Best Luggage for Cruises: How to Pack for a Cruise
Chantelle KincyHave you been wondering what the best luggage for a cruise is? I’ve got you covered!
Hey there, excited about your upcoming cruise trip? I’m here to help you prepare as your trusted travel guru!
When it comes to picking the perfect luggage, I know exactly what you need. With years of experience in cruising and helping clients find the best products, I can tell you that some items are simply better than the rest.
So let’s chat about the key features that set great luggage apart and help you choose the perfect one for your cruise! 🧳🛳️
My Top 3 Picks: Best Luggage for Cruises
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
✅ 10-year warranty
✅ Strong and Scratch Resistant
✅ Spinner Wheels
Best Luggage for Cruisers
Coolife Luggage offers a versatile and durable suitcase set that is specifically designed to meet the needs of cruise travelers.
This set includes three different sizes of suitcases: a 20-inch carry-on, a 24-inch medium-sized suitcase, and a 28-inch large suitcase.
With this range of sizes, cruisers can easily pack everything they need for their voyage, from essentials to outfits for formal nights.
One of the standout features of this luggage set is its expandable design. The 28-inch suitcase has the ability to expand up to 2 inches, providing extra packing space when needed.
This is particularly useful for cruise travelers who often return home with more than they initially brought due to shopping or souvenirs. The expandable feature ensures that they won’t have to worry about fitting everything back into their luggage.
Another great feature of this Coolife Luggage set is its durability. The suitcases are constructed with a hard shell made of ABS material, which is known for its strength and resistance to scratches.
This makes the suitcases capable of withstanding the rigors of travel, including handling by airport and cruise ship staff. The sturdy construction ensures that the contents of the suitcases remain well-protected throughout the journey.
In addition, these suitcases are equipped with four spinner wheels that provide 360-degree maneuverability. This makes it effortless to navigate through crowded cruise ship corridors or busy airport terminals. The telescoping handle is also smooth and ergonomic, offering a comfortable grip for easy pushing or pulling.
For added convenience, the Coolife Luggage set features a TSA-approved combination lock. This ensures that the contents of the suitcases remain secure while also allowing for hassle-free security inspections.
The interior of each suitcase is well-organized, with multiple compartments and straps to keep clothing and other items in place during transit.
Key Features:
- Set includes 20-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch suitcases
- The expandable design provides extra packing space
- Durable ABS hard shell construction resists scratches
- Four spinner wheels offer 360-degree maneuverability
- Comfortable telescoping handle for easy pushing or pulling
- TSA-approved combination lock for added security
- Well-organized interior with compartments and straps
2. Samsonite Omni Expandable Luggage
The Samsonite Hardside Expandable Luggage Spinner set is an excellent choice for cruise travelers seeking reliable and versatile suitcases.
This set offers a combination of durability, functionality, and style, making it ideal for the unique demands of cruising.
These suitcases are designed with a robust hard shell that can endure the wear and tear of travel. And the durability guarantees that your essentials stay safeguarded throughout the journey.
If you’re going on a cruise, you’ll definitely need all the extra space you can get for souvenirs and other goodies. That’s where the expandable feature of these suitcases comes in handy, offering the perfect solution for all your packing needs!
Spinner wheels make for effortless maneuvering through crowded cruise ship corridors and busy airport terminals. The telescoping handle is comfortable to grip and can be adjusted to your desired height, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Key Features:
- Durable hard-side shell construction for enhanced protection
- The expandable design offers extra packing space
- Spinner wheels for effortless maneuverability
- Telescoping handle with adjustable height
- TSA-approved lock for added security
- Well-organized interior with multiple compartments and straps
- Samsonite is a well-known name with a great warranty
3. Merax Luggage 2 Piece Set
The Merax Luggage Set is an excellent choice for cruise travelers seeking a reliable and versatile suitcase solution. This set offers a combination of durability, functionality, and convenience, making it ideal for the unique needs of cruising.
One of the standout features of this luggage set is its expandable design. The large suitcase has the ability to expand, providing extra packing space for all the essentials you’ll need during your cruise. Whether it’s outfits for formal nights or souvenirs collected along the way, you can rest assured that you won’t run out of space.
Durability is another key feature of the Merax Luggage Set. The suitcases are constructed with a tough ABS material that is resistant to scratches and impacts. This ensures that your belongings remain well-protected throughout the journey, even during the handling on cruise ships and airport transfers.
Maneuvering through crowded cruise ship corridors or bustling airports is made easy with the 360-degree spinner wheels. These wheels provide smooth and effortless mobility, allowing you to navigate with ease. The telescoping handle is adjustable and comfortable to grip, providing a seamless travel experience.
Key Features:
- Expandable design for extra packing space
- Durable ABS material construction
- 360-degree spinner wheels for easy maneuverability
- Telescoping handle for comfortable grip
- Well-organized interior with multiple compartments and straps
- TSA-approved lock for added security
4. Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase
The Coolife Luggage Set is an excellent choice for cruise travelers seeking lightweight and versatile suitcases. This set offers a combination of functionality, durability, and convenience, making it ideal for the unique needs of cruising.
The lightweight design of these suitcases is a standout feature, allowing you to pack your essentials without adding unnecessary weight. This is particularly important when it comes to cruise travel, as you may have to navigate through various locations, including airports and cruise ship corridors. The lightweight construction ensures ease of mobility and reduces the strain on your arms.
Durability is another key feature of the Coolife Luggage Set. The suitcases are made with a sturdy and water-resistant softshell material, ensuring that your belongings remain well-protected even during unexpected weather conditions. The reinforced corners add an extra layer of protection against impacts and rough handling, providing peace of mind during your cruise journey.
Maneuverability is made effortless with the 360-degree spinner wheels. These wheels allow for smooth and multidirectional movement, making it easy to navigate through tight spaces and crowded areas. The telescoping handle is ergonomically designed for comfort, ensuring a comfortable grip as you travel.
Key Features:
- Lightweight design for easy mobility
- Sturdy and water-resistant softshell construction
- Reinforced corners for added protection
- 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth maneuverability
- Ergonomic telescoping handle for a comfortable grip
- Well-organized interior with multiple compartments and straps
- TSA-approved lock for added security
Best Cruise Luggage for Kids
5. Travelers Club 5 Piece Kids’ Luggage Set
The Travelers Club Kids’ Luggage Set is an excellent choice for young travelers. This set is specifically designed for children and includes smaller suitcases adorned with fun prints that appeal to both boys and girls.
With this set, kids can pack their belongings in style and comfort, making their travel experience even more enjoyable.
The set consists of three suitcases in varying sizes, perfect for accommodating different travel needs. The suitcases are lightweight and easy for kids to handle, promoting a sense of independence while traveling.
The colorful and eye-catching prints on the suitcases add a playful touch that children will love.
In addition to the suitcases, this set includes a matching neck pillow that provides extra comfort during long journeys. The pillow is soft and supportive, ensuring that children can relax and rest comfortably while on the move.
It’s a practical and thoughtful addition to the set, enhancing the overall travel experience for young ones.
Key Features:
- Set includes smaller suitcases and a matching neck pillow
- Fun prints that appeal to both boys and girls
- Lightweight and easy for kids to handle
- Colorful and eye-catching design
- Soft and supportive neck pillow for added comfort during travel
What to look for in luggage for cruises
When it comes to selecting the best luggage for a cruise, there are a few key features that cruise travelers should consider.
Not only do you want a reliable suitcase that can withstand the rigors of travel, but you also want to optimize your experience while adhering to airline baggage requirements and avoiding additional fees.
Let’s explore the essential features to look for when purchasing luggage for your cruise adventure.
✅ First and foremost, consider the weight of the suitcase. Opt for lightweight luggage that won’t add unnecessary heft to your load. This is especially important when flying to your cruise departure port, as airlines often have weight restrictions and may charge additional fees for exceeding them.
By selecting a lightweight suitcase, you can pack more of your essentials without worrying about weight limitations.
✅ Durability is another crucial factor to consider. Your luggage may endure rough handling during embarkation and disembarkation, as well as being transported on and off the ship.
Look for suitcases made with sturdy materials and reinforced corners to withstand such impacts. A durable suitcase will provide peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are well-protected throughout your journey.
✅ In a sea of black suitcases, a bright-colored or distinctive patterned bag can be a game-changer. It makes it easier to spot your luggage in a crowd and minimizes the risk of accidentally grabbing someone else’s bag.
When you debark your cruise, luggage from every passenger will be lined up in one room and you’ll need to find yours. A bright color or pattern can save a ton of time when looking for your bag!
Opting for a unique color or pattern will not only make your suitcase stand out but also add a touch of personality to your travel ensemble.
✅ Lastly, consider the storage capacity and organization features of the luggage. Look for suitcases with multiple compartments, pockets, and straps to help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. This will enhance your convenience and efficiency during your cruise, allowing you to quickly locate items without rummaging through your entire suitcase.
By weighing out the cost of airline baggage requirements and fees, prioritizing durability, opting for lightweight designs, and choosing a bright color or distinctive pattern, you can find the best luggage for your cruise.
Remember to strike a balance between functionality and style, ensuring that your suitcase not only serves its purpose but also reflects your personal preferences.
Best Carry on Cruise Luggage
When you board your cruise the first day, your stateroom may not be ready quite yet. Due to the massive amounts of luggage that need to be distributed, you may not get your baggage delivered to your room until the evening.
I always advise my clients to bring a carry-on bag onboard with them. This bag should contain everything you might need until your luggage is delivered.
My carry-on bag has medicine, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a book, and anything else I might need in the first few hours. If you have kids with you, bring diapers, a change of clothes, and anything they use daily.
I use either a backpack or a beach bag for my carry-on. Then, during the cruise at ports of call, I can use the same bag to explore the ports.
After the cruise, you can use this bag to bring home any souvenirs you may have purchased along the way.
LOVEVOOK Travel Carry-On Backpack
The backpack features multiple compartments and pockets, providing ample space to organize your essentials. The main compartment is roomy enough to accommodate clothing, toiletries, and other travel necessities. A padded laptop sleeve allows you to securely carry your electronics, making it convenient for both work and leisure while on the go.
One standout feature of this backpack is its carry-on-friendly design. The dimensions meet most airlines’ requirements for carry-on luggage, allowing you to keep your belongings with you during your flight and saving you from potential checked baggage fees. The backpack’s back panel is also designed with a luggage strap, making it easy to slide over the handle of your suitcase for effortless transportation.
Comfort is not compromised with the LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack. The adjustable shoulder straps are padded and ergonomically designed, ensuring a comfortable fit even during extended periods of wear. The backpack also features a back panel with breathable mesh padding, promoting airflow and reducing sweat and discomfort.
Canvas Weekender Bag Overnight Carry-on Tote
This beach tote is a fantastic choice for cruisers looking for a stylish and functional bag to carry their essentials to the beach or poolside.
Designed with convenience and durability in mind, this beach tote offers ample space, multiple pockets, and sturdy construction to meet the needs of beach-loving travelers.
Crafted from high-quality and water-resistant materials, this beach tote is built to withstand the sand, sun, and water. The durable construction ensures that your belongings stay protected and dry, allowing you to fully enjoy your time by the water without worrying about damage to your items.
With its generous size, the beach tote provides plenty of space to pack your beach towels, sunscreen, snacks, and other beach essentials.
The large main compartment offers easy access to your belongings, while the interior zippered pocket provides a secure place for your valuables, such as keys, wallet, or smartphone.
What sets this beach tote apart is its thoughtful organization features. The exterior pockets, including side mesh pockets and a front zippered pocket, offer convenient storage for smaller items like water bottles, sunglasses, or sunscreen. This ensures that you can easily reach for your essentials without having to rummage through the main compartment.
The beach tote is designed with comfort in mind as well. The sturdy shoulder straps are wide and reinforced, allowing you to comfortably carry your belongings even when the bag is fully loaded. The tote also features a zippered closure to keep your items secure and prevent sand from getting inside.
I love being able to slide the bag over my luggage handle to make moving through the airport terminals easier.
Cruise Packing Tips
When packing for a cruise, it’s tricky to know what to take and what to leave. It’s important to look over your cruise rules to see what is not allowed such as drones, weapons, or drugs.
It’s easy to overpack, but you really don’t need as much as you think you do! My advice is to lay out everything you want to take and then put half of it away. Especially if you are cruising the Bahamas or Caribbean, you will likely spend most of your time in a swimsuit.
🛳 FREE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE PACKING LIST
🧳 FREE ALASKA CRUISE PACKING LIST
🌴 FREE CARIBBEAN CRUISE PACKING LIST
Check with your travel advisor to see if your sailing is having any themed parties such as white party, neon party, or pirate night.
Its also important to research what is appropriate attire for the destinations you are visiting.
Did you know…
- 🚫 In some countries it is illegal to wear camouflage clothing. This includes hats, swimsuits, clothes, and bags. This rule applies to the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- 🚫 Religious sites such as the Vatican in Rome, mosques in Turkey, and monasteries in Greece, all require modest dress. Bring a scarf to cover up in Turkey and cover your knees and shoulders in the Vatican.
- 🚫 High Heels are not allowed in the ancient sites in Athens.
Cruise Packing Accessories
It’s a good idea to bring a theft-proof bag to protect yourself from pickpockets and thieves, especially in crowded tourist areas on Mediterranean Cruises.
I love these small cross-body purses to keep my things close to my body.
Packing cubes are another one of my favorite packing accessories! They make my luggage neat and tidy and keep things organized.
An over-the-door shoe holder is an excellent way to keep things organized in cramped cruise cabins.
FAQs About Luggage for Cruises
How much luggage can you bring on a cruise?
Unlike airlines, cruises do not generally put restrictions on luggage.
Can you bring full-size shampoo on a cruise?
Yes, there are no liquid limits for your luggage, so you can bring your favorite toiletries with you.
Where do you store your luggage on a cruise?
After you empty your suitcase, you can store it under the bed in your stateroom.
How much do you tip the baggage handler on a cruise?
It is customary to tip the luggage porters 1-2 dollars per bag for taking your luggage for you. These workers, work hard in the hot sun every day and deserve a little monetary appreciation. The porters do not work for the cruise lines, but rather for the port.
Final Thoughts: Packing for a cruise
Cruise travel is an amazing experience, and having the right luggage can make it even more enjoyable. With a bit of research beforehand, you’ll be sure to find luggage that meets your needs when you’re packing for a cruise. Don’t forget to consider weight limits, durability, and convenience when making your choice.
By choosing the right luggage for your cruise travels, you can enjoy every moment without worrying about excess baggage fees or heavy suitcases slowing you down. So don’t skimp on quality—take the time to find the perfect bag. Once you do, you’ll be ready to set sail with confidence!
We hope this guide has helped in your search for the best luggage for cruises. To learn more about cruising and get other helpful tips and tricks, read our other blog posts!
