If this is your first cruise, you are in for a treat. The ocean breeze, combined with the onboard activities, and unique destination ports make cruising one of the best ways to travel. Cruising is a great way to visit different places all on one trip. One consideration you may be making for you trip is what to pack. If you have been wondering what the best luggage is for a cruise, we have you covered. In this article we will be covering the best luggage to use for a cruise.
How Many Bags Can I bring on a Cruise?
Some cruise lines limit the number of bags that guests can bring onboard. Check with your preferred cruise line for the details on their luggage policy. For a general rule of thumb, bring one checked bag and one carry on per person for a 3-5 day cruise. For cruises 6 days or longer, guests can bring 2 checked bags and one carry on per person.
Best Size Luggage to Bring on a Cruise
Most luggage comes in standard sizes that are designed to follow airline and airport regulations. Most standard size bags should work for cruising. Ideally, your carry-on should be no larger than 24” x 16” x 12” and your checked bag should be no larger than 28” x 22” x 14”. Each checked bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds when full.
What Luggage Should I Use for a 7 Day Cruise?
All your luggage will remain with you in your cabin during the cruise. Taking more bags than you need, or the wrong type of bags, might take up valuable space in your stateroom. To save space, nestable suitcases work great. Also, backpacks, totes, and duffel bags that can be compacted flat after being unpacked are a great option.
When it comes to deciding between hard and soft sided luggage, the choice is up to you. Soft sided luggage will allow you to pack more items while hard side luggage offers better protection against the elements and more security for your belongings.
Best Luggage for a Cruise
We think the best cruise luggage is easy to maneuver with 360-degree spinner wheels, secured with a TSA approved lock, and lightweight.
Best Overall
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
The best overall luggage choice for a cruise is the DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage. The 25-inch version is the perfect checked bag for carrying all your necessities on a 7-day cruise.
Highlights
- The 25-inch size is the perfect size for one person.
- This bag includes integrated TSA approved locks.
- Double spinner wheels ensure outstanding maneuverability.
- 100% polycarbonate exterior means that this bag is built to withstand the stresses of travel.
- This lightweight bag weighs only 10 pounds.
- DELSEY provides a 10-year warranty.
Runner-Up
Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag
Briggs & Riley makes excellent bags, and their Baseline-Softside Carry-on Garment Bag is a perfect option for 7-day cruises.
Highlights
- 2-in-1 carry-on. Offers a garment section and an additional compartment.
- Plenty of exterior pockets for organizing your documents.
- Briggs & Riley backs up their luggage with a lifetime warranty.
- Weighs just over 9 pounds when empty.
- Includes a TSA approved lock.
- The garment area of this bag is a great option for packing your cruise formal wear.
Best under $200
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner Set
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner Set is the perfect budget friendly set for taking on a cruise.
Highlights
- Samonsite is known for providing quality luggage, this set of luggage comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
- The two suitcases are made from 100% polycarbonate, so they are virtually indestructible.
- The hard side exterior is water resistant and cleans easily with a cloth.
- The 360-degree spinner wheels make these bags a breeze to wheel around.
- Both bags are lightweight, the carry-on bag weighs less than 7 pounds and the checked bag weighs less than 9 pounds.
- Both bags have a TSA friendly lock to keep your items secure.
Runner-Up
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard+ Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
The Delsey Paris Chatelet Hard+ Hardside Luggage is a stylish option that looks like it belongs on a cruise ship.
Highlights
- Many stylish options available with matching totes, backpacks, and carry-ons.
- Completely separated sides offer more organization options.
- Features a TSA approved lock.
- 100% polycarbonate exterior.
- Unique braking system.
- Backed by the DELSEY 10-year warranty.
Best Luggage Set
Travelpro Maxlite 5-Hardside Spinner Wheel Luggage
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Hardside Spinner Wheel Luggage set includes 2 conveniently sized pieces that nest together to take up less space.
Highlights
- Two convenient sizes one works as a checked bag and the other makes an excellent carry-on.
- 100% polycarbonate hard shell exterior that is subject to thousands of hours of rigorous testing from Travelpro.
- Integrated TSA locks.
- Several color options to choose from.
Runner-Up
American Tourister 4 Kix Expandable Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
A budget friendly set that includes more than enough options for families or couples.
Highlights
- 4-way multi-direction spinner wheels, for easy maneuvering.
- Expandable bags to accommodate more items.
- Plenty of exterior pockets help keep your items organized.
- Includes a 10-year limited warranty.
Best Carry-on
Briggs & Riley BRX-Explore Softside Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage
The Briggs & Riley BRX-Explore Softside Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage is the perfect choice for a carry-on. This soft-side bag is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and ergonomically designed for comfort.
Highlights
- Briggs & Riley provides a lifetime warranty on their luggage.
- Unique outsider handle means there is more room on the inside of the bag.
- Soft sides offer more flexibility when it comes to packing.
- Top side opening makes it more convenient for opening and offer a deeper cavity for packing.
- Weighs less than 6 pounds.
Runner-Up
High Sierra XBT – Business Rolling Backpack
A wheeled backpack is a useful option for a carry-on.
Highlights
- Constructed from water resistant fabric.
- Large size holds up to a 17-inch laptop.
- Can be carried like a backpack or wheeled around like a suitcase, giving this bag amazing maneuverability.
- Exterior pockets allow quick access to boarding documents, passports, and other important items.
Best for Seniors or Elderly
Samsonite Andante 2 Drop Bottom Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
We feel that rolling duffle bags make the most sense for seniors, elderly, and those with physical disabilities. Rolling duffle bags are extremely lightweight, easy to pick up, easy to pack, and easy to open. We chose the Samsonite Adante as our pick for the best suitcase for seniors and elderly.
Highlights
- The 28-inch duffel bag weighs just over 7 pounds.
- The exterior is constructed from water resistant materials.
- The deep interior of this duffel provides ample space for easy packing and unpacking.
Runner-up
DELSEY Paris Montrouge Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
The DELSEY Paris Montrouge Softside Expandable Luggage is another great bag for senior citizens. The 25-inch checked bag size is the perfect size and is super lightweight.
Highlights
- The 25-inch bag weighs just over 8 pounds.
- Includes a TSA approved lock.
- Stylish design comes in 3 beautiful colors.
- Front pocket is convenient for holding tickets and other important documents.
Final Note
These are just some of the options available for cruise luggage. We also recommend bringing a tote bag for carrying around on the ship and in port. As a final tip: always leave a little extra room for bringing home souvenirs.