Luggage Tags and Porters
Part with your bags at the curb, see them again at your door.
Get Free Cruise QuotesOn embarkation day you part with your checked luggage at the curb and see it again outside your cabin, often in the late afternoon or evening. A few simple steps make sure it arrives.
Luggage Tags
- Most lines provide luggage tags with your boarding documents or as a file to print after online check-in.
- Tags show your ship, sailing date, deck and cabin number; check they are correct.
- Attach them firmly at home, using tag holders or strong tape if the printout is paper.
- Remove old airline tags so the bag goes to the right place.
- If you booked a guarantee cabin and do not yet know your cabin number, follow the line’s instructions; tags may be issued later.
Handing Bags to the Porters
At the terminal curb, uniformed porters collect tagged bags and send them through screening and onto the ship. It is customary to tip them. Keep anything you will need in the next few hours with you: documents, medications, valuables, chargers, swimwear and a change of clothes. Our sister site’s carry-on and day bag list lists what belongs in that bag.
When Bags Arrive
Delivery takes several hours on large ships, which is why the first afternoon is spent with only your carry-on. Bags flagged at screening may be held for you to open in front of security, usually with a note in your cabin telling you where to go. If you packed a prohibited item, it will be removed; see security and prohibited items.
Weight and Size
Most cruise lines are more relaxed about bag size than airlines, but some publish limits, and your flight’s rules still apply on the way to the port. Pack for the airline and you will be fine for the ship.
Luggage Questions
Can I carry my own luggage on board?
Usually yes, if you can manage it through security and up the gangway yourself. Many guests take a carry-on and hand larger bags to porters.
What if my bag has not arrived by evening?
Ask guest services. Bags held at screening are usually kept for collection, and some take longer to deliver on busy ships.
Luggage From the Airport
If you fly in on sailing day, your checked bags must get from the airport to the terminal with you. Some lines sell transfers that include luggage handling; otherwise a taxi or shuttle is the usual route. Leave time for baggage claim, which can be slow on busy weekends.
One tip that saves frustration: pack a small bag with essentials for the first evening, in case your suitcase is among the last delivered to your deck.
Plan a Stress-Free Embarkation
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can arrange transfers and pre-cruise hotels that make luggage easy. Ask for free quotes.
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