Cruise Talk: carry-on luggage

Cruise Talk

Cruise News

Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.

>>> Reader Reviews
>>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery
>>> Join Our Cruise Club.

Latest News...The happy place of vacationers has officially arrived. Celebrity Xcel has arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, introducing seven brand-new experiences designed to offer guests endless possibilities on their dream vacation. The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ groundbreaking Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel was created with the help of vacationers globally through the Xcel Dream Makers program,...

Latest News...Regent Seven Seas Cruises celebrated a momentous milestone in Seven Seas Prestige’s construction journey as the ship floated from dry dock on November 27, 2025. As the first new ship class for Regent in 10 years, Seven Seas Prestige will usher in a new legacy for ultra-luxury cruising.“Seven Seas Prestige touching water for the first time marks an extraordinary moment for Regent ...

Latest News...It’s the season for island-hopping as Royal Caribbean has unveiled the newest lineup of ways to explore the Caribbean in 2027-28. Starting April 2027, families and vacationers can kick back or go all out on adventure across 13 Royal Caribbean ships, from the bold new Legend of the Seas and amplified Allure of the Seas to more action-packed getaways from Fort Lauderdale, Miami,...

More Cruise News...

my profile | register | search | faq | forum home

»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Lines » carry-on luggage

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: carry-on luggage

bonny
First Class Passenger
Member # 1347

posted 06-21-2000 10:51 PM

Can you carry on your own luggage if you have big suitcases? We are going on a Carnival cruise. I would like to have my luggage early and not get it when I'm ready for bed.

Posts: 44 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 06-22-2000 07:40 AM

Doubt it - the baggage handlers are in a union and as far as I know you can only carry your hand luggage on board. I don't know about Carnival, but we have always received our luggage before the ship sails.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 06-22-2000 07:43 AM

I have seen people stopped who were trying to carry on their own luggage. In fact one man was getting rather violent because they would not let him. I agree with sympatico, I think it all has to do with the fact that the baggage handlers are union. Also, have always had my luggage before dinner (24 cruises) and never had a problem.

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

CTrail
First Class Passenger
Member # 64

posted 06-22-2000 08:39 AM

Bonny, when we were on the Imagination, we boarded about 12:30 and the luggage was in our rooms before 2:00.

What ship are you going on.

Haveagreattrip.

Posts: 332 | From: Kitchener, ON Canada | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

bonny
First Class Passenger
Member # 1347

posted 06-22-2000 09:03 AM

We are going on the Fascination. Have you ever been on it?

ctrail What do you think about the food and service on Carnival?

Posts: 44 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Bobby G
First Class Passenger
Member # 49

posted 06-22-2000 10:38 AM

[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: Bobby G ]

Posts: 36 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 99 | IP: Logged

CTrail
First Class Passenger
Member # 64

posted 06-22-2000 10:41 AM

Only been on the Imagination but I have to say that the food and the presentation was impecable. A great variety to satisfy all kinds of appetites and desires. The Gala Midnight buffet was just out of this world. I believe that Carnival still does the midnight buffet which a number of other lines are apparently cutting out. Room service was always prompt with a great variety of snacks to be had etc. To sum up the service I would have to say that we were treated like Royalty for the entire trip by all of the staff aboard. We could not have been more pleased and that is why we are going back to them, only one of the larger ships this time, for our 25th anniversary for a two week cruise. Fine dining, lots of fun, good entertainment spacious accommodations and superb service all played a part in our decision.

You will enjoy every moment!
When are you going?

Haveanabsolutelygreatonebonny.

Posts: 332 | From: Kitchener, ON Canada | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

JP
First Class Passenger
Member # 1373

posted 06-22-2000 12:10 PM

We've carried our luggage on a couple of times without problems. Of course, it's a lot easier for everyone if you don't do it at peak boarding time.

Posts: 280 | From: Minnesota, USA | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 06-22-2000 12:41 PM

RELAX- have your luggage delivered! You're on vacation and you've paid for the service:-)

I too think it's a Union thing. Believe too that ship personnel are prohibited from carrying passengers lugggage off the ship.
Security may be another reason - sniffer dogs are much in evidence in port baggage areas.

Happy cruisin!

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 06-22-2000 02:01 PM

I have only sailed Airtours from Palma, and on both cruises the bags were put on the coach at Palma Airport and on the Seawing they were there before us! And it only took 30 mins for them to be delivered on Carousel. I have never heard of a long delay, except on a tv show "Holidays from Hell". A woman on her honeymoon on the Emerald, her luggage was left at Gatwick Airport, and she had one t-shirt, her travel clothes, and one dress sho bought onboard for 2 weeks. Lets all say it together: awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

Paddy.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Ascendancy
First Class Passenger
Member # 840

posted 06-22-2000 02:34 PM

If you get the bags to the pier yourself, hand them to the porter and tip him! Then forget it. The bags will be there before dinner.

We used to allow RCL to pick up our bags at the airport and deliver it to the ship. I'm not sure if it was the airline or RCL, but once my bag was two days late to the ship.

Since we don't use Cruise transfers anymore
and since we arrive a day or two early,
this shouldn't happen again.

Posts: 354 | From: Aurora, CO | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 06-22-2000 06:22 PM

Paddy - awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww - we were given good advice a long time ago - always have in your carry on, in addition to other essentials, a bathing suit and a change of underwear;
- travelling with a companion - a complete destination outfit in the others suitcase.
Law of averages says at least one set of baggage will arrive.
Cheers...

[This message has been edited by Green (edited 06-22-2000).]

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

cruiseman
First Class Passenger
Member # 885

posted 06-23-2000 09:10 AM

I've sailed Carnival 8 times and have carried my bags about half of those. It's a pain to carry them but I do like getting things unpacked as soon as I get there so my vacation can officially begin. The porters which are NOT employees of the cruise line WANT to take your bags because they WANT that tip, however after seeing the amount of baggage they pile on the carts I prefer to carry my own. The few times I have let them take my baggage, I've not always had my baggage by dinner time. It's not a guarantee.

Posts: 59 | From: Leavenworth, KS, USA | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

bonny
First Class Passenger
Member # 1347

posted 06-23-2000 09:45 AM

I feel the same way. I like to get every thing done so I can totally relax for the rest of the week.

Posts: 44 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 06-23-2000 09:55 AM

We have been on Carnival twice. The last time the service and the food were superior to some supposedly upscale lines. Carnival still has the midnight buffets. The room stewards always made little animals out of towels at night. Our last cruise on NCL left us feeling that Carnival was the upscale cruise line.

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

bubbles
First Class Passenger
Member # 1415

posted 07-09-2000 07:14 AM

Take Green's advice. Forget the big luggage get someone else to carry it, but make sure that you have enough in your bag for first change of clothes and toiletries. Don't forget swimsuit too you can be the first one in the hot tub if you are prepared!

Posts: 133 | From: England | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

K&K
First Class Passenger
Member # 1040

posted 07-09-2000 10:31 AM

Hey Ascendancy; Just wondering if you pack the old tee shirt or do you keep it in your carry on?
Just visited my daughter in Denver and would have met you for a drink had I known your number. Maybe next time?
Kevin

Posts: 446 | From: Sandpoint,Idaho,USA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 07-09-2000 10:58 AM

When we were on the Mercury in Key West, a little boat came out to us with someone's luggage. The airline went to great lengths , I thought, to make sure the lady had it for her cruise. I was impressed! Oh course, they shouldn't have lost it in the first place.
The latest I have ever received luggage was around 5 pm. bubbles has a very good point about the swimming suits! Don't forget the sunscreen either.

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

hooked on cruising
First Class Passenger
Member # 1221

posted 07-09-2000 01:21 PM

I agree with Green. Pack your swimsuits, a change of clothes (shorts and teeshirt) sunscreen and your all set. We went on our first cruise this year (with many more to come) and we had to sit around in our travelling clothes for about an hour after we boarded the ship. I don't think an hour is too long to wait on your luggage but when you are dressed in long pants or a dress it can become very warm very quickly. Enjoy :=)

Posts: 243 | From: London,Ontario,Canada | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

Molly
First Class Passenger
Member # 853

posted 07-10-2000 10:15 AM

We sailed on Carnival's Fantasy in April and our luggage was delivered promptly. We went directly to our cabin to deposit our carry-on and then went to the buffet lunch. By the time we returned to our cabin, all of our bags were there. (We carried way too much but this was a learning experience.) We carried one change of clothes, toiletries, and medicines on with us, just in case. We have no complaints about Carnival or our cruise. I read good things and bad things about Carnival on this site but everything was wonderful. I know you'll have a great time.

Posts: 68 | From: Norman Park, GA USA | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

bubbles
First Class Passenger
Member # 1415

posted 07-10-2000 12:56 PM

Don't trust to chance. Take a small carry on bag and then you will not need to worry if your main bag turns up a few minutes or a couple of hours later.

Posts: 133 | From: England | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-10-2000 04:39 PM

Yes, don't risk it!

Do what I always do and wear ALL your clothes at once and give the baggage handlers the empty suitcases. They will be more than pleased and will not expect a big tip!

You will also be the only person on the cruise that appears to loose weight!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 07-10-2000 05:06 PM

Malcolm - are you sure you're not a closet comedian? Funny!

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 07-10-2000 06:07 PM

Malcolm... You know, that might work great on that nudist cruise?

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

bubbles
First Class Passenger
Member # 1415

posted 07-10-2000 07:00 PM

Malcolm, is that what they mean by dressing in layers for Alaska?

Posts: 133 | From: England | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

Ultimate Bulletin Board^TM 6.1.0.3

VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS

Check out these great deals from CruisePage.com

Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $129 per person

Description: Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.

Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $229 per person

Description: Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.

NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person

Description: What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.

Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person

Description: White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.

Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean from $549 per person

Description: For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person

Description: Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.

More Vacation & Cruise Specials...