If you’re used to flying, you’ve probably internalized the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule at the airport. This strict regulation requires all passengers’ carry-on luggage to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less
- All containers must fit into 1 quart-sized bag
- 1 bag per passenger
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule often leaves travelers second-guessing whether something will make it through airport security or not. There’s nothing worse than standing in a hectic security line, frantically trying to squeeze travel-size liquids into a plastic bag!
Even when I’ve thought I was following the rules, I’ve still had to throw away travel-sized liquids in stressful security situations!
And if you’re new to cruising, you might be wondering: What is the 3-1-1 rule on cruises? Luckily, cruising is different than airline travel.
The short answer is simple: there is no 3-1-1 rule on cruises.
Cruise ships do not restrict liquids the way airlines do, which makes packing far less stressful. Instead of downsizing toiletries or measuring ounces, you have more flexibility when boarding a cruise ship.
This is one of the many small perks that make cruising feel easier right from the start!
Here’s what you need to know about packing for your upcoming cruise and what to expect instead.
Do cruises have a 3-1-1 rule for liquids?
No, cruise ships don’t have the same 3-1-1 rule for liquids. The 3-1-1 rule exists for aviation security, not maritime travel. Cruise terminals screen luggage for prohibited items, but they aren’t concerned about the size of your shampoo, sunscreen, or skincare products.
This means you can pack full-size toiletries for your cruise in both your checked bags and your carry-on without worrying about ounce limits or quart-size bags. For many, this alone is a major perk, especially if you go through a lot of sunscreen or prefer your own hair and skincare products!
Just keep in mind that if you’re flying to your cruise port, airline liquid restrictions still apply for that portion of your trip, so you’ll need to follow standard TSA guidelines until you arrive at the cruise terminal.
What about the 3-1-1 rule for checked bags on a cruise?
This question comes up a lot, and the confusion is understandable. Even on airplanes, the 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on bags, not checked luggage.
On cruises, the 3-1-1 rule doesn’t apply at all. Whether you check your bags with porters or carry them onboard yourself, liquid size isn’t a concern.
How much luggage can you bring on a cruise?
Cruise lines don’t impose strict luggage limits like airlines do. Instead, most use language like “a reasonable amount” of personal property.
For example, Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring a reasonable amount of luggage onboard and recommends packing efficiently for comfort and convenience.
Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line suggests, “To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person, if traveling on cruises of 3-5 days duration, and no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer.”
However, there is no hard cap on the number of bags you can bring on a cruise. You can either check your luggage at the terminal or carry it onboard yourself. Both options are common, and which you choose often comes down to convenience.
But, it’s worth remembering that you’ll be navigating hallways, elevators, and stateroom storage space once you’re onboard. If you have extra bags, it’s best to check as much as you can with the ports upon arrival at the embarkation port.
Also, be sure to consider the size of your cruise cabin when deciding how much luggage to bring. You will need to store all of your belongings and suitcases in your cabin during the cruise. I typically stack my Away luggage inside one another and store them neatly under the bed to save space!
Can you bring a backpack and a carry-on on a cruise?
Yes, and most people do.
It’s very normal to board with a backpack, tote, or purse along with a small carry-on suitcase. Just keep in mind that anything you carry onboard must fit through the x-ray screening machines at the port.
It’s important to have an easy-to-reach bag during embarkation to keep all of your documentation for boarding. Personally, I usually bring my carry-on suitcase and backpack during embarkation and check larger luggage with porters.
Also, staterooms usually aren’t available right away, so you’ll be responsible for your bags until cabins open later in the day. That’s why experienced cruisers tend to keep their carry-ons light and manageable. Pack anything you might want to use on boarding day, such as a swimsuit, cover-up, and flip-flops for the pool deck!
What are you not allowed to carry on a cruise?
Even though toiletries are unrestricted, cruise lines do prohibit certain items for safety reasons. Things like weapons, irons, steamers, candles, and some power strips are not allowed onboard cruise ships.
Cruise lines also prohibit CBD and cannabis products, even in places where they may be legal on land. So, these items should not be brought onboard under any circumstances, as required by federal law.
In addition, alcohol rules are also separate from packing rules for personal items and vary by cruise line.
Some cruise lines allow a limited amount of alcohol or wine to be brought onboard at embarkation, such as Celebrity Cruises. However, others restrict or prohibit it entirely, like MSC Cruises. So, it’s always best to check your specific cruise line’s policy before packing.
If you’re not sure if an item is allowed onboard, it’s always a good idea to double-check your cruise line’s prohibited items list before you pack.
How much cash should you take on a cruise?
Cruise ships operate with a cashless environment, as purchases will be charged to your onboard account once you’re on the ship. Because of this, you don’t need to carry much cash for the cruise itself.
Most people will bring cash to provide tips for crew members who provided exceptional service. For instance, on my recent 12-night Celebrity cruise, we tipped $50 to our servers in the dining room and our stateroom attendant.
It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand when heading ashore, although credit cards are widely accepted these days.
For a 3-day cruise, many travelers should only need to bring a small amount of cash onboard, around $100. This is usually enough for port tips, taxis, or small purchases ashore. The exact amount depends on how you travel, but most people find they use less cash than they expect.
Packing for a cruise is a breeze compared to airline travel!
If you’re coming from the world of airline travel, cruising will feel refreshingly easy. Without a 3-1-1 liquids rule to worry about, there’s no need to downsize toiletries or squeeze everything into tiny bottles, which gives you far more flexibility when packing.
As long as you pack reasonably, keep important items like travel documents and medications with you on embarkation day, and follow your cruise line’s prohibited items list, there’s very little to stress about.
