Carnival Australia luggage policy

While many of us are somewhat familiar with airline luggage rules, when it comes to cruising this may not always be the case. If you’ve never cruised before, knowing what you can bring and how much is essential to a smooth boarding process.

Even for those who have traversed the oceans as a cruise passenger previously, it's important to note that not all cruise lines will have the same luggage rules.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into luggage rules with Carnival (CCL.LON) Cruises in Australia. Covering what to bring, what’s not permitted and other key details – the information you need to confidently board and enjoy your next trip.

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Carnival cruises Australia luggage policy

Carnival Australia recommends that each passenger brings no more than two bags each.¹ Additionally, they suggest that where your cruise is between 3 to 5 nights long one bag is sufficient, with two bags typically only necessary for longer siblings of 6 nights or more.²

Carnival cruises Australia luggage Limits

In terms of weight and dimensions, the rules regarding luggage are a little more firm, Carnival Australia states that¹:

• Each bag can be no bigger than 140cm x 60cm x 40cm and cannot weigh more than 32kg. This is for both checked-in luggage and carry-on bags.

What are luggage tags on Carnival cruises in Australia?

Every piece of luggage you will take on board your Carnival cruise must have a luggage tag attached. Luggage tags for your cruise will be provided with your cruise e-ticket.²

These luggage tags allow your luggage to be checked in at boarding and then delivered to your stateroom. Carnival suggests printing these, filling them out and attaching them to your luggage at least 24 hours before your embarkation.

Luggage security and checks

Just as with air travel, when cruising you and your luggage will be subject to security checks. Attempting to bring prohibited items on board could see your items confiscated until disembarkation or you may be asked to dispose of them.

On arrival, at check-in, passengers will need to present their luggage for check-in and complete the registration process.² It is recommended to leave your check-in luggage ready for screening to avoid potential delays.

Once check-in and registration are complete, passengers will then be directed to go through a pre-boarding security checkpoint and all carry-on luggage will be screened.²

Carnival advises in its terms and conditions that all guests and their luggage are routinely and randomly screened by security personnel, screening tools and equipment. This may also include the use of sniffer dogs and can occur both at boarding and during the cruise itself.³

What to bring on your cruise

Aside from the more obvious basics such as your toiletries, socks and underwear, Carnival Australia offers some helpful hints regarding what to pack for your cruise.

This includes⁴:

• Plenty of sunscreen and a hat
• Swimwear and reef shoes if visiting coral islands on your cruise
• Everyday casual clothes suited to the destinations/weather expected on your cruise
• Some smart casual clothing for public lounges and restaurants
• A small backpack for use during shore excursions

Depending on the duration of your cruise, you will need to prepare clothing or a costume for some themed and elegant nights. These can change based on your cruise duration, so we suggest checking the Carnival website for further details regarding packing for these.

When it comes to whether or not to bring money on board, Carnival advises that cashless cruising is entirely possible via the use of your Sail and Sign account which can be settled using your chosen payment method. ATM facilities are also available on-board.⁴

Small denominations of cash can be brought on board or withdrawn from provided ATMs for use during shore excursions.

What you can’t bring on a Carnival cruise ship

As you’d expect there are some restrictions on what you can bring on board a Carnival cruise ship. These include weapons, illegal drugs or anything that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or compromise the safety and secure environment of its guests and crew.²

The list of prohibitions is extensive and covers some items which you may not have considered a concern, for example:

• Large batteries
• Remote-controlled items such as toys or drones
• Ceremonial or religious blades such as Skean, Dhus or Kirpans
• Power adaptor boards, extension cords or similar (can be requested on-board)
• Surfboards or bicycles
• Communication scanners, wideband receivers, satellite phones
• Hard liquor or beer (one bottle of champagne or wine permitted per passenger over 18 years only)
• Opened, homemade or pre-cooked food items

If there is any confusion over what is permitted based on the provided list it is recommended to speak with the cruise line before travel to avoid issues at boarding.

Children’s strollers or baths

Carnival Cruises Australia allows strollers or prams to be brought on board for use but also offers single stroller hire if preferred, subject to availability. Similarly, a cot and sheets can be provided for use during the sailing or you are welcome to bring a portable cot with your luggage.²

Currently, no information is listed on Carnival’s website regarding bringing a baby bath on board or whether these can be provided. However, it should be noted that inflatable kiddie pools are listed as prohibited, so caution is advised concerning any inflatable baby bath travel solutions.²

Keep in mind

Before you pack for your upcoming cruise and to ensure a more relaxed travel experience, we recommend keeping the following in mind:

• If you’re flying to your boarding destination, be sure to cross-reference the luggage allowance of your airline also as they may be different.
• Typically, whatever luggage you bring on board must be stored within your stateroom and this extends to any baby or toddler items, so hiring some of these as needed can help save on space.
• If travelling with young children, all supplies such as formula, nappies or baby food will need to be brought as part of your luggage as Carnival does not supply these onboard.
• Items collected or bought during shore excursions must also meet the rules for restricted or prohibited items. Your day pack or hand luggage used during these trips may also be scanned and subject to inspection when reboarding as per Carnival’s terms and conditions.

Carnival luggage FAQs

How early can I drop my luggage to my Carnival cruise ship?

A bag drop facility is provided at the port terminal and opens from 8.30 am on the day of embarkation. Please note this does not count as check-in, you will still need to return to the terminal and check-in at your designated time to complete the boarding procedure.⁵

How does my luggage get to my stateroom?

Your check-in luggage will be taken to your stateroom by a porter. However as this process can take a few hours to complete following check-in, it is advised to keep a change of clothes, swimwear and any medications, in your hand luggage.⁴

Are luggage trolleys provided at the cruise terminal?

No, luggage trolleys are not provided at Carnival cruise terminals.² Passengers are responsible for managing all luggage within the terminal themselves until drop-off or check-in is available.

Carnival contact details

To speak with Carnival Cruises Australia regarding an upcoming trip and for any queries related to luggage allowances or permitted items, you can contact them via:

• 1300 385 625 between 7 am to 6 pm AEDT

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