What is Princess Cruises's baggage allowance?

Packing for a cruise is an exciting yet sometimes stressful part of preparing for your vacation. Whether it’s deciding how many outfits to bring, what kind of luggage to carry, or what essentials to pack for excursions, understanding your cruise line’s baggage policy makes the process much easier.

Princess Cruises, one of the world’s leading cruise lines, offers flexible baggage rules that allow guests to bring what they need while still ensuring safe storage and transport of luggage onboard. Many first-time cruisers often wonder: What is Princess Cruises’s baggage allowance?

This article provides a complete guide to Princess Cruises baggage allowance, including luggage weight limits, checked baggage policies, carry-on rules, prohibited items, and expert tips to make packing stress-free.

Overview of Princess Cruises Baggage Policy

Unlike airlines that impose strict luggage restrictions, Princess Cruises is more generous with baggage allowances. However, there are still important guidelines to follow to ensure your journey is smooth:

• Guests are generally allowed to bring two suitcases per person, each weighing no more than 50 pounds (22.7 kg).

• In addition, passengers may carry one small carry-on bag onboard, which should fit easily in security screening machines.

• Guests are also encouraged to bring personal items such as purses, small backpacks, or laptops.

Although cruise ships have more flexibility than airlines, weight limits are in place primarily for safety reasons and to ensure luggage can be handled efficiently by port staff.

Checked Baggage Allowance on Princess Cruises

Number of Bags

Princess Cruises allows each guest to check up to two pieces of luggage for embarkation. This makes it easier to bring enough clothing and essentials, especially for longer voyages.

Weight Limit

Each checked suitcase should weigh no more than 50 pounds. Exceeding this limit can cause problems for baggage handlers and may result in delays or requests to redistribute items.

Luggage Size

While there is no strict size measurement like airlines enforce, bags should be of reasonable dimensions to fit within ship storage and security systems. Oversized items may require special handling.

Luggage Tags

Princess provides printable luggage tags through its online check-in portal. These tags are essential for ensuring your bags are delivered to your stateroom. Guests should attach tags securely before arriving at the port.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Every passenger may bring one small carry-on bag onboard. This is especially important for items you’ll need immediately after boarding, since checked luggage may take several hours to be delivered to your stateroom.

Recommended carry-on items include:

• Travel documents (passport, boarding pass, ID)

• Medications and medical devices

• Electronics such as laptops, tablets, or cameras

• A change of clothes and swimwear

• Valuables such as jewelry, money, or credit cards

• Essentials like sunscreen, chargers, and toiletries

Carry-on bags should fit through the ship’s security scanners, which are similar in size to airport scanners. Standard wheeled carry-ons or backpacks work perfectly.

Airline Connections and Baggage Considerations

For many cruisers, flights are part of the journey. It’s important to remember that airlines and Princess Cruises have separate baggage policies.

• Airlines may charge baggage fees or enforce stricter weight limits.

• If your airline allows only one checked bag but Princess allows two, you’ll still be restricted by the airline’s rules.

• Always check with your airline before traveling to avoid unexpected costs.

Princess Cruises recommends packing with both airline and cruise allowances in mind.

Prohibited Items in Luggage

To maintain safety, Princess Cruises prohibits certain items from being packed in checked or carry-on luggage. Guests should avoid bringing:

• Weapons, firearms, and ammunition

• Sharp objects like knives (except small personal grooming items)

• Alcohol (beyond the one bottle of wine or champagne allowed per adult)

• Irons, steamers, or open-flame devices

• Candles or incense

• Illegal drugs or substances

• Hoverboards and drones (depending on itinerary restrictions)

Any prohibited items found during embarkation security screening will be confiscated.

Special Baggage Considerations

Princess Cruises also accommodates guests with special luggage needs:

Medical Equipment

Guests who need CPAP machines, mobility aids, or other medical devices are permitted to bring them onboard. Extension cords and distilled water may be requested in advance.

Sports Equipment

Items like golf clubs, snorkeling gear, or scuba equipment are generally allowed but must be stored safely when not in use. Firearms for hunting or sport are not permitted.

Baby Gear

Families traveling with infants may bring strollers, car seats, and baby supplies. These items do not count toward standard luggage limits.

Baggage Handling During Embarkation and Disembarkation

Embarkation

Upon arriving at the port, porters will take your checked luggage and ensure it is delivered to your stateroom. Since delivery may take several hours, packing a well-prepared carry-on is important.

Disembarkation

On the final night of your cruise, guests are usually asked to place checked bags outside their cabin door for collection. Luggage is sorted and made available for pick-up in the terminal once the ship docks.

Tips for Packing for Princess Cruises

To make the most of your baggage allowance, consider the following tips:

1. Pack Efficiently – Use packing cubes to organize clothing and maximize space.

2. Check the Dress Code – Princess Cruises maintains smart casual and formal night expectations, so bring appropriate attire.

3. Layer Clothing – Weather can vary across destinations. Layered outfits work well for comfort and versatility.

4. Label Everything – Make sure your bags are tagged clearly with your name and cabin number.

5. Weigh Your Bags – Use a luggage scale at home to ensure bags don’t exceed 50 pounds.

6. Pack Essentials in Carry-On – Always keep valuables, medications, and travel documents with you.

7. Leave Room for Souvenirs – Many guests shop during port stops, so leave extra space for new items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many bags can I bring on Princess Cruises?

Each passenger is allowed two checked bags (50 pounds each) plus one carry-on.

2. Is there a fee for checked luggage on Princess Cruises?

No, there are no extra fees for standard baggage.

3. Can I bring alcohol in my luggage?

Only one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult is allowed. Other alcohol will be confiscated.

4. Will my luggage be screened before boarding?

Yes, all luggage goes through security scanning similar to airports.

5. What if my bag is overweight?

Overweight luggage may cause delays. Guests are encouraged to keep each bag under 50 pounds.

6. Can I bring a cooler with drinks or snacks?

Small coolers for medical purposes or baby food are permitted, but large coolers are not allowed.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises provides a generous and straightforward baggage allowance that makes packing for your voyage stress-free. With two checked bags per person (up to 50 pounds each) plus a carry-on, most travelers find it easy to bring everything they need for their trip. By following the guidelines, avoiding prohibited items, and packing smartly, you can ensure your luggage arrives safely at your stateroom.

Whether you’re sailing for a few days or several weeks, understanding Princess Cruises’s baggage allowance helps you prepare confidently, avoid unexpected surprises, and focus on enjoying your dream vacation at sea.