For new cruisers, going on your first cruise can be a bit intimidating. You won’t know exactly what to expect unless you have experienced it, and everyone who has cruised before has their advice on how they prefer to do things. Boarding day, similar to catching a flight, can be a bit stressful and chaotic, but once you have boarded the ship and your vacation begins…the stress will melt away. One of the decisions you might wonder about is checking a bag on embarkation day. What exactly does that mean?
Similar to an airline, you can check your larger bags upon arrival at the cruise terminal, and they will be tagged and taken from you before you start your boarding process. The checked bags will then be sent to your cabin, so you won't have to worry about lugging larger items around. Sounds simple, but there are still a few questions that surround checking a bag that we will answer here. At Harr Travel, we have cruised countless times, and know exactly what to expect when checking a bag at the terminal.
Can I check all my bags?
Yes, if you prefer to have nothing weighing you down once you board the ship and want to explore, you can absolutely check all your luggage. We always recommend keeping your purse and wallet with you, just in case.
Is there a weight limit?
While there are no strict guidelines, cruise lines recommend that your bags weigh 50 pounds or less...but there will be no issues if your bag is over that weight. But keep in mind if you are taking a flight to the cruise departure city, be sure to keep your bags within the weight and size requirements for your airline.
Are there any downsides to checking my luggage?
There is one downside to checking your luggage: you will not have an exact time for when your bag will arrive to your cabin. The staff works as quick as they can to get the luggage to your room, but on larger ships with thousands of passengers and bags, this can take some time. You may get your luggage as soon as your cabin is ready…but it may be as late as 11pm. Very late luggage arrival is rare, but can happen, so this is something you will want to be aware of.
If you have items in your luggage that you will need soon after you board, consider bringing that luggage with you so you can access it. You will just have to wait until your cabin is ready, and then you can drop it off in the room.
Are there any downsides to NOT checking my luggage?
If you choose to bring your bags with you and not check them, you are 100% responsible for your bags until your room is ready. If you have larger pieces of luggage, this can be cumbersome as you wait for your room to open up. If you want to explore the ship uninhibited, you may want to check the bags at the terminal.
Harr Travel Recommendations
We recommend checking your large bags at the terminal, as long as you don’t have items you will need right away. Consider bringing a tote or smaller rolling bag to carry on with you for any items you might need. We always recommend carrying on any medications and medical devices you may need soon after boarding, as well as your passport, wallet, cell phone, and travel documents.
In the end, checking your bag comes down to personal preference, so be sure to discuss with your family or group exactly what the best course of action is, and go from there.
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your next cruise, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ships inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with many brands in the industry. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
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