Discover Exclusive Offers and Special Deals on MSC Cruise Deals
Find a cruise and book cruises direct - no booking fee!
Luggage on Cruise
Luggage on Cruise

Do cruise lines check your luggage?

If you're wondering if your suitcases will be checked before boarding a cruise ship, read on. Discover what happens during luggage screening.

By Cruise Booking Team

Book Cruises Now

Cruising is a popular vacation option for millions of travelers every year. While most people focus on the exciting activities, delicious food, and beautiful scenery a cruise vacation offers, few think about what happens to their luggage before boarding the ship.

If you're planning to go on a cruise, you might be wondering whether cruise lines check your luggage. The answer is yes, they do. Let's take a closer look at the process and what you can expect.

Why Do Cruise Lines Check Your Luggage?

Cruise lines check your luggage for several reasons. The first reason is to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. Cruise ships have strict security protocols in place, and screening luggage is one way to prevent prohibited items from getting on the ship.

The second reason is to prevent illegal items or substances from being brought on board. Cruise ships operate under international maritime law, and any illegal items found on board can have serious legal consequences for passengers and cruise lines.

Finally, cruise lines check luggage to ensure all passengers adhere to their alcohol policies. Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring a certain amount of alcohol on board, but exceeding the limit can result in confiscation of the alcohol or even denied boarding.

What happens during luggage screening?

Luggage screening is a thorough process that involves scanning all checked bags using X-ray machines and metal detectors. During the screening, cruise line staff looks for any prohibited items, such as weapons, drugs, and alcohol, that exceed the permissible limit.

Cruise lines have strict policies on what passengers can bring on board. Some generally prohibited items include firearms, explosives, flammable items, and any illegal drugs or substances. Additionally, cruise lines have specific policies regarding alcohol, which vary depending on the company. Some lines allow a limited amount of alcohol to be brought on board, while others prohibit it altogether.

In addition to prohibited items, cruise lines also check for any items that could potentially cause harm to other passengers or damage to the ship. This can include items like fireworks, drones, or anything that could be considered a hazard.

What should you pack?

Before you pack your bags for your next cruise, it's important to review the cruise line's policies on luggage. Make sure you check the company's website for specific information on what is and isn't allowed on board.

In general, it's a good idea to pack light and avoid bringing unnecessary items. Remember that cruise ships have laundry facilities, and many of the items you might need, such as shampoo and soap, are provided.

If you're planning to bring alcohol on board, make sure you adhere to the cruise line's policy. Most lines allow passengers to bring one or two bottles of wine or champagne but check to see if there are any restrictions on the size or type of bottle allowed.

When packing your bags, ensure you don't leave any prohibited items in your luggage. If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, leaving it at home is better.

What happens if your luggage is confiscated?

If cruise line staff finds any prohibited items in your luggage during screening, they will confiscate them. Depending on the item, you may be given the option to either have it shipped back to your home address or stored until the end of the cruise.

You may sometimes be denied boarding if you bring prohibited items on board. This can include any illegal drugs or substances, firearms, or anything else that could be considered dangerous to other passengers.

If you're unsure whether an item is allowed on board, it's always best to stay cautious and leave it at home.

Also Read: What is the process of getting on a cruise? – CruiseBooking.com

Summary

Cruise lines check your luggage to ensure all passengers on board safety and security. This includes screening for prohibited items and illegal substances and ensuring all passengers adhere to their alcohol policies. 

While the luggage screening process can be an inconvenience, it's a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of all passengers on board. By packing light and leaving prohibited items at home, you can help to ensure a smooth and stress-free boarding process.

In addition to luggage screening, cruise lines also have other security measures in place to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. This can include passenger screening before boarding, onboard security personnel, and surveillance cameras throughout the ship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, cruise lines do check your luggage. Remember to review the company's policy on luggage before packing your bags, and enjoy your cruise vacation with peace of mind.

Tags: cruise lines
Header Image by EugenePetrunin at Freepik

What is the best length of cruise for kids?

Book A Cruise Now Planning a cruise with your kids can be an exciting adventure, but determining the ideal length of the cruise is crucial. Finding the right balance between keeping your [...]

September 14, 2023

Should I bring a laptop on a cruise?

Book A Cruise Embarking on a cruise vacation presents an opportunity to disconnect from the demands of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the open seas. However, the question [...]

September 12, 2023

Which Cruise Lines Offer Super Bowl Broadcasts?

Book Your First Cruise The Super Bowl is one of the world's most-watched annual sporting events, with millions of viewers tuning in to see their favorite team win. While several people think [...]

March 27, 2024

Why choose Holland America cruises?

Book Eurodam Cruise Is Alaska on your bucket list of places to visit? Alaska is one of the best destinations for souls planning to take a break from city life. You can make your journey [...]

March 27, 2024

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!
phone number with country code (hyphen allowed)
0 / 500

Cruise Inquiry