Packing for a cruise should be the start of your vacation, not a source of stress. Unlike airlines that charge you for every ounce, Carnival Cruise Line is known for being generous with their baggage allowance.
However, that doesn’t mean you can bring your entire house.
At a Glance: Carnival Baggage Policy Summary (2026)
Before you zip up your suitcase, check this summary to ensure your luggage meets Carnival’s requirements.
| Category | Policy Limit / Rule |
| Checked Bags (Free) | Suggested: 1 bag (3-5 day cruises) / 2 bags (6+ day cruises). Strict Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag. |
| Bag Dimensions | Max 16″ High x 24″ Wide (Length is flexible). Must fit under the bed or in the closet. |
| Carry-On Bags | No specific limit, but must fit through x-ray (approx 24″ x 16″). Must contain: Meds, passports, wine, soda. |
| Fees | $0 for bags within the allowance. Porters customarily receive $1-$2 tip per bag. |
| Beverage Policy | Soda: Max 12 cans (12oz) per person. Wine: Max 1 bottle (750ml) per adult (21+). Carry-on ONLY. |
| Coolers | Strict: Max 12″ x 12″ x 12″. Carry-on only. |
| Bag Drop Cutoff | 2 hours before published sailing time. |
Detailed Baggage Allowances
Checked Luggage: The “Suggested” vs. Hard Rules
Carnival operates differently than an airline. They list a “suggested” limit of one bag per person for 3-5 day cruises and two bags for cruises 6 days or longer.
In practice, this is a guideline to ensure your bags fit in your cabin. You generally won’t be charged if you bring an extra bag, provided you can handle it.
However, the weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag is strictly enforced to protect the crew and porters handling your luggage.
Pro Tip: There are no baggage fees on Carnival. However, if you are flying to the port, remember that your airline will charge you.
Always pack according to the stricter of the two policies (usually the airline’s).
Carry-On Rules: What Stays With You
You are allowed to bring carry-on bags, but you must be able to handle them yourself. There are no porters to help you carry bags onto the ship once you pass the curbside drop-off.
Your carry-on must fit through the security x-ray machine (similar to airport security dimensions). Do not check essential items. If your checked luggage is delayed, you don’t want to be without your:
- Passports and boarding documents.
- Medications (prescription and daily).
- Jewelry and electronics.
- Contact lenses/glasses.
- Swimsuit (so you can hit the pool immediately!).
The Strict 2-Hour Cutoff
One critical rule often missed is the drop-off time. Checked baggage service at the curb ends strictly 2 hours before the ship’s published departure time.
If you arrive after this window, you will be responsible for hauling all your suitcases on board yourself, through security, and around the ship until your cabin is ready (usually around 1:30 PM).
Beverage and Alcohol Policy
Carnival is very specific about bringing drinks on board. These rules are strictly enforced at the security checkpoint.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
You may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (soda, energy drinks, juice, sparkling water).
- Limit: 12 sealed cans/cartons per person.
- Size: 12 ounces (354 ml) or less per can.
- Packaging: Cans and cartons only. Plastic and glass bottles are prohibited.
- Location: Must be in your carry-on luggage. If packed in checked bags, they will be discarded.
Alcohol (Wine & Champagne)
- Limit: One 750ml bottle per adult (21+).
- Type: Wine or Champagne only. No beer or hard liquor.
- Location: Must be in your carry-on.
- Corkage Fee: If you drink this bottle in the main dining room or steakhouse, a $15 corkage fee applies. There is no fee to drink it in your stateroom.
Special Items and Exceptions
Coolers
Large coolers are banned. You are permitted to bring a personal-sized cooler for medications or non-alcoholic drinks, but it must strictly adhere to the dimensions: 12″ x 12″ x 12″.
Medical Equipment (CPAP)
CPAP machines should be packed in your carry-on luggage.
- Distilled Water: You are allowed to carry on distilled water for your CPAP. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase a gallon of distilled water to be delivered to your stateroom for a small fee (usually around $3.00), saving you the hassle of carrying it.
Strollers and Wheelchairs
These do not count toward your baggage limit. You can check them with the porters or bring them on board yourself. If checking them, ensure they are tagged clearly.
Prohibited Items: What to Leave at Home
Carnival security will confiscate prohibited items. Common mistakes include:
- Household Appliances: Clothes irons, steamers, and heating pads (fire hazards).
- Extension Cords: Only power strips without surge protectors are allowed. Surge protectors are a fire risk on ships and will be confiscated.
- CBD/Marijuana: Strictly prohibited, even if legal in your home state or the port of departure.
- Drones: Allowed, but must be held by security while on the ship and only checked out for use in port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carnival weigh carry-on bags?
Generally, no. As long as you can lift it and it fits through the scanner, weight is rarely checked for carry-ons. However, checked bags are subject to the 50 lb limit.
Can I bring a fan on board?
Yes, but it must be small. Carnival allows small electrical fans, typically no larger than 12 inches in diameter. Large box fans are not permitted.
I’m cruising from Australia. Are the rules the same?
No. Carnival Australia has different limits. For Australian sailings, the bag weight limit is often 32 kg (70 lbs), and dimensions may differ slightly.
Always check the specific “Carnival Australia” FAQ if departing from Sydney or Brisbane.
What happens if my bag is overweight?
Unlike airlines that charge a fee, Carnival may simply require you to remove items to bring the weight down, or the bag may be delayed while they handle it as “heavy” cargo.
To avoid embarrassment at the curb, keep bags under 50 lbs.
Do I have to tip the porters?
Porters at the cruise terminal are not Carnival employees; they work for the port. It is customary and highly recommended to tip $1 – $2 per bag.
This ensures your bags are handled with care and make it onto the correct luggage cart.
Final Thoughts
By following these guidelines, you’ll speed through security and be sipping a Fun Ship Special on the Lido deck in no time.
Ready to sail? Double-check your specific sailing details on the Carnival Website for any last-minute alerts before you go.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
