-the-counter drugstore items for unexpected embarkation-day ailments. If you're prone to seasickness , you'll also want access to Dramamine, your motion sickness patches or Sea-Bands in case your luggage is delayed until after you set sail.

The shops on the ship won't open until after sailaway, and they might not have everything you need. (When they do, get ready for sticker-shock prices.) In that case, it's a good idea to pack a few extra meds for that unexpected headache or mild case of heartburn.

Cruise lanyard

If you prefer carrying your room key around the ship in a lanyard , toss one in your carry-on bag to put on and wear as soon as you receive your cruise card. You'll be ready to purchase cocktails, gelato, specialty coffees and other items around the ship without fumbling in your pockets for the card. You'll also be less likely to lose your card while you're juggling your carry-on luggage, cruise documents, phone and other items in the terminal.

Lanyards are a great idea for cruising kids, who aren't used to carrying around a wallet or ID. They'll need their cruise card handy to check in and out of the kids club and to get into your cabin when they run ahead.

A bottle of wine and a 12-pack of soda

Most cruise line alcohol policies permit you to bring Champagne or wine on board the ship. If allowed, pack a special bottle or two in your carry-on bag. Once you're in your cabin, you can request an ice bucket and ice from your cabin steward, so you can chill a bottle of bubbly just in time for sailaway. (Beware of corkage fees on some lines if you'd rather bring your special bottle to dinner.)

For example, Holland America allows you to bring an unspecified but limited number of wine or Champagne bottles on board for your cruise. There is a corkage fee applied to each bottle. Royal Caribbean has a two-bottle maximum for wine and Champagne — with no corkage fee if you imbibe in your cabin.

A few lines also let you bring on a reasonable amount of bottled water, soda or other nonalcoholic beverages in sealed packages. Typically, they ask that you carry these items on board with you.

Holland America permits a limited amount of drinking water in cans or cartons, but no soda or energy drinks. Plastic bottles are not permitted on the ship. If you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, you can bring a 12-pack of nonalcoholic beverages (in cans, cartons or bottles) on board in your carry-on luggage. Carnival Cruise Line 's policy is nearly identical to Royal Caribbean's — except only cans and cartons, not bottles, are allowed.

Poolside essentials

If your vacation goals are to relax, catch some rays and sip tropical drinks poolside for the next week or more, then have those pool items ready to go once you're on board. You might even bring a lightweight beach bag or tote filled with pool essentials such as your swimsuit, sunglasses, a cover-up, a collapsible straw hat, a travel-size bottle of sunscreen, flip-flops and that good book you've wanted to read. Towels are provided on board, so no need to bring your own.

Workout gear and a set of headphones

If you're ready to stretch your legs after a long flight and get in some exercise time at the gym , pack a pair of athletic shoes, socks and workout gear in the bag you bring on the ship. Don't forget to pack a set of headphones to listen to your favorite tunes on your smartphone while running on the treadmill or lifting weights.

If you're cruising with children , you'll want to toss entertainment and snack options in your carry-on to keep them happy in the check-in line and on the ship until the rest of the luggage arrives.

These items could include portable video games, books, favorite snacks, coloring books or a cuddly naptime toy. You don't want a meltdown to kick off your cruise, so make sure you're prepared to make the little ones happy once you're on the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with babies and toddlers, pack extra diapers, wipes, sippy cups and other necessary gear in your carry-on, so you have everything you need for the afternoon and evening in case your luggage arrives late.

A change of clothing

If you're still waiting for your bag to arrive just before sailaway or at the dinner hour, it won't be a problem if you've planned ahead and packed a change of clothing in your carry-on. It can be something as simple as a pair of shorts and a fresh shirt or a sundress and sandals, but it's still nice to change out of your travel clothes before heading up to the pool deck for a celebratory glass of Champagne or going out for dinner on the first evening of your cruise.

An extra set of clothes is also useful to have on hand in the rare event that your luggage gets lost or goes missing for longer than the first night. If you truly get stuck without your bags, you'll have a spare outfit so you can wear one while washing the other.

Electronic devices and chargers

Whether you're traveling with a laptop, tablet, e-reader, gaming device or just your family's collection of smartphones, it's advisable to keep your electronic devices with you so they don't get lost, stolen or damaged.

Once you arrive, you might need to charge one or all of your devices, so keep the chargers and their cords in an organizer or pouch in your carry-on bag. A portable phone charger is also a great idea to bring on vacation, especially if you'll be using your smartphone as your camera during your cruise.

If you do have camera equipment, keep it secure in either a camera bag or in your carry-on luggage and bring it with you on the ship. It's one more thing to have to carry on board, but you don't want your investment to get damaged or lost before you start your vacation. Plus, you don't want to miss out on first-day photos.

Toiletries and hair items

If you'll need personal items like body wash, shampoo, moisturizer, eye drops, hairbrushes and hairspray to freshen up before leaving your cabin, bring them with you in travel-size containers in your carry-on bag. Some people prefer their own products to those available on the ship.

This is especially important if you arrive at your ship after an overnight or early morning flight, and really need to brush your teeth or put in your contacts once you make it to the ship.

Jewelry and other valuables

While it's not advisable to travel with expensive jewelry, you likely want to glam it up while on your cruise. Even costume jewelry can be pricey, so keep it with you in the luggage that you carry on board.

Once you're settled in your cabin, you can lock up your jewelry, passport, wallet and other valuable items that will fit into the safe. Some rooms have modest-size safes, and others can accommodate a small laptop. If the size of your in-room safe is a concern, check with the cruise line before you sail.

Bottom line

What you do or don't pack in your cruise carry-on can make or break the first day of your vacation — and potentially the rest of the trip if your luggage goes missing or gets damaged. Follow our packing tips, and you'll be well-outfitted for all the fun awaiting you on board your ship.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Last updated on December 30th, 2023 at 08:31 am

The Best Luggage for a Cruise: 10 Finest Bags for Vacation in 2022

When embarking on a cruise, the type of luggage you bring can make or break your trip. With all the different activities and ports of call, you’ll want to be sure that your belongings are easy to transport and won’t take up too much space.

You don’t want to be carrying a lot of heavy suitcases around the ship, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Here is a guide to the best luggage for a cruise.

Table of Contents

Quick Recommendations: The Best Luggage for a Cruise

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside – Overall Best Luggage for a Cruise

Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside – Best Carry-On Luggage for Cruise Travel

DELSEY Paris Helium Aero – Best Hardside Luggage for a Cruise Trip

SwissGear Sion – Best Softside Luggage for Tour

Amazon Basics Hardside – Best Spinner Suitcase for a Cruise

Coolife Expandable Suitcase – Best Lightweight Luggage for Tour

Wrangler El Dorado – Best Luggage Set for a Cruise

Travel Select Amsterdam – Best Expandable Luggage for Travel

Rockland Softside – Best Fashion Luggage Set for Tour

TPRC Smart Bag – Best Under-Seat Luggage for a Cruise

10 Best Luggage for a Cruise

Cruises are a great way to see the world, and with the right luggage, they can be easy and fun as well. Here are 10 of the best pieces of luggage for cruises, based on our research and customer feedback.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside (Overall Best Luggage for a Cruise)

Size: 25.25 x 18 x 9.5 inches

Weight: 8.9 pounds

Key Features: Expandable up to 75-inch; smart sleeve system; roomy external pockets

Take your travel experience to the next level with Samsonite’s Solyte DLX Softside luggage. Made of tough polyester weave, this bag is designed for the modern traveler . The SmartSleeve system of this bag allows you to attach it to another piece of luggage for hands-free convenience. And when you’re not on the go, the sleek design will make you stand out from the rest.

This 75-inch expandable softside luggage is extra-spacious, with plenty of exterior pockets for easy access to your belongings. The built-in organization keeps everything neatly arranged, with a mesh pocket and WetPak pocket to store wet items or clothes.

The luggage comes with a compression system that helps you pack more clothes into your bag. While the smart fix buckles keep your luggage securely closed and the privacy ID tag keeps your personal information safe.

Featuring multi-directional double spinner wheels, Samsonite’s Solyte DLX can be easily maneuvered in tight spaces. The push-button handle makes it easy to drag, and the 10-year limited warranty ensures that your bag will last for many trips to come. This bag is available in three colors and is ideal for extended trips.

Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside (Best Carry-On Luggage for Cruise Travel)

Size: 21 x 14.75 x 10 inches

Weight: 8 pounds

Key Features: Expandable up to 2 inches; many organizer pockets; laptop sleeve

The Travelpro Crew Versapack is a piece of wonderful luggage for a hassle-free cruise trip. It is made of high-density nylon with a coating that makes it water and abrasion-resistant. The precision glide system ensures smooth rolling, while the self-aligning magnetic wheels make it easy to maneuver. The contoured grip and handle provide a comfortable hold, even when the luggage is fully loaded.

The Travelpro bag is built with corner armor and skid guards to protect your belongings and comes with a padded laptop pocket for extra security. With an expandable depth of up to 2 inches, the Travelpro Crew Versapack can accommodate last-minute packing.

This versatile piece of luggage can be used as a carry-on or checked bag and comes with a built-in USB port to power your electronic devices. The power bank pocket can hold an external battery to keep your devices charged the whole trip. The Zip-in garment organizer keeps your clothes wrinkle-free .

The Travelpro Crew is a soft-sided suitcase that comes with packing cubes, a toiletries bag, and supra zipper heads for security. The luggage is available in six colors and has a stylish look that will make you stand out on the cruise.

DELSEY Paris Helium Aero (Best Hardside Luggage for a Cruise Trip)

Size: 19.5 x 12.5 x 29 inches

Weight: 12.5 pounds

Key Features: Expandable up to 2 inches; two large sections; multiple pockets

The DELSEY Paris Helium Aero is another great piece of luggage for your next cruise trip. It’s made of durable polycarbonate and is lightweight, making it easy to carry. The anti-crack shell ensures your belongings are safe and sound while you’re on vacation. With its spinner wheels, the DELSEY Paris Helium Aero is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.

This large suitcase features two spacious sections and web straps to keep your items in place. The luggage expands up to 2 inches, giving you extra space when you need it. You’ll love the multiple pockets, which make it easy to organize your belongings.

The luggage also comes with a TSA-approved combination lock and offers top and side carry options. With its stylish design and multiple color options, it will be easy to find the perfect piece to match your personality.

 The DELSEY Paris Helium Aero comes with a 10-year limited warranty, so you can rest assured that your luggage is protected against any damage.

SwissGear Sion (Best Softside Luggage for Tour)

Size: 24.5 x 15.25 x 11 inches

Weight: 9.5 pounds

Key Features: Spacious space; top and side carry option; different pockets

The SwissGear Sion is one of the best luggage options for a cruise. It features a stylish design and is made of scuff-resistant fabric, ensuring that it will look great for years to come. This sofside bag is also functional having a spacious capacity that will accommodate all of your baggage.

With a fully-lined roomy interior, multiple external pockets, and adjustable straps , you’ll have plenty of packing space for all your needs. The luggage features a zippered wet bag that is perfect for storing clothes or other items that need to be kept dry. It also has a mesh lid pocket that is great for holding small items.

The SwissGear Sion suitcase comes with a retractable handle and spinner wheels that allow you to maneuver without any difficulty. The top and side carry handles make it easy to grab and go, while the seven colors option will ensure you find the ideal one for you.

Amazon Basics Hardside (Best Spinner Suitcase for a Cruise)

Size: 16.73 x 10.63 x 23.62 inches

Weight: 8.08 pounds

Key Features: Internal divider and organizer; practical pockets; expandable space

The AmazonBasics Hardside is just the right luggage for your next cruise or any other travel occasion. The suitcase has been built with a scratch-resistant hard shell that defies wear and tear and prevents your belongings from shifting in transit. It comes with smooth-rolling spinner wheels for hassle-free maneuverability.

This durable and classy luggage features an interior divider and an organizer to help you stay tidy, and offers an expandable space of up to 15 percent that gives you a little extra room when you need it.

You’ll love the three zippered pockets for all of your belongings. The sturdy telescoping handle will make it easy for you to get around. When you’re not using it, the short handle will make it convenient to store. It’s available in four colors, so you can choose the one according to your liking.

Amazon Basics Hardside luggage has huge global ratings with more than 90 percent of customers giving it positive feedback.

Coolife Expandable Suitcase (Best Lightweight Luggage for Tour)

Size: 15.4 x 8.7x 22.4 inches

Weight: 6.7 pounds

Key Features: Fully-lined interior; different handy pockets; top and side carry

The Coolife Expandable Suitcase is flawless luggage for a cruise or any other type of extended travel. Made of a sturdy plastic shell, it is lightweight and durable as well.

The luggage features a fully-lined interior that helps keep your belongings protected, while the multiple organizational pockets make it easy to keep track of everything. It has an expandable main section that provides extra room when needed, while the stylish look ensures you’ll arrive in style.

The Coolife luggage comes with a TSA lock facility to keep your baggage protected. The spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver through any crowded area and the suitcase’s telescoping handle is adjustable to different heights.

This reliable and affordable luggage is complete with top and side carry handles for easy transport and is available in five fun colors. Coolife offers a unique warranty program that covers you for 2 years.

Wrangler El Dorado (Best Luggage Set for a Cruise)

Size: 20 x 13. 5 x 11 inches

Weight: 6.3 pounds

Key Features: Expandable capacity; accessory pockets; USB port

If you’re looking for the best luggage set for your next cruise, look no further than the Wrangler El Dorado. This set comes with a suitcase and a 14-inch polyester tote with a slide-on strap, making it the perfect choice for any traveler. The suitcase is built with durability in mind, with a tough ABS hard-shell construction that will protect your belongings from damage. And, the sleek design is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

This piece of luggage is designed to provide you with ample storage space and a variety of organizational features. The fully-lined interior ensures your items remain protected, while the expandable capacity allows you to bring along everything you need for your trip. The suitcase comes with accessory pockets that make it easy to keep track of smaller items.

The luggage features a USB port, allowing you to charge your devices with ease, and a dedicated holder that provides a well-suited place to keep your phone. The Wrangler El Dorado also includes a built-in cup holder, making it easy to stay hydrated while traveling.

The luggage has double spinner wheels that provide effortless mobility and keep you moving in the right direction. Plus, it comes in three colors that offer you plenty of style options.

Travel Select Amsterdam (Best Expandable Luggage for Travel)

Size: 21 x 13 x 7.5 inches

Weight: 6.29 pounds

Key Features: Expandable storage; top and side carry; lots of pockets

The Travel Select Amsterdam is one of the best expandable luggage for a cruise. It is made of superior, two-tone polyester and features an expandable design that increases the packing capacity by up to 25 percent. The suitcase’s interior elastic tie straps keep your clothing and other items neatly packed, while the four skate wheels provide easy movement.

This lightweight and durable luggage is designed with a multitude of exterior pockets, including two shoe pockets, to help you organize and pack your shoes. The spacious zippered lid pocket provides added storage and easy access to your essentials.

It comes with a retractable handle system that makes it convenient to pull your luggage and offers top and side carry handles, making it easy to grab and go. The bag clutch feature provides you with an option to attach it to another luggage and the ID window on the back panel keeps your identification safe and accessible.

The Travel Select Amsterdam suitcase is available in five colors and has a stylish look.

Rockland Softside (Best Fashion Luggage Set for Tour)

Size: 20 x 13 x 7.5 inches

Weight: 6.64 pounds

Key Features: Expandable space; top and side carry; many organizational pockets

Looking for a luggage set that will make your cruise travel a breeze? Consider the trendy Rockland’s softside luggage collection. Made of heavy-duty polyester, these pieces are designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Plus, they’re expandable, so you can pack everything you need for your trip.

The suitcase features a roomy main compartment that can be expanded to an extra 10-inch of depth, allowing for more packing space. It has three organizational pouches and back zippered pockets for storage. The front pockets are great for holding small items like sunglasses, a passport, and tickets.

The softside suitcase is designed with top and side carry handles for easy transport, as well as a retractable handle and skate wheels for effortless maneuverability.

The Rockland luggage set includes a tote bag with an adjustable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry. It features a spacious main section that can hold plenty of clothes and other belongings. And because it’s soft-sided, it can be easily packed in tight spaces. Plus, the fun, stylish print will make you stand out from the crowd.

TPRC Smart Bag (Best Under-Seat Luggage for a Cruise)

Size: 14 x 8.5 x 15 inches

Weight: 5 pounds

Key Features: Fully-lined interior; many pockets; USB port

The TPRC Smart Bag is the perfect piece of luggage to take on a cruise. This convenient bag fits comfortably under your seat and is fully lined to protect your belongings. Made of durable 1680D polyester, the Smart Bag is built to last.

The luggage features an open side pocket for trouble-free access to your bathing suit or other essentials, as well as two accessory pockets for storing smaller items. The USB port allows you to charge your devices up and about.

The Smart Bag is made for easy travel, with smooth-rolling skate wheels, a telescopic trolley handle, and an add-a-bag rear strap. The bag is also lightweight and comes in three fun colors. Pack everything you need for your trip in this handy piece of luggage.

Comparison Table

Also Read: Best Luggage for Flight Attendants

When going on a ship, it’s important to bring a good luggage set. Not only will you need something to store all your things, but you’ll also want something that will be easy to carry around. After doing extensive research, we believe that the Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside is the best luggage for a cruise.

With its spacious interior, sturdy construction, and an array of pockets and compartments, this luggage is sure to make your cruise trip a breeze.

What Type of Luggage do You Need For a Cruise?

When packing for a cruise, it’s important to bring the right type of luggage. You don’t want to end up having to check your luggage in at the port, as this can add significant time and stress to your vacation. Here are four types of luggage that are perfect for cruises.

Rolling Luggage:

Rolling luggage is the best type of luggage to bring on a cruise. It’s easy to maneuver, and you can easily roll it through the port and onto the ship.

Duffel Bags:

Duffel bags are also a good option for cruising. They’re versatile and can be used for both packing and storing your belongings on the ship.

Backpacks are great for carrying around your essentials while you’re onshore. Just make sure you have a decent-sized one that can fit everything you need.

If you want to bring a suitcase, make sure it’s a soft-sided one that can be easily packed in your cabin’s closet or under the bed.

What Are the Benefits of Using the Right Luggage For a Cruise?

You’ll Have More Room to Store Things

One of the biggest benefits of using the right luggage for a cruise is that you’ll have more room to store things. When you’re on a cruise, there are a lot of things that you’ll want to bring with you, such as sunscreen, swimsuits, hats, and sunglasses. But if you have enough room to store these things in your luggage, you won’t have to worry about packing them in your carry-on bag or taking up space in your hotel room.

Your Luggage Will Be More Durable

Another benefit of using the right luggage for a cruise is that your luggage will be more durable. When you’re on a cruise, there are a lot of activities that can damage your luggage, such as getting wet, being in the sun, and being dragged across the deck. But if you have luggage that is specifically designed for cruises, it will be able to withstand these types of activities much better.

You Won’t Lose Your Luggage

Finally, another benefit of using the right luggage for a cruise is that you won’t lose your luggage. When you’re on a cruise, there are a lot of people and a lot of places to lose your luggage. But if you have a good piece of luggage, you’ll be able to keep track of it better and you’ll be less likely to lose it.

Best Luggage for a Cruise: FAQs

What is the best size luggage for a cruise.

When planning a cruise, one of the most important things to consider is what size luggage to bring. You want to make sure you have enough space for all of your essentials, but you also don’t want to bring too much and have to pay extra fees. The best size luggage for a cruise is typically a medium-sized suitcase. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your cruise line before you book to see what their luggage guidelines are.

Do they check your luggage on a cruise?

Yes, they do check your luggage on a cruise. In fact, they check it quite thoroughly. They will go through every item in your bag and make sure that it is safe and compliant with the cruise line’s rules and regulations. They may even open up your suitcase and rummage through your clothes if they suspect that you are hiding something.

Can you carry your own luggage on a cruise ship?

Many cruise lines allow passengers to carry their own luggage on board the ship. However, there are some restrictions that you should be aware of before you pack your bags. First, make sure that your luggage is not too big or too heavy. Most cruise lines have size and weight restrictions for luggage, so be sure to check the requirements of your particular cruise line before you pack. Second, keep in mind that you will need to be able to lift and carry your own luggage. If you are traveling with young children or have mobility concerns, you may want to consider having someone else carry your luggage for you. Lastly, keep in mind that you will need to carry your luggage up and down stairs. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you may want to consider using a luggage cart.

Can I lock my luggage for a cruise?

Most major cruise lines allow you to lock your luggage, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before you do. First, be sure to use a TSA-approved lock , as this will allow security to open your luggage if they need to. Secondly, keep in mind that while your luggage will be safe from prying eyes, it will still be subject to the elements. So if you’re planning on taking any valuables with you on your cruise, it’s best to keep them in your carry-on bag.

What should you not pack on a cruise?

There are a few things you should avoid packing on a cruise. First, anything that is illegal in the country you are visiting. This includes drugs, weapons, and certain types of food. Second, anything that is perishable or could easily spoil. This includes food, beverages, and cigarettes. Finally, anything that is flammable or could be dangerous if it caught fire. This includes, such as cleaning supplies, matches, and lighters.

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Packing Tips for Cruise Ship Crew

Knowing what to pack for your first contract working on a cruise ship can be overwhelming. You don’t want to pack too much. You don’t want to forget anything either. Here are some packing tips for cruise ship crew—follow these and you’ll feel like a pro!

How Much Luggage Should You Bring?

It’s a fact that first time crewmembers often bring way too much stuff. They bring too many clothes, they bring too many toiletries, and they bring too many personal items. This adds up to too many pieces of luggage as well. Consider that you may need to schlep your luggage by yourself without help of others or trolleys, especially once you get into the cruise port.

Once you’ve worked on a cruise ship, you get an idea of what type of clothes you need for your position. You also understand how much and the types of leisure clothes you need. You find out that you can purchase your toiletries as you need them in the ports you visit. Many crewmembers also realize that they can live without many personal items such as a personal blanket or pillow.

Eliminating items that you don’t need and adding some items that you didn’t think of the first time will make you an expert by your second contract. A good rule of thumb for how many pieces of luggage to bring are two checked pieces that have wheels plus one airplane-sized carry on such as a backpack.

Laundry for Cruise Ship Crew

Understanding how crew laundry works onboard may help you to decide how many clothes to bring as well. Although there are laundry machines for crew and officers to do their laundry themselves, there is also a free laundry service for crew, too.

Most crew send all their uniforms and formal wear through the onboard laundry service and dry cleaning service. But, when it comes to more personal items, many crewmembers choose to wash these by themselves in the crew and officer launderettes. Both types of laundry are free of charge.

There are a couple of issues to consider. The laundry service may on occasion damage your clothes or they may go missing. As for the launderettes, they may be busy during the only time you have to wash your clothes.

Is Formal Wear Required for Cruise Jobs?

The amount of formal wear you need to bring will depend on the cruise job you have onboard. Many crewmembers will never have the opportunity to wear formal wear whereas some positions will wear dressy clothes throughout every cruise.

Cruise jobs such as cruise staff, entertainers, cruise sales manager, art auctioneer, loyalty manager, port and shopping guide typically have to dress in their own dressy clothes every formal night. This means men in suits and women in long evening gowns or cocktail dresses. Exactly how many shoes and formal clothes you bring will depend on the space in your luggage.

How Much Leisure Wear Should You Pack?

Every crewmember is different when it comes to how many extra clothes to bring. Although you are probably in a uniform most of the time, you still need to bring a fair amount of clothes to wear during your off hours. Take into consideration how much free time you actually have, how much time you go ashore, and how much time you are just hanging out.

You will need clothes to sleep in, a couple of bathing suits, workout clothes (for the gym onboard), jeans for chilly climates and for the ship’s air conditioning, and summer-type clothes for warmer weather. A light weight rain jacket and a fleece are great items to bring. As for shoes, these tend to take up lots of space so choose them wisely, too.

What About Toiletries?

Toiletries can also take up a lot of space if you are intending to bring a six months supply of them. Don’t make this mistake. There may be some products that you prefer to have and you don’t think you can get while traveling. Just consider the itinerary you will be traveling to. Can you purchase your favourite products in the ports you will visit?

Other Essential Items to Pack for Cruise Ship Jobs

As you finalize what you think you need to bring onboard for your first contract at sea, consider these other items.

Uniform Shoes – You will probably be given a list of required items that you will need in terms of your uniform such as white shoes and black shoes. Consider that most cruise jobs require you to be on your feet all day, so comfort should be a priority. Steel toed shoes are typically available in the uniform store onboard. Check with your recruiter.

Universal Adapter – Most of the outlets onboard cruise ships are either meant for North American appliances (110 volt) or for European appliances (220 volt) or both. An adapter will allow you to plug your hairdryer, computer, etc. into the outlets in your cabin.

Computer – This is a great way to stay connected with friends and family (use a crew internet card for low priced internet). You can also watch DVDs on your computer and listen to music. Bring headphones so that you won’t disturb your cabin mate.

Hair Dryer – This is not usually provided onboard.

Alarm Clock – Although you can set a wakeup call on the phone in your cabin, it’s important to have a back up too. A travel sized alarm clock doesn’t take up much space in your luggage.

Power Bar – Also called an electrical power strip, this item comes in handy because there are only a couple of outlets in each cabin. Although you may not be using all your items at the same time, not having to unplug and re-plug each time you use it is a convenience.

Packing Your Carry-On

Your carry-on is only so big, so pack it wisely. You will probably be taking an airplane to join your ship and you want to make sure that anything important to you doesn’t get lost. That’s why what you put in your carry-on will have vale to you.

As a priority, you need to keep all your joining instructions, passport (with C1D visa stamp), and wallet with local currency and shipboard currency in your carry-on. Other things to pack in your carry-on are other valuables such as your computer, cell phone, and medications. After that, it’s whatever else will fit.

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3 Types Of Luggage Every Cruise Crew Needs On Board

As the cruise industry continues to grow , almost 225,000 crew members are currently working in liners every day. After all, this workforce is needed to provide services to the increasing numbers of passengers all over the world. According to an industry expert, both baby boomers and millennials are willing to spend their money on a cruise rather than booking other methods of travel. So, whether you’re a new member or a veteran looking to upgrade your packing skills, packing the right essentials can make or break your entire voyage on board. 

Here are some tips on how to pick the right luggage for your first cruise assignment. 

Durable Roller Suitcase

You need to use a piece of large luggage to fit all the clothes that you need for the entire duration of your contract. It must be big enough to contain all the essential items to bring on board . But since the crew’s cabin has limited space, you would not want it to be too cramped with all your bags. Save space by using a large suitcase with rollers, such as the Qantas luggage set. This will allow you to move it around your cabin every time you would need extra space. 

Foldable Garment Bag

Crew members know the importance of keeping clean, well-pressed uniforms to look their best in front of passengers. Therefore, you must include a garment bag that you can hang and fold in your packing list. It will allow you to pack your uniforms and formal dresses or suits without the risk of creasing . You may also hang the entire bag in your closet to save more space in your cramped cabin. Look for a garment bag with a sturdy hook and a set of hangers to maximize your storage solutions. 

Backpacks And Sling Bags

Aside from your large suitcase, bring smaller options like sling bags or backpacks. You can use this every time you disembark to tour the vicinity of the dock. Choose a lightweight bag that you can carry all day during your excursion and days off board. It should also be spacious enough to accommodate more items if needed. The small bag must also have compartments that can contain all your important items like travel documents, wallet, medicines, and extra cash.  

These are just some of the suggested luggage that all crew members should consider when packing for their next excursion. These will all come in handy, especially if you need to bring many items on board.

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How do you begin to do something special for the 896 crew members that do an amazing job every single day of a world cruise? Especially the crew members that are behind the scenes…engineering, food service, laundry, and marine, to name a few.

On this world cruise, we gave them a book mark and a handmade frame, as well as snacks and candy, in a decorated bag. Our fearless and awesome leaders Diane Hellenophile and Donna Zupeck organized volunteers, months in advance via the 2024 World Cruise Facebook page, to bring aboard all the supplies needed. At 3:45pm most sea days, volunteers showed up to craft the frames, stamp the bags and finally stuff the bags. It was a herculean effort.

Yesterday, the bags were distributed to each department on the ship, to be given to each crew member. It was a labor of love and a super fun way to meet new people. We will miss the camaraderie and are grateful to have been a part of such a great group of people.

Completed frames with magnet on back so will stick to the walls.

Lots and lots of candy.

Bags ready to be stuffed.

One for you, and one for you...

More to be stuffed!

Using the baby grand!

Marsh on the assembly line.

Packed for each department.

Pick up for the Bridge Officers!

What a generous act of kindness to all of the people who work tirelessly to make your journey safe and pleasurable! All of these amazing people are very far away from their loved ones and your goody bags are a way of reaching hands around the world, making your ship a family of all!

A thoughtful and thought-filled gesture. Nice!

What a great and thoughtful way to begin this wonderful journey. Kudos!

What a cool idea – so awesome! 🙂

How thoughtful! Great idea

What a wonderful idea !

Really a neat way to say thanks !

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I love all of this except I wouldn’t have let you use the piano hahahaha 😍❤️🙊🎶🤣

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• Princess Cruises

gift bag ideas, crew appreciation

By FrankieJayIII , March 24, 2023 in Princess Cruises

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FrankieJayIII

i have read a few people on here make up "care packages" little token gift bags for their crew members on board.   the steward, maybe their waiter, a favorite entertainer, bartenders,  etc...  i've heard of nail kits, lip balm, etc. 

what are things you would put into these bags?  i would love to do this as well...  

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Paula_MacFan

Cash.  This topic has come up time and time again. 

LACruiser88

CASH is the preferred "gift" by the crew.

well cash is obvious- the posters said and an envelope with cash in it.   🤣  but what else do they need, want?

how much cash... 

Pictures of dead US presidents.

Agree, cash. If you wish to provide additional tips beyond the auto-tip cash is the way to go. Amount is up to you. We generally figured $2,$3/day to the cabin steward at the end of our stay on board. Since we did not have the same waiters every evening and since we did not dine in the MDR each night we did not think it proper to provide additional tips to waiters. Never used bartenders. Never tipped entertainers. Entertainers are more staff than what I consider crew. 

benjamin was never a president... are we thinking grant? jackson?  

Whilst it may seem like a good idea I suspect that in many cases this would come under the "unwanted Christmas present" category.

Just now, david63 said: Whilst it may seem like a good idea I suspect that in many cases this would come under the "unwanted Christmas present" category.

how many pajama pants do i need grandma!!!'

DallasGuy75219

If you want to give them something other than cash, ask them if there's something they need/want that they can't get in the crew store onboard and can't get off in port to buy, that you can buy in port for them.  And don't make that their "tip" instead of cash.

Otherwise anything you give them is probably junk that they don't want cluttering up their tiny rooms and/or wasting space in their limited luggage when they go home at the end of their contract.  Even if you get them food/snacks (which should be sealed in original packaging, nothing homemade) there's no guaranteeing it's something they like, and they may just wind up giving it away.

this makes a lot of sense.  thank you 

16 minutes ago, DallasGuy75219 said: , and they may just wind up giving it away.

it may go into the crew barter system - I've 'heard' that is quite common and extensive.

Have you ever 're-gifted' anything?

spookyfudge

1 hour ago, FrankieJayIII said: benjamin was never a president... are we thinking grant? jackson?  

Dont be cheap, 50 or 100

that's perfect and exactly in line with my expectations 

25 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said: that's perfect and exactly in line with my expectations 

We just completed our first Virgin Voyages cruise and we gave the room attendant(s) $50 on the first day and instructed them only do the room in the morning (they normally have day and night cleanup turn-down). We also gave them $50 on the day before the last day.  I dont know if they normally get tips becuase it is stressed not to tip and it is included in the price of the cruise.  The cruise price gives every passanger free wifi, crew tips and premium private dinning at all times in the cost of the cruise.  What they did do is have a bar tab for alchoal and specialty coffee. (This was perfect you could buy drinks for you or anyone you wanted to from your bar tab and the drinks were $1-$3 less than on Princess).  We even got comped a free bottle of wine from the restraunt manager (never had on Princess) and we got free specialty coffee on the ship and free drinks at the casino by the casino manager! We loved our trip on Virgin and no kids to boot and crew and passengers were the most happy I have ever encountered! We will be doing more cruising with Virgin in the future.

6 minutes ago, spookyfudge said: We just completed our first Virgin Voyages cruise and we gave the room attendant(s) $50 on the first day and instructed them only do the room in the morning (they normally have day and night cleanup turn-down). We also gave them $50 on the day before the last day.  I dont know if they normally get tips becuase it is stressed not to tip and it is included in the price of the cruise.  The cruise price gives every passanger free wifi, crew tips and premium private dinning at all times in the cost of the cruise.  What they did do is have a bar tab for alchoal and specialty coffee. (This was perfect you could buy drinks for you or anyone you wanted to from your bar tab and the drinks were $1-$3 less than on Princess).  We even got comped a free bottle of wine from the restraunt manager (never had on Princess) and we got free specialty coffee on the ship and free drinks at the casino by the casino manager! We loved our trip on Virgin and no kids to boot and crew and passengers were the most happy I have ever encountered! We will be doing more cruising with Virgin in the future.  

anything 'special' 😉  in your cabin?

1 minute ago, voljeep said: anything 'special' 😉  in your cabin?

Yes on the balcony was a hammock, it was great.  Also it has an ipad that controls lights, sound, temperature, curtains, ordering food, movie selections, alarm features and that is what we used on it.  I think there were more stuff it could do but did not try all the features.  The room was what I call like Ikea set up, different.

What was nice, was power outlets all over the place with multiple USB ports next to the power outlets and on the lamps.  It was a great room we had the mid ship Balcony and it was much lower cost then what we would spend on Princess.

victory2020

If you want to get them something they love snacks, potato chips, nuts, cookies & candy. Also the instant soup cups. These are all things that have been requested when I ask them what they would like.

52 minutes ago, spookyfudge said: becuase it is stressed not to tip

The cruise line told you ( indeed stressed)not to tip, and you still did so.

I know it is built into the American psyche to tip at the slightest opportunity, but why break the rules !

Branson is trying to break some of the old fashioned traditions of cruising,  and doing away with tipping is one of them. 

Hopefully others will abide by the rules. 

43 minutes ago, victory2020 said: If you want to get them something they love snacks, potato chips, nuts, cookies & candy. Also the instant soup cups. These are all things that have been requested when I ask them what they would like.

this is the kind of answer i was looking for 

Gift cards.  They're supposed to turn in cash, but they don't have to turn in Visa gift cards.  Last Filipino steward we had laughed and told us that his wife thanks us from the bottom of her heart.

dreaminofcruisin

Mention them in the post-cruise survey.

It seems that is what gets them promotions and raises and things....

We had one bar server who worked really hard to get us to do that and told us how important it was to him.

Rick&Jeannie

7 minutes ago, Incognito1 said: They're supposed to turn in cash...

I have NEVER heard this...is this documented somewhere?  

4 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said: this is the kind of answer i was looking for 

But remember they do have their own crew store onboard and can use any $ you would give to buy exactly what they want, like this one on RCI's Wonder of the Seas  😉

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Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions: What You Need to Know

by Ray Roman | Last updated on July 26, 2023

Tammy and I have traveled extensively on Carnival Cruise Lines. We can say we are now experienced and thoroughly understand Carnival’s luggage policy. But we weren’t always in the now. So let’s dive into Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions so you can enjoy your cruise.

Part of having a stress-free vacation is understanding the luggage restrictions and guidelines. Knowing what and how to pack before embarkation will ensure a smooth sailing experience.

Carnival Cruise Line has established luggage restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and to comply with security regulations.

These Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions cover various aspects, including the number, weight, and size of bags, carry-on policies, and guidelines for checked bags as well as those that must be tagged with Carnival Luggage Tags.

Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the items that Carnival Cruise Line prohibits or restricts on board. Furthermore, understanding the embarkation and debarkation process with respect to your luggage will help to ease any potential travel concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Be aware of luggage restrictions, including the number, weight, and size of bags allowed on Carnival Cruise Line.
• Familiarize yourself with the carry-on and checked bag policies, as well as the use of Carnival Luggage Tags.
• Keep in mind prohibited and restricted items to ensure a smooth embarkation and debarkation process.

Basic Luggage Restrictions

Regarding Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions, passengers are allowed to bring as many bags as necessary for their trip. However, it is important to adhere to the weight and size limits for each piece of luggage.

For convenience, both carry-on and checked luggage have specific guidelines.

Carry-on luggage must be small enough to pass through the X-ray machine at security checkpoints. According to Carnival’s guidelines , each bag’s dimensions should not exceed 16″ in height x 24″ in width. This ensures the luggage is properly screened and fits the designated onboard storage spaces.

For checked bags, the weight limit is 50 pounds per bag. This limitation guarantees the safe and efficient handling of the luggage by the crew members. Exceeding the weight limit may lead to additional charges or the need to repack bags to meet the requirements.

In summary, Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions and guidelines allow passengers to bring multiple bags on board, provided they adhere to the established weight and size restrictions for both carry-on and checked luggage. By respecting these guidelines, travelers can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free embarkation process and a comfortable stay in their staterooms.

Carnival Luggage Tags

When embarking on a Carnival Cruise, passengers must attach Carnival luggage tags to each piece of their luggage. These tags include essential information such as the guest’s name, embarkation date, stateroom number, and ship name. Using the correct luggage tags ensures that bags are delivered to the correct cabin promptly.

We use these tag holders for our luggage.

Carnival Cruise Lines provides electronic luggage tags that can be accessed after completing the online check-in process. Passengers should print one tag for each luggage item and firmly affix it to their bags. They should make sure all tags are secured properly and visible to the crew members handling the luggage.

While Carnival Cruise Lines supplies paper luggage tags, some passengers may prefer to purchase luggage tag holders for added durability. These protective plastic sleeves safeguard the tags against water damage and tearing during the embarkation process.

Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, curbside porters can assist with luggage transport and ensure smooth and efficient service. It is vital for passengers to have already fastened their Carnival luggage tags to each bag, as the porters use this information to transport the luggage directly to the respective cabin number onboard the ship.

By properly utilizing Carnival luggage tags and ensuring they are securely fastened to each item, passengers can enjoy a seamless start to their cruise vacation, with their belongings safely delivered to their cabins.

Carry-On Policies

When embarking on a Carnival Cruise, they must know their carry-on policies to ensure a smooth boarding process. Each guest is allowed one carry-on bag, preferably a small piece of luggage or a backpack, with dimensions not exceeding 24 inches wide, 16 inches high, and 12 inches deep.

One of the key items to pack in your carry-on is your passport and other travel documents. As these are essential for boarding and clearing customs, ensure they are easily accessible and secure. It’s strongly recommended to have a photocopy of your passport as a backup measure in case the original is lost or damaged.

When it comes to medications , it’s essential to pack them in your carry-on bag to ensure that you have access to them at all times. Additionally, it’s advisable to bring enough medication to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days just in case. Remember to pack your prescription in its original container with the pharmacy label to avoid any issues or confusion.

Valuables, such as jewelry, electronics, and important papers, should also be included in your carry-on bag to minimize the risk of loss or damage. It’s a good idea to use luggage organizers, like packing cubes or zippered pouches, to keep everything organized and easily accessible while onboard.

In conclusion, adhering to Carnival Cruise’s carry-on policies will help guarantee a smooth and enjoyable embarkation process, allowing you to focus on the exciting vacation ahead. Pack your passport, travel documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on bag, ensuring a hassle-free cruise experience.

Checked Bags Guidelines

When preparing for a Carnival Cruise, knowing the luggage restrictions and guidelines is important to ensure a smooth and hassle-free embarkation process. This section will discuss the guidelines for checked bags, including weight limits, size requirements, and other restrictions.

First, there is no limit to the number of bags you can bring on a Carnival Cruise. However, each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds and meet specific size requirements to fit through the X-ray machine and be stored under the bed in your stateroom 1 . It is worth noting that any bags exceeding the weight limit or size requirements may be subject to additional fees or not allowed on board.

For suitcases and other pieces of luggage, the size requirements dictate that they must be small enough to fit under the bed in your stateroom. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of your luggage and choose suitcases that meet the appropriate criteria. While there is flexibility in the number of bags, it is recommended that passengers traveling on cruises of 3-5 nights limit their luggage to one bag per person and cruises of 6 days or longer to no more than two bags per person 2 .

Regarding restrictions, certain items are prohibited on Carnival Cruises, such as weapons, illegal items, and anything that could pose a risk to passengers’ safety 3 . Ensure you thoroughly review the Carnival Cruise Line prohibited items list before packing your checked luggage to avoid any potential issues at the embarkation point.

It is important to keep in mind that while Carnival Cruise does not generally search passengers’ luggage, they reserve the right to search if they have a suspicion of illegal items or activity. In such cases, the search will be conducted professionally, and passengers can refuse. However, refusal to cooperate could result in being asked to leave the ship.

In conclusion, knowing and adhering to the checked luggage guidelines set forth by Carnival Cruise Line will help ensure a smooth embarkation process and a pleasant trip. By following the weight limits, size requirements, and luggage restrictions, you can confidently prepare for your upcoming cruise.

• Cruise Mummy: Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions ↩
• Carnival Cruise Lines: How much luggage can I bring? ↩
• Carnival Cruise Line: Prohibited Items, Exemptions, and Other Considerations ↩
• TravelPander: Does Carnival Cruise Search Your Luggage? ↩

Embarkation and Debarkation

Embarkation day for Carnival Cruise passengers involves a few essential steps to ensure a smooth boarding process. Upon arrival at the port of call, porters assist guests with their luggage, which must adhere to the Carnival luggage restrictions . The luggage is then transported to the passenger’s stateroom while they proceed to the security screening area.

All carry-on items must pass through an X-ray machine during the security screening. This step is crucial to maintaining onboard safety and security. After the screening, passengers enter the check-in area to receive their room keys and embark on their much-awaited cruise vacation.

Air travel arrangements should also be considered, as some guests may need to arrive at the port via airplane. Carnival Cruise Line suggests arriving at the cruise port a day earlier to ensure guests have ample time to rest and avoid air travel difficulties, such as flight delays or cancellations.

Debarkation day marks the end of the cruise journey, but it requires guests to follow specific procedures to ensure hassle-free disembarkation. One option for travelers is the Carry Off option , which allows passengers to carry their luggage off the ship, eliminating the need to leave the luggage outside the cabin on the last evening of the cruise. This option provides more control and flexibility for guests, especially those with early flights or other post-cruise plans.

In summary, both embarkation and debarkation processes on Carnival Cruise involve necessary measures and steps to make sure passengers have a seamless, enjoyable, and safe vacation experience. By understanding and following these procedures, guests can focus on having a memorable time aboard the cruise ship.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Carnival Cruise Line has a list of items that are prohibited or restricted on their vessels to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers. Being aware of these restrictions while preparing your luggage for the cruise is important.

One of the primary restrictions is on bringing items that could potentially be thrown overboard, as this poses a risk to the cruise ship environment and marine life. The items overboard policy clearly states that throwing anything overboard is strictly prohibited and could result in penalties or removal from the ship.

Regarding packing for your cruise, there are some specific items that passengers cannot bring onboard. These include:

• Weapons of any kind, such as firearms and ammunition, knives, and other objects that could be used as weapons
• Alcoholic beverages, aside from one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne allowed per adult
• Non-alcoholic beverages in containers other than a can or carton, exceeding 12 cans/cartons per person or 12 ounces each in size
• Illegal drugs and other substances
• Large coolers or iceboxes
• Any household appliances, including irons and hot plates

Cruise ships have limited storage and security facilities, so Carnival Cruise Line also imposes restrictions on the weight and size of the luggage you can bring. Each bag must not exceed 50 pounds, and its size must be small enough to pass through the X-ray machine at security checkpoints. More information about luggage limits can be found here .

In addition to these restrictions, the cruise line also enforces strict policies regarding the preservation of the ship’s aesthetics and the privacy of other passengers. Drones, hoverboards, and any decorations that may damage the ship’s surface are not allowed.

It is crucial to adhere to these prohibited and restricted items guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience for all passengers. Remember to double-check your luggage before boarding to avoid inconvenience or penalties while on your Carnival Cruise vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the luggage size limitations on carnival cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line has specific luggage size limitations for both checked bags and carry-on luggage. Checked bags should not weigh more than 50 pounds each. Carry-on luggage is subject to screening via an x-ray machine with a size limit of 16″ in height x 24″ in width. It’s important to adhere to these size limits to ensure smooth and efficient boarding and disembarkation. source

How many luggage items can each guest bring on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring a reasonable amount of luggage on board. While there isn’t a strict limit on the number of luggage items, passengers should keep in mind the allowable weight and size restrictions mentioned above. It’s advisable to pack light and make sure you can manage all luggage items comfortably, especially during embarkation and disembarkation.

Are there restrictions on liquids for Carnival Cruise?

Yes, Carnival Cruise has restrictions on liquids similar to those enforced by airlines. When packing carry-on luggage, remember the 3-1-1 rule: each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, placed in a single, one-quart (1 liter) clear, resealable plastic bag. Larger quantities and containers should be placed in checked luggage, ensuring weight and size limitations compliance.

What items are prohibited on Carnival Cruise?

For the safety and security of all passengers, Carnival Cruise Line has a list of prohibited items that guests are not allowed to bring on board. These items include firearms, ammunition, large scissors, martial arts equipment, and illegal drugs.

Additionally, certain items like hair dryers, irons, and surge protectors are prohibited due to potential fire hazards. For a complete list of prohibited items, please consult Carnival’s website .

Can passengers bring alcohol or wine on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line has specific guidelines for guests who wish to bring alcohol or wine on board. Each adult (21 years or older) can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person only in their carry-on luggage.

Beer, liquor, and other spirits are not allowed. The cruise line offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages for purchase on board, and passengers can also choose from various prepaid beverage packages to enjoy during their cruise.

Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions Final Thoughts

Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions and guidelines are there for a purpose. You need to understand and follow them to avoid any issues with security.

Early on, we made a few mistakes with carry-on items (we brought in too many bottles of champagne) and quickly learned our lesson.

Review the Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions above, and call or email Carnival if you have questions or need clarification on any of the guidelines. Happy Cruising.

More Carnival Cruise Reading:

• Learn about Carnival Cruise Pullman Beds
• Track your favorite ship with our Carnival Cruise Ship Tracker .

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Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You.

Here are five unexpected features on ships, some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

Cruise ships have hidden features that many passengers, particularly first-timers, don’t know about. Some ships are as big as small cities, and while it’s relatively easy to familiarize yourself with a seemingly endless number of amenities — water parks, tattoo parlors, multiple restaurants — there is also an entire ecosystem, often below passenger decks, that is shrouded in mystery.

Here are five things that cruisers may not know about cruise ships:

There’s a morgue …

Cruise ships carry millions of passengers each year, and it is not uncommon for deaths to occur on board. Most vessels are required to have a morgue and additional body bags in the event of an emergency.

The morgue, usually a small stainless steel refrigerated room on the ship’s lowest deck, accommodates between two to 10 bodies, depending on the size of the vessel. When a passenger or crew member dies, officials on the ship will notify the authorities on shore and a medical team will assess the body and move it to the morgue, where it is kept until arrangements are made for repatriation. In most cases, the body will be removed at the next port of call, but sometimes will remain on board until the end of the voyage.

…and a jail

There are no police officers on cruise ships, but most vessels have small jails known as the brig, and unruly passengers could find themselves locked up if the ship’s security team determines that they have violated the cruise line’s code of conduct.

The brig, usually a bare-bones room with a bed and bathroom facilities, does not have iron bars like a traditional jail cell. It is used to detain guests who commit serious crimes like assault or possession of illegal substances. Drunk and disorderly passengers may be put under “cabin arrest,” meaning they cannot leave their cabin without a security escort.

Depending on the circumstances, most passengers put in the brig will stay there until they can be handed over to law enforcement officials.

Many ships don’t have a Deck 13

Many cruise ships do not have a Deck 13 because of the widespread superstition in Western culture that the number is unlucky. Ships with a Deck 13 typically use it for public areas, not cabins.

Some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class vessels, have a Deck 13 because the vessels are used mainly for the company’s market in Asia, where the number is not considered unlucky. MSC ships also have a Deck 13, but not a Deck 17, because the cruise line’s founder is Italian and 17 is considered unlucky in Italy.

Cruise lines entertain other superstitions, like appointing godmothers to bless new vessels and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. They also hold naming ceremonies in which a bottle of champagne is smashed against the hull of a new ship for good luck. If the bottle fails to break, the vessel will, according to superstition, have bad luck. These days, cruise lines use mechanical devices to ensure that does not happen.

Hidden pools and facilities for the crew

There are typically more than 1,000 crew members on board large cruise ships, and while they spend most of their time serving passengers, there are several areas on the lower decks designated for them to unwind.

The facilities vary from ship to ship, but there are usually small pools in the ship’s bow exclusively for crew members, as well as restaurants, bars and recreational areas like game rooms and gyms. The designated bar, a central social hub for employees after they have finished their shifts, often hosts live music and events in the evening.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has an entire “neighborhood” dedicated to its 2,300 crew members, with a clubhouse that has massage chairs and virtual balconies — large screens that show real-time views from outside — as well as a restaurant with portholes looking out to the ocean.

Most ships host A.A. meetings

With all-inclusive beverage packages and countless bars, cruise ships can be a tough environment for guests in recovery. Many cruise lines offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are usually scheduled as “Friends of Bill W.,” a reference to William Wilson, who co-founded the A.A. program in 1935.

The meetings are usually held in a quiet place like the library, where guests can feel comfortable and maintain their anonymity. They are also open to other support group members, like Women for Sobriety and Narcotics Anonymous.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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2 crew members die on Holland America ship; fire breaks out on Carnival cruise

MIAMI — Two crew members died on board a Holland America cruise ship, and a fire broke out on a Carnival ship while both of the ships were in the Bahamas this weekend, officials said.

The two crew on the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam died Friday during an "accidental steam release" while it was calling at the private resort island Half Moon Cay, Holland America said in a statement on Sunday.

"There was an accidental steam release in an engineering space on board Nieuw Amsterdam, which sadly resulted in the death of two crew members," the cruise line said.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board were investigating the exact cause of the release, Holland America said.

A representative of the Bahama’s Coroner’s Court did not immediately respond to a request for information, such as the crew members’ identities and the cause and manner of death.

The cruise line said the conclusions of any investigation would be taken seriously. "Safety is always our top priority, and we are working to understand what, if anything, can be learned from this tragic accident," it said.

Passenger Laine Doss said she was on board when the captain announced the deaths on the vessel's P.A. system.

"We were celebrating the last day of the cruise," she said, when the mood changed "to something extremely somber."

The captain's voice broke, she said.

"He broke down crying," Doss said. "There was a moment of silence that the captain requested. And that entire scenario did affect the entire cruise. Things were canceled, joyous events were canceled, and we really just thought about mortality — the people who perished on the ship."

Crew members were being offered counseling, Holland America said.

Dutch government inspectors determined the vessel to be "fully operable," and this was "confirmed" by the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise line said.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said she was looking into the statement and was unable to immediately confirm it.

The Nieuw Amsterdam returned Saturday to its home port of Fort Lauderdale, guests disembarked, and the vessel has embarked on a cruise with a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Monday, Holland America said.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event," the cruise line said. "We’ve been in contact with the families of both team members and are offering our support to them and to all of our crew at this difficult time."  

The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

Fire on the port-side exhaust funnel of another Florida-based cruise ship in the Bahamas, the Carnival Freedom, rocked some passengers Saturday and took the ship out of commission for repairs, the cruise line said.

No injuries were reported.

In a statement Sunday, Carnival Cruises acknowledged witness reports of a lightning strike or the sound of thunder before the fire erupted.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was on a detoured path, destined for an unscheduled stop in Freeport, as a result of stormy weather and high winds when fire started.

"I was shocked," he said. "I mean, I looked out there and you're not supposed to see black smoke and fire shooting out of the tail end of the cruise."

The blaze was preceded by "the loudest thunder-lightning clap that I've ever heard in my life," Barnes said.

Ship personnel extinguished the fire, Carnival Cruises said.

The cruise line said a technical team determined the ship sustained enough damage that it will need repairs before it can be returned to scheduled cruises. The funnel was stabilized, passengers were expected to be returned to Port Canaveral, and the ship will set off to Freeport for repairs, it said.

"The damage is more than we first thought and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," Carnival Cruises said.

Passengers scheduled for those late-March cruises are being offered full refunds and credit that can be used for a future cruise, it said.

It was the second funnel fire on the Carnival Freedom since 2022.

Marissa Parra is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Watch CBS News

2 Holland America crew members die during "incident" on cruise ship

March 23, 2024 / 1:20 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an "incident" in the ship's engineering space, the cruise line said.

The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.

Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated, the cruise line said. 

"The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company's absolute priority," the cruise line said. The company also noted reports that these crew members perished in a shipboard fire are not accurate.

The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members, nor which agency was handling the investigation. The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip. 

Crew members were being offered counseling.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members' families at this difficult time," the statement said. 

Crew member deaths are relatively rare. Researchers at Bowling Green State University found between 2000 and 2019, there were 623 reported deaths on cruise ships, and 89% of those deaths were passengers while 11% of those were crew members.

During the pandemic, four crew members were killed by non-coronavirus causes on  cruise ships with workers stranded onboard . 

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2 crew members die on cruise ship during ‘incident’ in the Bahamas

• Published: Mar. 25, 2024, 9:11 a.m.

FILE - A Holland America cruise ship is shown in Victoria, Canada on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship's engineering space, the cruise line said. The unidentified crew members died Friday, March 22, 2024, while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.(Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

• The Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship’s engineering space, the cruise line said.

The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.

Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members were being offered counseling.

“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” the statement said. “The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.”

The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members. It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

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Two Holland America Line crew members die in onboard 'steam release' in Bahamas

Two Holland America Line crew members died on the line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship on Friday.

The deaths occurred following "an accidental steam release in an engineering space" around 9:20 a.m. while the ship was calling at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, according to a spokesperson for the line.

The crew members were third engineer Joseph Terrado and wiper Wawan Gusnawan. Terrado was from the Philippines and Gusnawan was from Indonesia.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "We’ve been in contact with the families of both team members and are offering our support to them and to all of our crew at this difficult time."

Nieuw Amsterdam was sailing a week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise that departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 16, according to CruiseMapper . The ship returned to Fort Lauderdale around two hours late on Saturday, and left for its next cruise about three hours late.

The vessel will visit Ocho Rios in Jamaica on Tuesday.

"The Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board are currently investigating. Safety is always our top priority, and we are working to understand what, if anything, can be learned from this tragic accident," the spokesperson said, noting that earlier reports that the crew members died in a fire on board were incorrect.

Two investigators from the Dutch Safety Board traveled to the Caribbean as part of the inquiry, the independent administrative body said in an emailed statement. The BMA did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Captain of Holland America ship wept said cruise passengers when he announced 2 crew members died on board in an 'accidental steam release'

• Holland America said that two crew members died on board due to an accidental steam release.
• The incident happened on the Nieuw Amsterdam ship while in The Bahamas.
• The ship's captain "broke down crying" and held a moment of silence for the deceased crew members.

Cruise company Holland America has said that two unnamed crew members died on board due to "an accidental steam release in an engineering space."

A spokesperson for the company told Business Insider: "We regret to share that on Friday, March 22, while calling at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, there was an accidental steam release in an engineering space on board Nieuw Amsterdam, which sadly resulted in the death of two crew members."

Holland America said the Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board are investigating the incident.

Related stories

"Safety is always our top priority, and we are working to understand what, if anything, can be learned from this tragic accident," the spokesperson said.

The ship's systems were reviewed and determined to be fully operable by independent surveyors of the Dutch government and confirmed by the US Coast Guard, Holland America said.

One of the ship's passengers, Laine Doss, told NBC News that she was on board when the captain announced the deaths on the ship's PA system.

"We were celebrating the last day of the cruise," she said, but then the mood became "extremely somber."

She said that the captain "broke down crying" and held a moment of silence for the deceased crew members.

Many events on board the ship were then cancel, she said.

Holland America said: "All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event. We've been in contact with the families of both team members and are offering our support to them and to all of our crew at this difficult time."

The Nieuw Amsterdam has a crew of 929 and can carry 2,106 passengers.

Deaths on board cruise ships are rare — a total of 623 people were reported to have died on cruise ships between 2000 and 2019, of which 66 were crew members and 557 were passengers.

Watch: What US Navy recruits go through in their 10-week boot camp

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Why costa cruises are so cheap.

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Costa Cruises vessels are a common sight at Mediterranean ports.

Embarking on a cruise vacation doesn't have to break the bank. Although traditionally seen as an extravagant choice, cruising today is known just as much for its family-friendly and bargain deals.

Among the mainstream cruise lines, Costa Cruises is known for keeping its base fares as low as possible. While rarely the final price you pay, the advertised rates are a tempting prospect.

At the time of publication, Costa’s ‘Easter sale’ features various 7-night European itineraries from under $450 per person, based on two sharing a cabin in November 2024.

Known for its European onboard experience, Costa Cruises has become a popular choice among budget travelers and families seeking to explore the world—and especially the Mediterranean cruising region —without splashing too much cash. But the line isn’t for everyone, especially those used to a more all-inclusive cruising experience.

From its back-to-basics business model to the efficiencies of being part of the Carnival Corporation, this is how Costa manages to keep its prices so low, and what you can expect on board.

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One of the biggest differences offered by Costa Cruises and fellow Italian line MSC Cruises is their approach to itinerary planning.

Typically, cruise lines base their ship in a port for a season, and offer varied itineraries throughout that season. Costa, however, runs its ships the same looped itinerary throughout a season, especially in the Mediterranean region, and allows embarkation and disembarkation at different ports.

Costa Cruises ships share the same basic design as many other lines in the Carnival Corporation.

This increases the flexibility for guests when booking, and allows Costa to offer specific segments or itineraries at lower prices in order to fill its ships throughout the season.

Although this practice does help keep ships busy and fares low, it also results in hectic mornings and constant announcements in every port aimed at new arrivals, which can become tiresome after several days.

One area of the Costa experience often criticized on forums such as Cruise Critic is the food. With the main dining room and buffet restaurant always included, it’s fair to say that you won’t go hungry on a Costa vacation.

However, the standard is more everyday than luxury, with a strong focus on Italian cuisine including salads, breads, and pasta.

Another common grumble from some travelers is the relatively late fixed dining times, which can be as late as 9pm. Although this is perfectly normal in Mediterranean culture, it may not suit all travelers.

Non-Inclusive Business Model

There are specialty restaurants on all Costa ships should you wish to pay for an elevated dining experience. This is one example of Costa’s business model of stripping out many items from the cruise fare and making them optional extras.

Although basic food and onboard entertainment are included in the base fare, there are many additional charges to watch out for, including taxes and gratuities.

Perhaps the biggest bill faced by travelers will be for drinks. Tea, coffee, and water are available in the buffet during its opening hours, but all other drinks are chargeable, even water in the main dining room.

Costa Toscana shares the same cruise ship design as many other Carnival Corporation brands.

This makes beverage packages worth consideration for most travelers, even if you don’t drink alcohol.

High Guest-To-Crew Ratio

One of the biggest differentiators between the standard of cruise lines can be seen by examining the guest-to-crew ratio. Simply put, the more passengers per crew member, the slower and less personal the service is likely to be.

On most mainstream cruise lines, a ratio of around 3:1 is the norm, but on Costa Cruises it can be as big as 4:1. This can result in longer waiting times in the dining room and at the bars, something that is another common complaint from Costa cruisers.

Large Cruise Ships

Costa Cruises was founded in 1948 and became a part of the Carnival Corporation in 2000. Being part of the world’s largest cruise group including famous industry brands Carnival, Cunard, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Princess, and Seabourn, gives Costa several advantages that contribute to its ability to offer low-cost cruising options.

One of the biggest factors is the size of Costa cruise ships. All but one of Costa’s ten ships have a gross tonnage above 100,000, while the newest, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana , are among the world’s biggest cruise ships.

The more passengers Costa carries, the cheaper the costs of operation are on a per passenger basis. High numbers of passengers also mean more upsell opportunities.

The Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana also demonstrate another benefit of being part of the larger group. Both are ‘Excellence-class’ ships, a class of cruise ship ordered by Carnival Corporation for many of its brands. Sharing a design across so many lines leads to a lower unit cost.

Although there are downsides to taking such a cheap cruise, especially the uncertain amount of additional costs and constant upsells, Costa Cruises does offer a compelling value proposition especially for families. If you know what to expect, a Costa vacation can prove to be an enjoyable travel bargain.

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