What is Royal Caribbean International's baggage allowance?

Cruise vacations offer a unique experience of travel, combining luxury, entertainment, and adventure all in one floating resort. Royal Caribbean International is one of the most popular cruise lines worldwide, known for its innovative ships and wide range of itineraries. However, before setting sail, one practical concern most travelers have is about baggage: How much luggage can you bring, and what rules apply?

Unlike airlines that impose strict baggage restrictions, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean provide more flexibility. Still, there are certain guidelines guests must follow to ensure smooth embarkation, efficient stateroom storage, and compliance with safety regulations.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean International’s baggage allowance, including carry-on and checked luggage limits, restricted items, special considerations for families and medical needs, and expert packing tips to help you prepare for your cruise.

Overview of Royal Caribbean’s Baggage Policy

Royal Caribbean International offers generous baggage guidelines compared to airlines. While there are no exact strict size and weight restrictions like you find in aviation, there are recommended limits and rules to ensure safety and convenience.

Here are the key points:

Guests are encouraged to bring no more than two checked suitcases per person.
Each suitcase should not exceed 90 pounds in weight for handling safety.
A carry-on bag should be used for essentials like documents, medications, electronics, and valuables.
All luggage is subject to security screening before boarding.
Certain prohibited items are not allowed in either checked or carry-on luggage.

These guidelines are designed to keep the boarding process smooth while ensuring passengers have everything they need during their cruise.

Checked Luggage Allowance

Number of Bags

Royal Caribbean recommends that passengers bring no more than two checked bags per guest. This guideline helps ensure easy stateroom storage and efficient baggage delivery on embarkation day.

Weight Limit

Each bag should not exceed 90 pounds. While cruise lines are more flexible than airlines, this limit exists mainly for the safety of crew members responsible for handling luggage.

Size and Dimensions

Royal Caribbean does not specify strict measurements for checked luggage. Standard suitcases, typically 24 to 28 inches in height, are acceptable. Bags should be sized reasonably to fit under stateroom beds or inside closets.

Luggage Tags

Passengers receive electronic luggage tags after completing online check-in. These should be printed, attached securely, and displayed clearly so crew members can deliver the bags directly to the correct stateroom.

Carry-On Baggage Rules

Since checked luggage may take several hours to be delivered to your stateroom, it is crucial to pack a carry-on bag with essentials.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On:

Travel documents such as passports, visas, boarding passes, and identification.
Medications that you may need throughout the day.
Electronics including laptops, cameras, and chargers.
Valuables like jewelry, watches, and cash.
A change of clothes or swimwear if you plan to enjoy onboard activities before your luggage arrives.
Baby supplies such as diapers, formula, and food.
Personal care products including sunscreen and toiletries.

Size Guidelines

Carry-ons should be small enough to pass through security scanners at the port terminal. A small roller bag, backpack, or duffel bag is ideal.

Disembarkation Luggage Process

When your cruise comes to an end, Royal Caribbean offers two disembarkation options:

Express Departure – Guests carry their own luggage off the ship, ideal for those with early travel plans.
Assisted Departure – Guests leave luggage outside their stateroom the night before, and it is delivered to the terminal for collection the next morning.

Both options are convenient depending on personal travel schedules and the amount of luggage brought onboard.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

To maintain safety, Royal Caribbean has a list of items that cannot be brought onboard. These apply to both carry-on and checked bags.

Prohibited Items Include:

Weapons, firearms, and sharp objects intended as weapons.
Candles, incense, and heating devices that pose a fire hazard.
Alcoholic beverages beyond the allowed limit (two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom).
Illegal substances of any kind.
Drones, hoverboards, and personal scooters.
Cooking appliances like hot plates, coffee makers, and kettles.
Large sporting equipment such as surfboards, scuba tanks, and bicycles.

Items that are confiscated during screening are not returned until the end of the cruise, if at all.

Special Baggage Considerations

Medical Equipment

Passengers with medical needs can bring necessary devices such as CPAP machines or oxygen tanks. These should be reported in advance for proper arrangements.

Traveling with Infants

Families with babies are allowed to bring strollers, formula, diapers, and other essentials without penalty. These do not count against the suggested baggage limits.

Sports Gear

Small items like snorkeling equipment are permitted. However, larger sporting gear may be restricted due to storage and safety issues.

Mobility Aids

Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are welcome onboard. Guests who require these should notify Royal Caribbean in advance for assistance.

Packing Tips for Royal Caribbean Cruises

1. Pack Essentials in Carry-On

Always keep travel documents, medications, and valuables with you.

2. Consider the Itinerary

If cruising in the Caribbean, pack light clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen. For colder itineraries like Alaska, bring layered clothing and jackets.

3. Use Packing Organizers

Packing cubes help keep clothes organized and maximize storage in compact stateroom closets.

4. Avoid Overpacking

Although luggage allowances are generous, overpacking can create storage challenges in your cabin.

5. Label Your Luggage Clearly

Make sure every bag has identification tags with your name, stateroom number, and contact details.

6. Carry Swimwear and Casual Clothes

Your luggage may arrive hours after boarding, so having swimwear or casual clothes in your carry-on lets you enjoy ship activities right away.

Comparison to Airline Baggage Rules

One of the biggest differences between cruises and flights is the lack of strict baggage enforcement on cruise ships. Airlines typically limit passengers to one or two checked bags of 50 pounds each, with fees for extras. Royal Caribbean, however, offers greater flexibility, but travelers flying to their departure port must still comply with airline rules first.

This means even if Royal Caribbean allows heavier or larger bags, passengers should pack within airline limits to avoid excess fees during flights to and from the cruise port.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many bags can I bring on Royal Caribbean?Up to two checked bags per person are recommended, plus a carry-on.

2. Is there a weight limit?Yes, each bag should not exceed 90 pounds.

3. Can I bring water or soda onboard?Generally, no, except for limited cases such as infant needs or medical reasons.

4. Do I need to pay baggage fees?No, Royal Caribbean does not charge baggage fees.

5. Will my bags be delivered to my stateroom?Yes, checked luggage is delivered by crew members but may take several hours.

6. Can I bring my own sports equipment?Small gear like snorkeling sets is allowed, but larger items may be restricted.

Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean’s Baggage Policy

Pros

More flexible than airline baggage rules.
No baggage fees.
Accommodations available for special needs and medical devices.

Cons

Suggested limit of two checked bags may be restrictive for long cruises.
Delivery delays for checked bags mean essentials must go in carry-on.
Strict restrictions on prohibited items.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean International provides one of the most flexible baggage allowances in the travel industry, giving guests the freedom to bring everything they need for a comfortable vacation. With up to two checked bags per person, a carry-on for essentials, and no extra baggage fees, the process is traveler-friendly compared to airlines.

However, guests should be mindful of prohibited items and remember that checked luggage may take time to arrive at the stateroom. Packing wisely, planning for your itinerary, and organizing essentials in your carry-on ensures a smooth start to your cruise.

By understanding and following Royal Caribbean’s baggage guidelines, you can enjoy your journey without stress and focus on making memories at sea.