Choosing the Best Suitcase for Your Cruise

A smooth and fun cruise isn't just about picking great spots to visit—it's also about the luggage you pack. Picking the right suitcase for your cruise means you're all set for anything, whether it's fancy dinners, relaxing by the pool, or heading out on an adventure. Choosing wisely means every move, from speeding through airports to taking on adventures, becomes a seamless part of your unforgettable cruise narrative.

Key Features to Look for in a Cruise Suitcase

Size and Capacity

When weighing your luggage options, considering the length of your cruise and your travel needs is crucial. Different sizes have their perks, depending on how long you're staying and what kinds of activities you've got planned.

Most cruise lines have their own specific luggage rules about size and weight for both carry-on and checked bags, which we’ll explore in more detail later in this guide. Choosing a suitcase that's roomy, fits in your cabin, and meets cruise line rules ensures a worry-free trip.

Durability and Material

The right suitcase must stand up to the rigors of travel, from rough handling during boarding to exposure to the elements. Choosing luggage made from materials that can withstand a bit of rain and sea spray is a must for keeping your stuff dry and safe. Knowing how boarding and luggage drop-off work can also help you pick durable, secure luggage for a worry-free cruise.

Mobility

Features like spinner wheels and telescopic handles make it easy to move through busy terminals and go on excursions smoothly. These features help make travel effortless, allowing you to easily roll your bag along. However, it's best to steer clear of luggage with unstable handles to prevent travel hassles.

🛟Pro Tip: Make sure to always conduct a thorough check of your suitcase by rolling it across different floor types, including wooden, tiled, and carpeted areas. Keep in mind that when picking a roller bag it’s best to choose one with embedded wheels, which will ensure extra protection against the rough airport and cruise port terrain.

Storage and Organization

The key to a relaxing, stress-free vacation is to organize your cruise travel gear, and that starts with an efficient packing system. It’s important to look for suitcases with built-in compartments and the option for expandability. Suitcases with interior straps and mesh pockets are great for securely storing smaller items, and making sure everything stays in its place during a bumpy trip.

A suitcase that can zip open for more room is a lifesaver for fitting in all those souvenirs and last-minute pack-ins.

🛟Pro Tip: Be sure to assess the durability of your luggage's zippers, particularly at the corners, to avoid the inconvenience of your items spilling out during transit.

Security

Keeping your valuables secure is a top priority. Suitcases equipped with TSA-approved locks and anti-theft features offer peace of mind, ensuring that your belongings are safe, whether in transit or in your cabin. A TSA-friendly combination lock is tough, secure, and can easily be opened by TSA staff, ensuring a quick and hassle-free trip through airport security.

Types of Suitcases Suitable for Cruises

Choosing the right travel gear, from suitcases to travel bags, is key to a smooth cruise experience. Whether you opt for soft-sided luggage, hard-sided luggage, wheeled duffle bags, or decide between carry-on and checked luggage, each type of travel bag serves unique needs on your journey. These choices ensure you're well-equipped for packing, ship navigation, and exploring destinations, making your cruise adventure both comfortable and efficient.

Soft-Sided Luggage

Soft-sided luggage offers flexibility and can often fit into tighter storage spaces, making it a popular choice for cruise cabins. For those expecting to buy souvenirs or return with extra items, soft-sided luggage is ideal, offering flexibility to squeeze in any extra items. However, it's important to weigh the potential trade-off in protection against rough handling and weather elements.

Hard-Sided Luggage

If keeping your stuff safe is a top priority, hard-sided luggage really steps up with unbeatable protection from knocks and bad weather, keeping your electronics and breakables snug and secure.

🛟Pro Tip: Make sure their sizes meet your cruise line's needs, since these cases don't offer the same adaptability as their soft-sided alternatives.

Wheeled Duffle Bags

Wheeled duffle bags combine the easy mobility of wheeled luggage with the storage flexibility of a duffle bag, offering a versatile solution for cruisers. However, they might not offer the same organized layout and protection you get with traditional suitcases.

Consider Carry-Ons vs. Checked Luggage

The choice between carry-on and checked luggage depends on the length of your cruise and your packing habits. Carry-on bags are the luggage you'll carry with you onto the ship, holding onto them until your room is ready. Meanwhile, your checked luggage will be taken care of by the staff before you board and delivered to your room once it's available.

Shorter cruises or minimalist travelers might find a carry-on or one checked bag sufficient, while longer voyages or those requiring more varied attire may necessitate an additional piece of checked luggage. Even so, it's a good idea to have a small carry-on bag with you on embarkation day for your essentials while your checked luggage is being managed by the cruise line.

Packing Tips for Cruise Travel

Maximize Space and Minimize Wrinkles

🛟Pro Tip: A few smart packing moves, like rolling your clothes and using packing cubes, can really help you fit more in your bag and keep those pesky wrinkles at bay. These packing tricks are great for making sure you've got all you need, all while keeping your clothes looking sharp.

Pack Versatile Clothing Options

Packing clothing that can transition from day to night or from casual to formal settings is essential for the diverse activities offered on a cruise. Versatile pieces like scarves or reversible clothing can add variety to your outfits without taking up additional space. Additionally, research the weather and conditions of your cruise destination beforehand to inform your packing choices and ensure you're well-prepared for any adventure.

Keep Your Cruise Essentials Close

Remember to pack essential items such as medications, sunscreen, and swimwear in easily accessible places, like your carry-on baggage. In addition to those essentials, don't forget to include a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your daily activities. Packing these items in your carry-on or personal bag ensures you're prepared for every part of your cruise adventure from the moment you board.

Consider Onboard Activities and Shore Excursions

Take some time to find out the onboard activities available on your cruise ahead of time. Pack attire that aligns with your cruise's dress code, often ranging from casual to formal.

For shore excursions, lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for the climate and activities of your destinations is key, as well as appropriate footwear. If you plan on spending time near the ocean, consider investing in a pair of durable sandals.

🛟Pro Tip: To safeguard your valuables during excursions, opting for a water-resistant backpack is essential to protect your items from water damage. For travel involving extensive walking, a compact rolling duffel is versatile, as you can switch between carrying and rolling. However, keep in mind that it's not ideal for cobblestone streets and other rough terrains.

Research and Adapt

Lastly, you can't dig into your cruise itinerary enough – it's super important. Getting a handle on the local culture, weather, and lay of the land at your destinations can make a big difference in what you decide to pack.

Top Suitcase Recommendations for Cruisers

Choosing the right luggage for your cruise is about matching your specific travel needs with the features that suitcases offer. We're more about what your suitcase can do than the name on it. Just make sure whatever you pick ticks the boxes for being tough, easy to move around, good for keeping things organized, and secure. For instance:

• For Short Cruises: A durable, hard-sided carry-on with spinner wheels and TSA-approved locks can offer the convenience and security needed for shorter journeys For cruises ranging from 3-5 days, cruise lines typically recommend bringing one suitcase per passenger, weighing no more than 50 pounds (22.6 kg).

• For Extended Voyages: A larger, expandable, soft-sided checked suitcase with multiple compartments ensures you have ample space and organization for all your essentials. For cruises exceeding 7 days in length, cruise lines suggest a maximum of 2 suitcases per passenger, with the same weight limit of 50 pounds (22.6 kg) per item.

Checked Luggage Size Restrictions

It's important to make sure that your suitcase not only abides by the cruise line's weight restrictions, but their size restrictions as well. The size restrictions, for both short and extended voyages, are as follows:

• Carnival luggage restrictions: 24x16 inches (width by depth; length is not taken into consideration)
• MSC Cruises: 35x30x16 inches (height by width by depth)
• Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean size restrictions are not explicitly outlined

When selecting your cruise luggage, consider how each feature will serve your travel style and the nature of your cruise. The best luggage for your cruise balances practicality with the joy of travel, ensuring every journey is as smooth as the sea on a calm day.

Set Sail with the Right Suitcase

The journey to a hassle-free and enjoyable cruise experience begins with selecting the right suitcase. By prioritizing features like durability, mobility, storage, and security, you can choose luggage that not only meets your travel needs but also enhances your cruising adventure. Remember, the best suitcases for cruises are the ones that allow you to focus on the joy of travel, secure in the knowledge that your belongings are well-protected and organized.

Start your adventure today, ensuring every detail, down to your suitcase choice, sets the stage for an extraordinary cruise experience. With your ideal luggage in tow and the world's most stunning destinations awaiting your arrival, now is the perfect time to plan your journey with Cruisebound.