Ahoy there! Are you getting ready to set sail on a Carnival Cruise adventure? If so, it’s important to pack smart and follow the guidelines for luggage restrictions and prohibited items set by the cruise line.
As a seasoned cruiser, I want to share with you some tips and tricks to ensure a smooth sailing experience.
Carnival Cruise Line has specific guidelines for luggage size and weight, as well as a list of prohibited items that passengers should be aware of before packing. It’s important to follow these guidelines to avoid any delays or issues while boarding the ship.
But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts of packing for your Carnival Cruise so you can focus on enjoying your vacation with peace of mind.
So, let’s get started and pack smart, leaving any prohibited items behind!
- Passengers can bring multiple bags, but each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds and fit under the bed, with suggested one bag per person for 3-5 day cruises and no more than two bags for longer cruises.
- Passengers can bring pre-packaged, unopened snacks and candy, one 750ml bottle of wine and 12 cans/cartons of soft drinks per person, and one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne to be consumed in the stateroom.
- Passengers should not bring prohibited items on board, including beer and liquor, clothes steamers, drones, and all kinds of marijuana.
- Passengers may be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle if they wish to drink wine in a dining room or bar and should pack formalwear as it is not provided on Carnival cruises.
Luggage Requirements
Personally, I prefer to pack light and follow Carnival Cruise’s luggage requirements, as it helps me pack smart and efficiently.
To ensure that my luggage is within the weight limit and fits under the bed, I always measure my bags by laying them flat and measuring the height and width. Packing organization is key for me, and I always pack my suitcases of different sizes to store smaller bags inside larger ones. This not only saves space but also helps with weight distribution, making it easier for me to carry my bags around.
When it comes to my carry-on bag, I always make sure to pack my essentials and valuables, such as my passport, wallet, and electronics. I also use luggage tag holders to prevent paper tags from falling off and print out personalized luggage tags after completing online check-in.
By following Carnival Cruise’s luggage requirements, I can pack smart and efficiently, leaving me with more freedom to explore and enjoy my vacation without the worry of carrying around heavy and bulky luggage.
Allowed and Prohibited Items
I can bring a small cooler for non-alcoholic beverages or medications, but beer and liquor are prohibited items on board. It’s important to leave these items at home to avoid confiscation and potential consequences.
However, there are alternatives for prohibited items that can still make your cruise experience enjoyable. Here are some items to leave at home and their alternatives:
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Beer and liquor: Instead of bringing your own alcohol, take advantage of the numerous bars and lounges on board that offer a variety of drinks. You can also purchase drink packages that include unlimited soda, juice, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
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Clothes steamers: Instead of bringing a steamer, hang your clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower to remove wrinkles. You can also request ironing services for a fee.
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Drones: Drones are not allowed on board, but you can capture stunning aerial photos and videos with a camera or smartphone.
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Marijuana of all kinds including medical marijuana with a prescription and CBD: All forms of marijuana are prohibited on board, including those with a prescription. Leave these items at home and enjoy the various activities and entertainment options available on your cruise.
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Clothing irons and travel irons: These items are not allowed on board, but you can request ironing services for a fee or use a portable wrinkle releaser spray.
By leaving prohibited items at home and considering alternatives, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. Remember to check the full list of allowed and prohibited items before packing to avoid any issues at check-in.
Measurement Guidelines
Measuring luggage may seem like a tedious task, but it’s an important step in ensuring that your bags fit under the bed on a Carnival cruise.
The cruise line requires that bags be no larger than 16 inches high and 24 inches wide, which means that packing strategies and luggage organization are crucial to make the most of the limited space.
To pack smart, I recommend starting by laying out all the items you plan to bring and sorting them according to their weight and size. Consider packing smaller items, like socks and underwear, inside larger ones, like shoes and hats.
Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and prevent wrinkles. Finally, use packing cubes or compression bags to keep everything organized and compact.
By following these tips, you can make the most of the limited space in your Carnival cruise cabin and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Specific Items to Bring
When preparing for my Carnival cruise, I made sure to pack one 750ml bottle of wine to enjoy in my stateroom. It was a nice touch to have a glass of wine while watching the sunset from my balcony.
But aside from the wine, there are other packing essentials and must-have gadgets that every cruiser should consider for a comfortable and hassle-free vacation. Here are four items that I highly recommend:
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Luggage tag holders – These holders are a game-changer when it comes to keeping your luggage safe and secure. They prevent paper tags from falling off your bags, ensuring that your luggage arrives at your stateroom quickly and without any issues.
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Portable charger – A portable charger is a must-have gadget for any traveler, especially for those who rely heavily on their smartphones and other electronic devices. It gives you the freedom to explore the ship and go on shore excursions without worrying about your phone running out of battery.
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Collapsible water bottle – Staying hydrated is important, and a collapsible water bottle is a great way to do it. It takes up minimal space in your luggage and can be refilled throughout the day, saving you money and reducing waste.
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Packing cubes – Packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes and accessories organized and easy to find. They come in different sizes and colors, making it easy to separate your items by category or outfit. Plus, they compress your clothes, allowing you to pack more efficiently and save space.
Formalwear
Bringing formalwear on a Carnival cruise is essential as it’s not provided on board. It’s important to pack at least one outfit that meets the dress code requirements for any formal events on the itinerary. Depending on the length of the cruise, there may be one or more formal nights where passengers are expected to dress up.
For men, this typically means a suit and tie or tuxedo, while women can opt for a cocktail dress or evening gown. When packing formalwear, it’s important to keep in mind the luggage restrictions outlined by Carnival. Consider packing outfits that can be mixed and matched with different accessories to save space.
It’s also a good idea to pack clothing that can withstand being packed in a suitcase, such as fabrics that don’t easily wrinkle. Additionally, it may be helpful to research the specific dress code requirements for the cruise and plan accordingly.
By following these packing tips and dress code suggestions, passengers can ensure they’re well-prepared for any formal events on their Carnival cruise.
Exceptions to Rules
I was surprised to learn that scuba diving knives are actually allowed on board Carnival cruises, despite the restrictions on knives and sharp objects. It turns out that these knives are considered necessary equipment for divers, and are therefore allowed on board. However, it’s important to note that they must be stored in the passenger’s checked luggage, and not carried on their person.
Another exception to the rules is medical marijuana with a prescription. While Carnival prohibits all forms of marijuana on board, passengers with a valid prescription are allowed to bring their medication on board. However, it’s important to notify the cruise line in advance and provide proof of the prescription. It’s also important to note that marijuana laws vary from port to port, so passengers should be aware of the laws in each destination before bringing their medication ashore.
tips for Porters
Now that we know about the exceptions to the luggage rules, let’s talk about how to ensure a smooth transition of our luggage from the port to our cabin.
One tip would be to properly tip the porters who will be handling our bags. It’s recommended to tip them $1 per bag for their assistance in carrying and loading the luggage onto the ship. This small gesture can go a long way in showing our appreciation and can also help ensure that our bags are handled with care.
Another tip would be to properly label our bags with personalized luggage tags after completing online check-in. This will help us easily identify our bags and prevent them from getting mixed up with other passengers’ bags.
We should also pack our bags in a way that makes it easy for the porters to handle, with suitcases of different sizes to store smaller bags inside larger ones.
By following these tips, we can ensure a smooth luggage transition and start our Carnival cruise off on the right foot.
Unclear Policies
It’s important to clarify the restrictions and grey areas in luggage policies for Carnival cruises, as it can be confusing and stressful to pack for a trip without knowing what is allowed or not.
One example is the 40oz insulated non-spill drinking water glass, which is not specifically mentioned in the terms. While it may seem like a harmless item to bring, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave it behind.
Other items that fall under the unclear policies category include certain types of razors, scissors, and knives. While closed blade razors, a sewing kit, and eyebrow tweezers are allowed, knives and scissors are not.
It’s always better to double-check with the cruise line or leave these items at home to avoid any issues at the security checkpoint.
By clarifying restrictions and avoiding grey areas in luggage policies, passengers can pack smart and enjoy a stress-free vacation on board a Carnival cruise.
What is the maximum size for a personal item or carry-on bag on a Carnival cruise?
The maximum size for a personal item or carry-on bag on a Carnival cruise is 16 inches high and 24 inches wide. Remember to follow size restrictions and pack smart to avoid luggage storage fees.
Can passengers bring their own snorkeling gear on board?
Yes, passengers can bring their own snorkeling gear on board according to Snorkeling equipment regulations. However, rental options on board are also available for those who prefer not to bring their own equipment.
Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?
I was worried about the weight of my carry-on bag for my Carnival Cruise, but there is no specific weight limit. However, it must fit under the bed and be no larger than 16 inches high and 24 inches wide.
Are passengers allowed to bring their own hair dryers?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own hair dryers, but it’s recommended to use the ship provided ones to save space and avoid tripping the ship’s electrical circuits. Alternatives include air-drying or booking a salon appointment.
What is the policy for bringing prescription medication on a Carnival cruise?
Prescription medication guidelines on Carnival cruises require medical documentation and adherence to dosage instructions. It’s important to pack medications in carry-on bags, with extra doses, and to inform the ship’s medical staff of any conditions.