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Onboard Obsession: The Thrill of Go-Karting on a Mega Cruise Ship

By Meena Thiruvengadam

Onboard Obsession is a new series that explores the can't-miss highlights of the best-loved cruises—from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up.

Eighteen decks above the cold Atlantic Ocean, I pulled on a balaclava and helmet and did something I hadn’t done in decades: stepped into a go-kart. 

The last time I was behind the wheel of a go-kart was about 25 years prior, at a Six Flags amusement park. This time I was somewhere far more exciting—cruising between Iceland and Ireland on the  Norwegian Prima . 

The  Norwegian Prima takes go-karting at sea to a whole other level—literally. Instead of two decks like other Norwegian ships, the Norwegian Prima’s 1,400-foot go-kart track is spread over the ship’s top three decks. And that third deck makes a huge difference. 

The first time I accelerated up the hill to the track’s third deck, I was scared of flying off the top of the ship. Having lived in walkable cities for more than a decade, I rarely drive nowadays, let alone in miniature race cars on moving ships in the middle of the ocean.

It was the kind of cold and windy day you would expect off the coast of Iceland , and I couldn’t see anything but the ocean over the horizon. I hit the gas, hoped for the best, and breathed a sigh of relief when I made it to the top deck. It was so much more exhilarating than I remembered. It’s mind-bending to drive a go-kart on a moving cruise ship without a speck of land in sight. That alone is worth the price of admission. 

Like many things on Norwegian ships, the race track isn’t included in the cruise fare . Rides are $15 each. For an extra $5, you can have the track to yourself for three laps and drive at faster speeds. For $199, you can buy unlimited rides for your cruise.  

Norwegian Prima's go-kart track is the cruise line's biggest yet.

The cars can go up to 40 miles per hour, but Norwegian limits speeds to 27 mph during group drive times. Even with the speed limitations, the curvy track has enough sharp turns—14 of them, to be exact—to keep things exciting. And there’s no smell of gasoline. 

Norwegian’s onboard go-kart fleet is electric, though that might be hard for drivers to believe because sounds mimicking gasoline-powered cars are pumped into driver’s helmets to mimic the traditional race car experience. I didn’t notice the go-karts were electric and the sounds I was hearing were fake until after my drive. 

I was skeptical about go-karting at sea, but the eight laps, what Norwegian Cruise Line calls a “heat,” won me over. It turns out that zipping around in a miniature race car with nowhere to be and nothing but the ocean as far as you can see is ridiculous and fun. It’s also a great way to punctuate a sea day, especially if the spa is booked.  

Including the  Prima , Norwegian now has four ships with go-kart tracks. The  Norwegian Joy was the first in the company’s fleet to offer a go-kart track, and each new Norwegian ship to debut since has featured a bigger, better race track. 

The  Norwegian Prima ’s race track is 22 percent larger than the track on the  Norwegian Encore , for example. The  Norwegian Joy and  Norwegian Bliss also have their own race tracks, but neither makes quite the impression the  Prima ’s does.

Norwegian’s three-level go-kart track was the first thing I noticed each time I returned to the ship from an excursion during a special inaugural sailing last year. Spectators can watch cars whiz by from a dedicated observation area, the pool, hot tub, or sun deck. 

One ride was enough for me, but the teenage version of me would have stuck around for at least a few more heats. Next time, I’ll choose a warm weather itinerary and splurge for the private track time.

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Norwegian's Newest Cruise Ship Has a Go-kart Track, Infinity Pools, and an Open-air Food Hall

The Norwegian Viva is the line's newest mega-ship, slated to launch with a huge array of bells and whistles in summer 2023.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

The newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line will make its debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, with room for more than 3,200 passengers, multiple infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and an outdoor go-kart track among its countless amenities.

Norwegian Viva was unveiled on Jan. 12, 2022, revealing details on summer itineraries that will take on iconic ports like Athens and Lisbon, along with gateways to Italy including Civitavecchia, near Rome, and Trieste, not far from Venice. After crossing the Atlantic in November, the Viva will home port in San Juan, Puerto Rico, beginning on Dec. 15, 2023.

"We at NCL visit more ports than any other contemporary cruise line, more than Royal [Caribbean], more than Princess, certainly more than Carnival," said Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Harry Sommer, in an interview with T+L. "This will just add to that reputation, if you will, that we keep on going to new and exciting places."

The newly announced ship will feature many of the same over-the-top amenities found on the previously announced Norwegian Prima , a sister vessel of Viva that sets sail this summer. That's no coincidence, Sommer told T+L.

"The Prima was off the charts fantastic for us," Sommer said. "It was the first new ship design for us in a decade, and the concepts of space, service, design, experience, [those] resonated tremendously well with our guests and, as you know, it was a record-breaking launch for us."

"So, I was like, 'Oh my God, we have a hit,' so we're not gonna change too much with [ Viva ]," Sommer added. "The big focus here is on itineraries. We have some nice itineraries on Prima, you know, around Iceland, Norway, Amsterdam, London (Southampton), which are really, really being well received. But on Viva, we're gonna notch it up. We're doing, basically, a tour of all the Mediterranean: Lisbon, Ibiza, Palma, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Dubrovnik, Venice, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Istanbul — and that's like a third of the ports we're visiting."

Guests aboard the 3,219-passenger vessel will have a huge range of options when it comes to staterooms, with budget-friendly choices as well as splurge-worthy suites. Among the most enviable choices will be 107 luxury suites in an exclusive area of the ship known as The Haven by Norwegian , reserved only for suite guests. In addition to the spacious staterooms, The Haven also offers a private restaurant, sun deck, outdoor spa, and infinity pool.

"We've found that, for slightly more affluent guests, Haven really is the perfect balance. They can have the big-ship experience," Sommer said, "plus all the benefits of the small ship where you get butler and concierge service, upscale decor, larger cabin sizes, really it's the best of both worlds." Sommer added, with a laugh, "It sounds like such a cliche but, you know, I've personally experienced it!"

Dining choices will include the Indulge Food Hall, with 11 distinct concepts, as well as an Italian restaurant, Onda by Scarpetta, that's already a favorite aboard the Norwegian Encore . "Everything that we've done on Prima, we're announcing for Viva as well," Sommer said. "We are going to have our next big reveal for food in early March."

In all, Viva will have more than 20 dining venues, Sommer indicated. The new vessel will also have a three-level go-kart track, the Viva Speedway, which can accommodate up to 15 racers, and a series of thrill rides first seen on Prima, such as The Drop and The Rush, that will offer pulse-quickening moments.

The Viva will also come with some features that will reduce the environmental impact of the vessel. Like its sister ship, Viva will have a selective catalytic reduction system to help eliminate many sulfur and nitrogen oxides, Norwegian says, something that's in line with current International Maritime Organization standards . Viva will also have shore power capabilities, which have the potential to dramatically reduce in-port emissions by letting the ship tap into cleaner energy from the grid.

Norwegian Viva will offer eight-, nine-, and 10-day trips beginning June 15, 2023. Rates start at $2,099 per person for the ship's first departure, a nine-day trip from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Italy, near Rome.

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A Cruise Ship With Go-Karts: Norwegian Cruise Line

When you think of cruise ships, you think of relaxation. You think of bars, lounges, shows and areas where you can spend the days with your loved ones – or alone too, if you’re traveling alone. Believe it not, there are two cruise ships that have something much more exciting and adrenaline-inducing than the usual activities or sipping a margarita overlooking the beautiful ocean – a go-kart race track! Here are some of the highlights:

• Go-karts feature speeds of up to 30 mph
• Features custom-built multi-level race track
• $15 per race or 199.95 for the Unlimited Pass
• Safety gear provided by Norwegian Cruise Line
• Amazing racing experience with an unbeatable view

Inspired by the grandkids of the company’s CEO, these karting tracks are the first of their kind on any cruise ship. It’s important to note that they are not just amusement-park karting race tracks either – they feature an authentic racing experience similar to the one you can experience at indoor go-kart racing facilities on land. 

Featuring a platform where people can sit and spectate, a covered pit lane, a system that times your laps, and even floodlights to let you race at night, this go-kart track on a cruise ship will give you an absolutely unique experience while being in the middle of the ocean! How exciting is that?

With all of this available on a cruise ship, your adventurous side will thank you for giving this thrilling activity a shot. Karting in itself is one of the most fun and challenging motorsport activities that you can experience. Doing that in the middle of an endless ocean brings this experience to a whole new level!

On What Cruise Ships Are Go-Karts Available?

At this point in time, you’re able to experience go-karting on the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. Both of these cruise ships are part of the Norwegian Cruise Line. At sea, the Norwegian Bliss has the longest race track providing an unparalleled experience to anyone who loves motorsports.

If you’re the type who likes quiet and peace while at sea, don’t worry. The tracks are located towards the back of the ship so you’ll be able to enjoy and relax, as well as refuel your adrenaline.

What Kind of Race Tracks Are Available?

The race track featured on both cruise ships is named Encore Speedway and even for indoor karting standards, is relatively large. To be more specific, the race track is 1150 feet (350 m) long and features a track width of 18 feet (5.5 m). There are also plenty of turns and straight sections built into it that provide plenty of overtaking opportunities. The tracks are also multi-level so you can expect some inclinations at certain points to get an even better view of the ocean! How cool is that?

To add to the racing experience, the electric go-karts produce sounds of race car engines while you drive, making it feel even more authentic. And with a crowd cheering you on from the stands, you’re sure to get into the racing mood.

While the race track is 18 feet (5.5 m) wide, overtaking can be challenging in certain areas, so you’ll have to factor that in. However, this also makes the overall experience more fun and challenging. Slower drivers may also be enjoying the ocean views while racing, so you should always be mindful of that. 

But with a little bit of patience, a positive attitude and some racing skills, you’ll be able to overtake them at strategic sections of the race track. The races last for about 8 – 10 minutes, with each lap taking up around 30 seconds, depending on how fast you are. That means that if you’re standing in line for your turn, you won’t have to wait that long.  

What Type of Go-Karts Are Available?

The go-karts featured on the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy are all-electric SiNUS iONs that have been customized for corrosion-resistance, due to the saline environment. These go-karts are known to be of high-quality and are extremely fun to race with!

A lot of people on cruises are with friends or family. That’s one reason why there are two-seaters karts, as well as the standard one-seaters go-karts available. This allows you to share this amazing racing experience with someone else. Whether it’s your partner, your parent or your kid, being able to race a kart on top of a ship in the middle of an ocean is an experience not many things can beat.

Another cool thing about these go-karts is that they are fully electric. They’re extremely quiet but they do feature authentic engine sound effects to make you feel like you are going much faster than you actually are. With a top speed of up to 30 mph, you’re able to race at decent speeds, considering you’re on top of a cruise ship.

If you’re wondering who actually customized the go-karts, then you’d be happy to know that they’re custom-built for the tracks by none other than Alex Vega – a name that is sure to be recognized by car fans around the world who watch ‘The Auto Firm with Alex Vega’. If you’re interested, you should watch the episode of the show that features these exact go-karts.

To keep the karting experience safe for everyone, the staff has the ability to control the speed of the go-karts for passengers who require some assistance. At the start of the race, the speed may be throttled for a while, but eventually you’ll be able to fully control the speed yourself. This feature is also introduced for safety reasons and they will also reduce the speed of racers, if there are any incidents on the track to ensure everyone’s safety.

Does the Cruise Ship Provide Safety Gear?

Norwegian Cruise Line provides a helmet with a visor, as well as a balaclava to all racer. The helmet sock fits over your head like a ski mask and prevents the helmet from touching your bare head. Not only is this more hygenic, but it’s also much more comfortable. The helmet socks are also washed after every single use so the whole experience is very clean and sanitary.

How Much Does a Karting Session Cost?

If you want to have the experience of driving go-karts on top of a cruise ship, you can do that for $15 per race. This gets you one ride that will last for about 8 – 10 minutes. This is a great option for people who just want to try it out. If you’re into go-karting and enjoy the motorsport, the better option to go for multiple races, as you can bundle these up. 

And if you fall in love with the experience and can’t get enough of it, you can also splurge for the Unlimited Weekly Pass that costs $199.95 and allows you to go to the track whenever and however many times you want for the whole week that you’re on the cruise. You’ll also get to use a priority line, which drastically reduces your waiting time!

What Are the Requirements to Race?

One of the best things about these tracks is that there is no age limit to drive karts on them. You just need to be at least 55 inches tall. It doesn’t matter how old you are! Another requirement to go on the tracks is to have the proper attire. This is very important, as it ensures the safety of the racers. 

You shouldn’t be wearing sandals when going karting. You are required to wear closed-toe shoes, as well as clothes that are not loose. Items like an open jacket or a scarf are not allowed as they run the risk of getting stuck on the wheels which could cause potential accidents. Other than these standard karting rules that you should be following, there’s not much stopping you from being part of this amazing oceanic karting experience.

Do I Need a Reservation to Ride Go-Karts?

Do you need to get a reservation? No. But should you? Absolutely!

These tracks, as you may have assumed, are the most popular parts of these two ships so they are going to be pretty much always occupied. If you want to save yourself from the long lines, it’s best to have a reservation for a spot the moment you board the cruise. 

Otherwise, you’re going to probably end up waiting for your turn for a much longer time than the actual lap will take. Alternatively, you can always opt for the Unlimited Weekly Pass for those extra queueing perks!

Is Go-Karting on a Cruise Ship Worth It?

If you’re going on a cruise, it’s great to do whatever you can to make memories that will last a lifetime. Usually, these experiences are more relaxing in nature but having an exciting option like being able to race go-karts on a custom-built race track in the middle of the ocean is something you’ll probably only do once in your life. 

So the definitive answer is, yes! For larger families the karting experience can be a little pricey. But when you think about the fact that you’d be having this amazing experience in the middle of an ocean on one of the very first race tracks on top of a cruise ship, spending the money is worth it. Especially if you just intend to do it just for the experience.

In fact, most indoor karting arenas feature similar prices, although the length of a race may be a little longer. But who are we kidding? Of course, it will be an extremely awesome and thrilling experience. You’ll be racing on top of a cruise ship! Not only will you be able to get the thrill of racing go-karts but you’ll also have the thrill of that with the ocean right in front of you. 

It’s like having the best of both worlds – you get the adventure of karting and you get to do it with a view! So, the answer is a definitive yes! Don’t miss out on this experience.

About Gerrit

Owner, Researcher, Writer & Editor at GoKartGuide.com

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Can You Bring a Vape on a Cruise?  (2024)

You may be wondering if you can bring a vape on a cruise and, if so, where you can smoke it.

The short answer is yes, you can bring a vape on a cruise, but there are some restrictions as to where you can use it and which types you can take if you smoke weed pen .

Cruise ship policies regarding vapes and e-cigarettes vary, so it is important to check with your specific cruise line before packing your vape. That being said, most cruises allow passengers to bring personal vape pens, cartridges, and oils on board.

However, as you might expect, there are restrictions on certain types of weed / CDB-related vapes. 

This doesn’t stop some people from still trying to sneak them on board, and we have a look at how ways they might do this.

This post will also cover the rules and regulations around bringing and using vapes on cruises. 

Cruise Lines Policies for Vaping

Even though the technology and popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping have changed dramatically over the last 10 years, most cruise lines’ typical rules and regulations for vaping on a cruise ship are the same as smoking.

Most cruise lines keep all interior public spaces smoke-free, including any vaping.

Where Can You Vape on a Cruise Ship?

You will only be allowed to vape in designated smoking areas for most cruise lines.  These are often outside and sometimes in the casinos.  

Expect to see visible signage indicating smoking areas.

Most cruise lines will not allow you to vape in your stateroom or even on the balcony.

Can you Vape on a Cruise Balcony?

For most cruise lines, you will not be allowed to vape from your balcony.  This usually goes hand in hand with not being allowed to vape from your stateroom, and there can be substantial fines for doing so.

Cruise lines that do not allow vaping from staterooms on balconies include:

• Carnival Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line (exc. Garden Villa Suites)
• Disney Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Holland America
• Viking Cruises

Which Cruise Lines Allow Vaping in Staterooms and Balconies?

Of the main cruise lines, there are three plus a couple of smaller lines that allow passengers to vape in their staterooms:

• Aida Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• TUI Cruises

Just because the above cruise lines allow vaping on balcony, doesn’t mean they allow cigarettes. Here we have covered the few cruise lines that allow smoking on balconies .

Other cruise lines ban vaping in all rooms and even balconies.  If you are caught smoking, expect to be fined and possibly further penalties.

Why Can’t People Vape From Cruise Balconies?

Vapes are essentially treated as cigarettes and cigars because they are a fire hazard and a litter nuisance when people discard them.

Although vaping is safer and there’s no associated litter, the smoke and smell of the smoke could drift to a fair few other balconies and affect other passengers’ experiences if they don’t like it.

Can you Bring Vapes on Carnival Cruise?

You can take a nicotine vape pen on a Carnival cruise ship and use it within the designated smoking areas.

Vaping rules on Carnival cruises are the same as those for smoking cigarettes and cigars.

Can You Vape on Carnival Cruise Balcony?

Vaping is not allowed on Carnival cruise balconies.

Carnival state:

” All staterooms and suite accommodations, including outside balconies, are NON-SMOKING. “ Carnival Cruise

If caught vaping in your stateroom or balcony, you could be fined $500.

There’s also the possibility they could disembark you and all guests staying in the stateroom for violating the policy and ban you from sailing with them again.

Why You Can’t Vape In My Carnival State Room?

Vapes and all e-cigarettes are treated the same combustion cigars and cigarettes people smoke, which is a potential fire hazard that could ultimately sink a cruise ship . 

Also, if passengers were freely permitted to vape in their staterooms, more people would likely be trying to vape prohibited substances.

Where Can You Vape on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival cruise has very helpfully created a list of all ships in the fleet and the designated smoking areas for almost everyone.

Check out where you can vape on each Carnival cruise ship here .

There is no differentiation between smoking cigarettes and cigars or e-cigarettes so you will only be able to use a vaporizer in the designated smoking areas.

Typically on a Carnival Cruise, you can vape in:

• Designated outdoor deck areas
• Casino when seated and playing

Can you Bring a Vape on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean ships are designated as no smoking; however, you are allowed to take a vape on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but you are only allowed to use it in designated smoking areas.

The Royal Caribbean vape policy does not distinguish between smoking cigarettes and any form of e-cigarette or vaping in its smoking policy.  

“Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are only permitted within the designated smoking areas.” Royal Caribbean Vaping Policy

Vaping areas include:

• Designated smoking outdoor areas
• Designated smoking areas in the Casino Royale*

Casino Royal smoking rules vary from the above if your ship departs from China and Hong Kong (no non-smoking areas) and Australia and the United Kingdom (no smoking in casinos at all).

Visible signage will be posted within all the above areas where vaping is permitted.

Non-vaping areas include:

• Outdoor areas near restricted areas
• Food venues
• Kids play areas
• Swimming pool areas

No vaping is allowed in Central Park or the Boardwalk areas on Oasis Class ships.

Can You Vape on Royal Caribbean Stateroom Balcony

There is no vaping allowed on stateroom balconies of any class.

If you are caught vaping in your cabin or balcony, you face a fine of $250.

Check the latest Royal Caribbean Smoking Policy here .   The policy was last updated in 2013; since then, e-cigarette, especially vaping technology, have significantly advanced, but they’re still treated the same as cigarettes.

Can You Vape Weed on Royal Caribbean?

All CBD oils and products are prohibited items on a Royal Caribbean cruise and therefore not allowed onboard.

How do You Pack a Vape and Liquids on a Cruise

Some vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classed as hazardous materials by the US Department of Transportation. Although they are allowed on cruise ships, it’s best to pack them as safely as possible as you would going on a plane.

Therefore you will need to pack your vape in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked luggage.

You should also ensure that your vape is turned off and empty of any liquid before going through security.

Remove the battery and, along with spares, pack them in a designated case or plastic bags to prevent any risk of them short-circuiting.

As for the liquids, you are limited to bringing up to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on luggage.

These must be placed in a clear, sealable plastic baggie and presented to security along with your other liquids.

Ideally, pack your juices in plastic bottles to avoid any risk of breakages.

Can You Vape Abroad?

Check the local laws before you travel, and be mindful of where you can and cannot vape when you visit ports.  In many countries, all electronic cigarettes are illegal, and punishments can be severe.

Countries such as Brazil, India, Singapore, and Uruguay.

Even in Canada (at the time of writing), all forms of e-cigarettes are technically illegal to sell. However, it is largely unenforced.

You can find more information on the worldwide regulation of e-cigarettes wiki page here .

Can you Smoke Weed Vapes on Cruises?

Whereas some states in America have legalized marijuana, it is still illegal under federal law, which is what cruise lines have to follow.

Marijuana use, including in vape, is not allowed on cruises that depart from U.S. ports.  You also cannot bring marijuana on a cruise ship if the cruise stops in a U.S. port, even if the ship is registered in a country where marijuana is legal, and the port is in a state where it’s legal.

How to Sneak a Vape on a Cruise

If you are looking to sneak a vape pen or cartridges on a cruise, you are likely trying to sneak a prohibited substance or item onboard, such as a weed or delta 8 vapes .

While we advise not to do this,  as it can lead to severe penalties if caught, here are some ways people have attempted to hide vapes on a cruise:

Hiding it: This includes hiding it in luggage, clothes, or even body cavities (you know where!).  Be aware that security will check all items and may use sniffer dogs, although generally, the dogs’ priority is for explosives.  

Mixing: Nicotine vape pens and cartridges are allowed on cruises, so some people mix their weeds carts in amongst them.

Fruit Smelling: When using a weed vape, although the smell is not as strong as smoking, some people have attempted to cover dispel any possibility of arousing suspicion by using fruit-smelling pens.

If you sneak a vape onboard, you might also be interested in how to get away with smoking on a cruise .

Consequences

As tempting as it may be to sneak an illegal substance on board, it’s worth also remembering the consequences that could result in your vapes being confiscated and possibly being kicked off the ship and or reporting you to the police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy e-cigarettes or vaping products on board a cruise ship.

No, you cannot buy vape products on cruise ships. You may be able to buy vape products in ports of call, subject to the rules of the country you are visiting.

You can take as much as you like onboard, subject to other regulations; for example, general liquid limits will also apply to oils.

Do Vapes go off in Metal Detectors?

If your vape is made of metal, it will set off a metal detector.  However, disposable plastic vape pens and cartridges are available, and these would avoid detection.

Can a Drug Dog Smell a Vape Pen and Carts?

A trained drug dog could smell a prohibited vape pen or cartridge.  The question is whether the security dogs are trained to pick up every drug sent or whether they are trained to sniff out more lethal substances like explosive materials.

Can you be Fined for Vaping on a Cruise?

You can be fined for vaping on a cruise.  If caught vaping in a Carnival or Royal Caribbean stateroom, you can be fined $500 and $250, respectively. 

You could also face further penalties and put guests in the same room at risk of being disembarked.

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Cruise Ships with Go-Karts: Full list and Track Details!

June 6, 2024

The other day I was writing an article about all the fun things to do on a cruise ship.

At one point I had an epiphany because I remembered that some cruise ships even have go-kart tracks on board . What could be more fun than that?

So I thought I would write this article to help you find out which ships have go-karts (since there are not many) and what kind of tracks they have .

Table of Contents

Cruise Ships with Go-Karts

As of 2024, only 5 cruise ships have a go-kart track on board and they are all Norwegian Cruise Line ships. We are talking about:

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian bliss, norwegian encore, norwegian prima, norwegian viva.

They are among the largest in NCL’s fleet, with Norwegian Encore being the largest overall.

The first go-kart track was introduced in 2017 with Norwegian Joy , and the last one was built on Norwegian Viva in 2023.

Norwegian Joy was built in 2017 and was the first cruise ship in the world to have a fully equipped Go-Kart track.

The track was built by RiMO Supply (a company of the RiMO Group), a world leader in rental karts and tracks.

It is 790 feet (240 meters) long and has a fun zig-zag setting. The electric carts can reach up to 19 mph (30km/h) and sound identical to mini racing cars.

After receiving positive reviews, NCL has decided to add the go-kart track also on Norwegian Bliss .

It was not only the second ship with such a feature but the track was also improved and expanded .

The Norwegian Bliss track is 1,000 feet long (305 meters), and the electric carts can speed up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).

The go-karts on Norwegian Bliss are also designed to cater to both solo and duo riders . Therefore, this ship is perfect for those who wish to ride with a child.

Like on the previous one, the karts are electric but emit gas engine sounds to enhance the racing experience .

Norwegian Encore is NCL’s largest ship, and as a result, the go-kart track has also been lengthened .

The one on this ship reaches 1,100 feet. Moreover, the track on Encore includes a section that juts out 13 feet over the edge of the ship , offering racers a unique over-the-ocean driving sensation.

In addition, the upgrade includes a covered viewing area placed in the center of the track . It allows spectators to watch the race up close, and to be covered in case of rain.

A “gaming part” was also added to the experience. Spectators can interact with the race by using laser guns to provide boosts to their favorite drivers . I really liked this addition; it’s a fun way to involve other cruise passengers who are watching the ride.

Norwegian Prima was the first of a new class of NCL ships namely the “ Prima Class “.

With this new class of ships, the racing track has once again been improved and expanded .

It has now become a massive three-deck , 1,375-foot-long go-kart track with 14 turns, named the Prima Speedway .

The ones on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are the largest racing tracks on cruise ships . However, the Speedway dominates a significant area of the top deck, leading to a smaller main pool and lido deck area beneath the track.

A thing that I want to highlight is that, on this ship, the track’s design also causes noticeable noise in the lido deck area from the racing action above. I’m not a huge fan of this!

Norwegian Viva is a sister ship to Norwegian Prima so the go-kart tracks are basically identical on these two ships .

The one on Norwegian Viva is also 1,375 feet long (about 420 meters) and has many descents and ascents since it extends over 3 decks .

For safety reasons, the seed is limited to 27 mph (about 44 km/h) but I can guarantee you that it’s still a very fun track .

Frequently asked questions regarding go-karts on a cruise

I’ve noticed there are a lot of questions and concerns about go-karts on cruise ships. I will try to answer some of the most frequent questions. Let me know in the comments if you still have any doubts that I can help you with.

Do you have to pay for go-karts on cruise ships and how much do they cost?

Yes, you have to pay to use go-karts on cruises. The price for a single race on NCL is 15$. Alternatively, you can purchase an Unlimited Pass for 199.95$.

How tall do you have to be to go-kart on Norwegian?

The height requirements are a minimum of 55 inches (1.40 meters) and a maximum of 82 inches (2.08 meters).

What is the weight limit for NCL go-karts?

The weight limit is set at a maximum of 265 pounds (120 kilograms). There’s no minimum weight requirement.

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12 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

When you board a cruise ship, the items you bring with you in your carry-on might be the only possessions you can access for the entire first afternoon you're on board.

Why? Typically, when you arrive at the pier, you give your larger suitcases to the porters, who bring guest luggage on board en masse for the crew to deliver to your cabin door. Your bags might not arrive until later in the day — or even that evening — especially if you're on a larger cruise ship carrying six or seven thousand passengers.

If you're a smart cruiser, you carry on everything you need for check-in and the first day on board — plus emergencies. It's better to come prepared, so you can make the most of those first hours on the ship, either relaxing by the pool or enjoying the ship's public spaces. Plus, should the unthinkable happen and your luggage never arrives, you'll be as prepared as possible.

For smooth sailing on embarkation day and the rest of your trip, always pack these 12 items in your cruise carry-on bag.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Travel documents, passport and ID

It's crucial to have all your boarding documents organized in a wallet-style case or in a clear or manila folder that's easily accessible when you arrive at the cruise terminal. The check-in process should be mostly seamless, so you don't want to be fidgeting around looking for everything when it's your turn to step up to the counter.

You should also keep your passport or another form of ID, such as a birth certificate and driver's license, as required by your cruise line, with your cruise documents, as you'll need to show those at check-in.

Other documents you'll want to carry on to avoid misplacing include your travel insurance information (especially the phone number for emergencies) and confirmations of any restaurant reservations and tour bookings you made through the ship or independently.

Paper copies are helpful backups, especially when Wi-Fi is spotty, or your phone runs out of juice.

Medications, vitamins or supplements

If you or your family members take any regular prescription medications, vitamins or supplements, pack them in your carry-on bag. Even if you don't need them for the first 24 hours of your cruise, you don't want to risk losing them and going without them for the entire trip.

You should also consider putting together an emergency kit that includes pain relievers, antacids, bandages and other over-the-counter drugstore items for unexpected embarkation-day ailments. If you're prone to seasickness , you'll also want access to Dramamine, your motion sickness patches or Sea-Bands in case your luggage is delayed until after you set sail.

The shops on the ship won't open until after sailaway, and they might not have everything you need. (When they do, get ready for sticker-shock prices.) In that case, it's a good idea to pack a few extra meds for that unexpected headache or mild case of heartburn.

Cruise lanyard

If you prefer carrying your room key around the ship in a lanyard , toss one in your carry-on bag to put on and wear as soon as you receive your cruise card. You'll be ready to purchase cocktails, gelato, specialty coffees and other items around the ship without fumbling in your pockets for the card. You'll also be less likely to lose your card while you're juggling your carry-on luggage, cruise documents, phone and other items in the terminal.

Lanyards are a great idea for cruising kids, who aren't used to carrying around a wallet or ID. They'll need their cruise card handy to check in and out of the kids club and to get into your cabin when they run ahead.

A bottle of wine and a 12-pack of soda

Most cruise line alcohol policies permit you to bring Champagne or wine on board the ship. If allowed, pack a special bottle or two in your carry-on bag. Once you're in your cabin, you can request an ice bucket and ice from your cabin steward, so you can chill a bottle of bubbly just in time for sailaway. (Beware of corkage fees on some lines if you'd rather bring your special bottle to dinner.)

For example, Holland America allows you to bring an unspecified but limited number of wine or Champagne bottles on board for your cruise. There is a corkage fee applied to each bottle. Royal Caribbean has a two-bottle maximum for wine and Champagne — with no corkage fee if you imbibe in your cabin.

A few lines also let you bring on a reasonable amount of bottled water, soda or other nonalcoholic beverages in sealed packages. Typically, they ask that you carry these items on board with you.

Holland America permits a limited amount of drinking water in cans or cartons, but no soda or energy drinks. Plastic bottles are not permitted on the ship. If you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, you can bring a 12-pack of nonalcoholic beverages (in cans, cartons or bottles) on board in your carry-on luggage. Carnival Cruise Line 's policy is nearly identical to Royal Caribbean's — except only cans and cartons, not bottles, are allowed.

Poolside essentials

If your vacation goals are to relax, catch some rays and sip tropical drinks poolside for the next week or more, then have those pool items ready to go once you're on board. You might even bring a lightweight beach bag or tote filled with pool essentials such as your swimsuit, sunglasses, a cover-up, a collapsible straw hat, a travel-size bottle of sunscreen, flip-flops and that good book you've wanted to read. Towels are provided on board, so no need to bring your own.

Workout gear and a set of headphones

If you're ready to stretch your legs after a long flight and get in some exercise time at the gym , pack a pair of athletic shoes, socks and workout gear in the bag you bring on the ship. Don't forget to pack a set of headphones to listen to your favorite tunes on your smartphone while running on the treadmill or lifting weights.

If you're cruising with children , you'll want to toss entertainment and snack options in your carry-on to keep them happy in the check-in line and on the ship until the rest of the luggage arrives.

These items could include portable video games, books, favorite snacks, coloring books or a cuddly naptime toy. You don't want a meltdown to kick off your cruise, so make sure you're prepared to make the little ones happy once you're on the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with babies and toddlers, pack extra diapers, wipes, sippy cups and other necessary gear in your carry-on, so you have everything you need for the afternoon and evening in case your luggage arrives late.

A change of clothing

If you're still waiting for your bag to arrive just before sailaway or at the dinner hour, it won't be a problem if you've planned ahead and packed a change of clothing in your carry-on. It can be something as simple as a pair of shorts and a fresh shirt or a sundress and sandals, but it's still nice to change out of your travel clothes before heading up to the pool deck for a celebratory glass of Champagne or going out for dinner on the first evening of your cruise.

An extra set of clothes is also useful to have on hand in the rare event that your luggage gets lost or goes missing for longer than the first night. If you truly get stuck without your bags, you'll have a spare outfit so you can wear one while washing the other.

Electronic devices and chargers

Whether you're traveling with a laptop, tablet, e-reader, gaming device or just your family's collection of smartphones, it's advisable to keep your electronic devices with you so they don't get lost, stolen or damaged.

Once you arrive, you might need to charge one or all of your devices, so keep the chargers and their cords in an organizer or pouch in your carry-on bag. A portable phone charger is also a great idea to bring on vacation, especially if you'll be using your smartphone as your camera during your cruise.

If you do have camera equipment, keep it secure in either a camera bag or in your carry-on luggage and bring it with you on the ship. It's one more thing to have to carry on board, but you don't want your investment to get damaged or lost before you start your vacation. Plus, you don't want to miss out on first-day photos.

Toiletries and hair items

If you'll need personal items like body wash, shampoo, moisturizer, eye drops, hairbrushes and hairspray to freshen up before leaving your cabin, bring them with you in travel-size containers in your carry-on bag. Some people prefer their own products to those available on the ship.

This is especially important if you arrive at your ship after an overnight or early morning flight, and really need to brush your teeth or put in your contacts once you make it to the ship.

Jewelry and other valuables

While it's not advisable to travel with expensive jewelry, you likely want to glam it up while on your cruise. Even costume jewelry can be pricey, so keep it with you in the luggage that you carry on board.

Once you're settled in your cabin, you can lock up your jewelry, passport, wallet and other valuable items that will fit into the safe. Some rooms have modest-size safes, and others can accommodate a small laptop. If the size of your in-room safe is a concern, check with the cruise line before you sail.

Bottom line

What you do or don't pack in your cruise carry-on can make or break the first day of your vacation — and potentially the rest of the trip if your luggage goes missing or gets damaged. Follow our packing tips, and you'll be well-outfitted for all the fun awaiting you on board your ship.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
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• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
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• Great Stirrup Cay
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• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
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• Spring Break Cruise Deals
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• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
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• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Luggage and Baggage Rules for Taking a Cruise (How Much Can I Bring?)

How much luggage can I bring on a cruise? Can I bring shampoo? Can I bring drinks or alcohol? What about food? Will my bags be searched?

If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might have a number of questions about what you can — and can’t — pack for a cruise. The good news? The rules surrounding cruise luggage are far simpler and more straightforward than what you’ll find on a flight .

In fact, you can think of the rules surrounding your luggage as more similar to traveling to a hotel versus traveling on a flight.

Still, if you’re taking a cruise, chances are you’re going to pack a little more than a toothbrush. So you no doubt have a few questions about luggage and baggage on the ship.

We’ve rounded up answers to some of the most common questions…

In This Article...

How much luggage can I bring on a cruise?

The best news about packing is that there is no (reasonable) limit on how much you can bring on a cruise . Most cruise lines “encourage” or “suggest” each passenger to limit luggage to two suitcases, each one less than 50 pounds. In addition, you can also bring carry-on luggage (more on that in a moment).

While there are no strict restrictions on your checked baggage, you should keep a few common sense items in mind.

First, know that you have to get all your luggage to and from the cruise ship. If you are flying, that may mean extra fees for extra bags. And even if you are driving to the cruise terminal, you still have to carry (or arrange for someone else to carry) all that luggage.

We encourage people to pack reasonably. There is no harm in wearing the same thing twice during a cruise — many others will be doing just that. As well, every ship has laundry service if you need it.

If you are taking more than one piece of luggage and one carry-on to take a week-long cruise, then you are likely overpacking.

(Read:  12 Luggage Pieces Perfect For Your Next Cruise )

Are there baggage fees on cruises?

Unlike airlines, there are no baggage fees for the luggage you bring on a cruise. Bring what you want, as there is no extra charge.

That’s good news, but if you are flying to the port, remember that you could be charged by the airline for bags you bring on the plane. That’s another reason it’s smart to pack light if you can.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring?

Of course. You can’t bring weapons such as guns or long knives on board. If it’s even questionable (such as pepper spray), it’s best to just leave it at home. Scissors are also restricted.

More importantly, except for lighters, you can’t bring anything dealing with fire. Fire is the biggest risk on board a ship. For that reason, irons are restricted, as are candles and incense. Flammable liquids are also prohibited. If you think it could start a fire, it’s best to leave it at home.

Cruise lines also have restrictions on alcohol that you can bring on board. Most will let you bring some sort of wine or champagne, but only in small quantities. Beer or hard liquor are almost never allowed. Click here to read more about bringing alcohol on a cruise .

Prohibited items on cruise ships:

• Drugs (including marijuana and CBD, even if legal in the state you are sailing from)
• Explosives or fireworks
• Flammable items
• Beer/liquor
• Heat-producing appliances (curling irons/hair dryers are ok)
• Blades longer than 4″
• Hoverboards

What happens if I bring something that I’m not supposed to?

Accidentally pack something that’s against the rules? Expect it to be removed from your bag when found — that includes alcohol, weapons, or other items.

Depending on the cruise line policy and what you item is, it may be held and returned to you at the end of the cruise or it may just be confiscated. For that reason, we suggest being very careful about what you pack to avoid running afoul of the luggage rules.

If it’s an illegal substance that’s found, you may be getting a visit from law enforcement.

Can I bring a curling iron, hair straightener or a hair dryer?

In the humidity of a cruise, some people’s hair goes wild. We understand.

The good news is that while clothes irons aren’t allowed, you can bring things like a straightener, hair dryer or curling iron. You should definitely be careful, and not forget to unplug them when not in use (in fact, room stewards may do so if they see it left unattended when servicing your room).

As for hair dryers, you can bring one from home, but cruise cabins have these built in, similar to a hotel. They are small, but can get the job done for a few days of vacation. There is no real reason to take up the luggage space, unless you just can’t live without your specific hair dryer.

Can I bring food on a cruise?

If you have special dietary restrictions and want to bring special foods, then it’s best to contact the cruise line to get all the ins and outs of how to bring your food. One nice thing is that cruise lines can meet almost any dietary restriction you might have.

If you’re simply wanting to brings some snacks, then you are welcome to do so . One thing to keep in mind, however, is that a cruise will go to several different countries. That means customs officials worry about things like foreign pests and disease.

For that reason, any food you bring on board needs to be pre-processed, packaged, and unopened . You can’t bring homemade items. You also want to avoid fresh fruit and vegetables.

Does the “3-1-1” liquids rule apply to cruises?

The “3-1-1” rule is ubiquitous in airports. It’s the rule that you can only bring liquids three ounces or less in a one quart plastic bag, with one bag per passenger. The rule is a thorn in the side of many travelers.

For everyone’s sanity, this rule does not apply to cruise ships.  Bring shampoo from home or a bottle of hairspray or a full-sized tube of toothpaste. Just keep in mind that if you have to fly to the port, then you’ll still have to meet the guidelines on liquids for air travel.

Can I bring alcohol in my bags when boarding?

If you want to bring beer or liquor on your cruise, then the bad news is that these aren’t allowed to be brought on ships. If they are found, they will be removed and discarded. (You can buy alcohol in ports of call and bring it home, but it’s held for you until the end of the cruise.)

The good news? Most cruise lines do allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine or champagne .

The amount varies among cruise lines, but it’s usually one bottle (750 mL) per adult in a cabin. When you bring this on, just keep it in your carry-on luggage. You don’t want to put it in checked luggage where it can possibly be broken.

Can I bring non-alcoholic drinks on a cruise?

Yes, but only on some cruise lines. Major lines Carnival and Royal Caribbean have more relaxed rules that allow you to bring small quantities (usually 12 or fewer) drinks on board with you. Norwegian does not allow you to bring aboard drinks.

So if you want to have a Coca-Cola or juice and don’t want to buy it on the ship, then you can bring it with you as you board.

Note that not every cruise line allows this, so you’ll want to see if the specific rules for your line. We have a list of cruise line policies around non-alcoholic drinks here .

What about rules for carry-on luggage for my cruise?

When you arrive at the port, you will check your large luggage (unless you want to carry it all on). This luggage will be carted off, X-rayed, put aboard the ship, and then delivered to your room later that day. That entire process will take several hours.

For that reason, passengers are encouraged to bring some sort of carry-on that has anything you might need for the first few hours on the cruise ship — travel documents, passports, medications, allowed alcohol, toothbrush, your swimsuit, and maybe even a change of clothes for dinner.

This carry-on bag will stay with you and be run through an X-ray machine in the terminal, similar to an airport. You will then keep it with you as you board the ship.

Do I have to check bags over a certain size?

No. There is no rule that you have to check luggage. However, keep in mind that you will have to lug your carry-on items around the ship until your room is ready. If you check in early, that could be a couple of hours. Even a small bag can be a nuisance after that long.

There are some “official” restrictions on carry-on sizes, but we’ve found them to be less strict than with an airline and rarely enforced. As long as you can safely and easily move your bag, it should be ok to board with.

Will my bags be searched on a cruise ship?

All baggage brought on board the ship will be X-rayed. When you go through security you will set your carry-on bags on the x-ray machine like you’d find at an airport. Checked luggage is also X-rayed behind the scenes. Usually further inspection isn’t required unless the security staff finds something dangerous or prohibited.

When will I get my bags after checking them?

When you check your bags at the cruise terminal, they are taken, X-rayed, and then loaded onto the ship.

From there, the cruise line staff delivers your luggage directly to your stateroom the evening of your first night. Usually this will take a few hours.

It’s important that you bring anything you might need for your first night in your carry-on, including what you plan to wear to dinner. While most people will have their bags within a few hours of boarding, it may be until later that you get yours.

Can I bring CBD or marijuana in my luggage?

CBD is now seemingly everywhere, and rules around marijuana have relaxed (including full legalization in a number of states).

That said, these items are not allowed on cruise ships . Cruise lines follow federal law instead of state laws. As well, the items are prohibited in a number of countries, so the cruise line restricts you from bringing CBD or marijuana to comply with rules in any port you might visit.

It’s not a good idea to try and sneak them on either as we’ve seen stories of local law enforcement in some countries detaining passengers for these items.

Where do I put my suitcase in the cabin after I unpack?

There’s no arguing that cruise cabins are small and you might be wondering where to put an empty suitcase so that you aren’t constantly tripping over it. Fortunately cruise cabins do a great job of maximizing space.

There are closets in every cabin that can hold a suitcase or two. You can also store them under the bed so that you don’t have to worry about it taking up valuable space.

Now that you know about the luggage and baggage rules, see our list of 39 useful things to pack for your cruise .

Have a question about packing or luggage for a cruise that we didn’t answer here? Let us know in the comments below…

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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hello, my wife and I are going on our first cruise after 15 years, can we bring alcohol on the cruise and if so how much? and should we put it in our back pack or secured well in our suit cases. we are going Carnival. thank you

Carnival allows one regular sized bottle of wine or champagne per person.

Check out this article for more details: https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-alcohol-policies/

Does norweigian accept wheelchairs

Can you bring a miniature blender on board?

I don’t know where it would be against the rules, but it might get some funny looks.

Is locking your suitcase a bad idea?

I’d suggest not locking it just to keep things simple. If there is something valuable, just bring it as a carry on.

If I wanted to keep my luggage with me and not check it can I do that? I just want my items when I get to my room. Also can I roll it off at the end of the cruise so I do not have to wait for my luggage?

I will be on a Carnival cruise

Absolutely. In fact, that’s what a large portion of people do as they are the first to debark.

Can I bring a skateboard to use when on shore trips?

Do they have free water bottles on the cruise , Will I need to bring them or order them before I get on ship? I will be going on a carnival ship. Size of luggage to bring

Not free, but you can order them. It’s $10 for a 12 pack of water.

Can my carry on be a rolling bag? If my memory serves me right, Carnival didn’t allow rolling bags as carry ons. (It’s been a few years.)

Yes, I do it every cruise!

Hello: can I travel with 2 guitars, a suitcase and a carry on for a transatlantic cruise?

That shouldn’t be a problem.

Are cruise allowed to break security seals on my shampoo etc?

I’m still unsure about the allowed dimensions of the carry on bag. We would each like to carry the traditional size case allowed on flights as cabin luggage which fits in the overhead lockers. Is this ok

Absolutely. There is no real limit on carry-on. You can bring on a full-sized suitcase. Most people just check large bags because it’s much easier than having to carry them onto the ship.

can we check in 2 pieces of luggage and a garment bag? Also, can we bring a handheld steamer for clothes?

Yes, you can bring the luggage and garment bags. Steamers are typically prohibited. There is laundry service on the ship if needed.

I need to take two largish boxed items with me to Florida on Sky Princess from Southampton on 29 Oct 2022. As normal we also have two suitcases. The boxed items weigh 15pounds and 36 pounds respectively. I have phoned Princess and was reassured the bit of boxed extra luggage would be ok. Please reassure me it is!!

If the cruise line says Ok, then that should be plenty of assurance. I see no reason to worry.

What are the limitations on a one way cruise/relocating to a new home? Can you just bring whatever will fit in your room? Musical instruments? Snorkeling equipment? Martial arts gear?

Well there are some reasonable bag limits. If it looks like you’re packing up for a move, then expect the cruise to ask about all the bags.

Is rubbing alcohol allowed on carnival cruise ship

We’d think that if it were sealed and unopened (and a small amount) it should be fine.

Am I allowed t take paracetamol caskets in my cases along with voltrrol and rubbing creams ,I have Rhumatoid Athritis and need extra over the counter meds to add to my prescription meds

Not sure what those are, but OTC medications are fine.

My husband and I both use CPAP machines. We will be driving to embarkation port, doing a cruisetour (land portion after ship) and then flying home. Can we bring the gallon of distilled water on with us? I would not need to take it back on the plane. Thanks!

Yes, that should be fine. Cruise lines make exceptions for the distilled water for this and for baby formula.

Thank you. I will be sure to take it along then.

I have a large framed shirt that someone is taking on a cruise ship toAuckland for me is this allowed ? Thanks Cushla

Should be fine. After all, cruise ships have art sales on the ship.

Can and much water can we bring on the cruise ship???

Depends on the cruise line. Carnival and Royal Caribbean allow 12 bottles. See more here: https://cruzely.com/bringing-water-or-soda-on-the-ship-carnival-royal-caribbean-princess-and-norwegian/

Can we bring pop on a cruise? Sone say yes some say no…. some say carry on some say luggage. We’re travelling on holland cruises

Holland America is a little confusing because we found nowhere that it says you can or can’t bring on soda. Anecdotes on the Internet make it sound like bringing a reasonable amount on board with you is ok.

When it’s time to leave the ship at the end of the cruise what do you do with your larger checked bags? Do you just carry them out with your other belongings?

If you want, you can place them outside the cabin the night before you ship gets home. The crew will take them and they will be brought to the terminal for you. Many people, however, choose to carry them off themselves because passengers carrying all their belongings (and not waiting on luggage) are allowed to debark first.

Hi, any idea if we would be allowed to bring a gallon of soymilk (for our dairy allergic kid to eat with cereal as the ones they stock on ships are always sweetened already) on the boat? Thanks!

Typically you aren’t allowed to bring items that large. However, since it’s for dietary needs, then they will likely say it’s fine. I would call the cruise line and explain the situation. They will point you in the right direction.

where can you place your wine bottles

We suggest bringing those in your carry-on to avoid any breaking and leaking.

I read that on Princess you are allowed 1 750ml bottle of wine per person. What about those small, single-serve 187ml bottles? 750ml is about the volume of a regular bottle. Is the limit for “number” of bottles or the “amount” per person? 750ml is about 4 of those small ones. So, can I bring 4 small ones per person?? Thank you.

That’s a good question. It’s not something we’ve tried before. It will likely depend on the security staff at that particular port. We’ve found many are fairly relaxed on rules; they just want to make sure you aren’t bringing anything dangerous.

This is an odd question, but being an introverted crafter I would like to bring supplies to help me decompress during down times. I was wondering if pliers are acceptable – I make chains similar to rosary chains (no cutting, just bending and twisting; no waste). Is there a length limitation or just not allowed.

Pliers are fine. In fact, knives up to 4 inches are allowed (but we’d suggest leaving those at home).

Pliers that were in his carryon bag were taken away from my husband when we boarded Norwegian Breakaway February 2020 in New Orleans.

Hello I was wondering if it would be acceptable to use a water bottle as a container? My hair conditioner comes in a very large jug so I was thinking about pouring it into a water bottle. But, it seems there could be a few misunderstandings in doing this. Would it be alright?

There’s no rule against the type of container, but as you mention, it would likely be questioned. What about travel bottles? Those that hold a few ounces are perfect for a cruise.

I was wondering if carry on luggage is checked? Like do they just put it through the x-ray machine or just be like “oh it’s carry on, you’re good to go.” Do they x-ray it just like they do with the other checked luggage?

Yes, everything is x-rayed just like at the airport.

Can you take CBS oil tablets on ship

We assume you mean CBD oil? We’d leave it at home. There are a quite a few complications about the legality and it’s not worth the risk.

This will be my first cruise, and I was wondering if you can check a duffle bag as luggage, or am I going to have to treat it as a carry on?

You’re going to have a blast. On a cruise, you don’t have to “check” any luggage. You can if you want so that you don’t have to carry it, but you can also just carry it on yourself. It’s not like a plane where there is only a certain amount of room.

Will items be pulled out of carry on such as vapes and e liquid?

Vaping and e-cigarettes are allowed on ships, but like regular smoking, it’s limited only to certain areas. So there’s no real reason for the security team to pull out the items. That said, they do have the right to inspect anything you’re bringing on the ship.

Are contact solutions allowed

Yes, they are.

Where should I pack the water bottles I’m allowed to bring? They will be unopened and still sealed in their plastic. Also- should I put my cigarettes in my carry on or luggage? I am driving down so I won’t go through airport.

It’s usually best to carry these items on with you if you can. That way they don’t have the potential to bust and soak other people’s bags.

Is the carry-on allowed along with a purse? In other words, they don’t count a woman’s purse to be the carry on?

Carry-on is simply what you bring on with you. You can bring every bag with you if you want to carry it. There are no real limits like there are on airlines. For instance, we always “carry on” a full-size suitcase and backpack.

Can I have my splash, perfumes, lotion and accessories on my carry in bag??

Absolutely.

Am I able to bring a hair dryer, straightener and curling iron

Yes, although hair dryers are already provided in cabins.

What if your luggage is over 50 pounds what will happen to it

On a cruise? Nothing. The baggage rules are pretty lax. However, keep in mind that you will still need to carry it around on your way to the ship, so the lighter, the better!

Are people allowed to bring their scale on a cruise?

Like a bathroom scale? Sure, but keep in mind it might make you sad. There will also likely be scales in the gym if you don’t want to bring one.

Thank you very much!

Hello, was wondering where the best place to store my vape pen when going through cruise security would be. Can I put it through my checked luggage? Travelling with older relative that would disapprove and would rather not have to pull out my vape pen in front of her when going through security. Can i leave it in my bag without taking it out? Flew with an epi-pen and had to take it out of my bag and put it on the tray seperatly. Will that occur? Side note- old enough to smoke, young enough to be publicly chastised by elder. Thank you for you’re help! -Grace

Yep, you can put it in your checked luggage. Smoking is allowed only on certain parts of the ship… but it is allowed. Surprised you had to take it out at all — even in a carry-on. Edit: I see you had to take it out when you flew. Cruise security is more accommodating. If you don’t want to risk it, however, just toss it in the checked baggage.

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What You Can (and Can’t) Take From Hotels, Planes and Cruise Ships

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Travel etiquette explained

A pair of guests were recently caught on CCTV stealing a horde of amenities from a hotel in Wales – from towels and a kettle to an electric fan. While most people don't tend to commit such grand heists when traveling, even those smaller pilferages (from bath towels to pens and paper) aren't the perfect crime: hotels can and will deduct what you’ve taken from your credit card, while airlines may fine you if you’ve walked off with something you weren’t supposed to.

Here we investigate the murky grey area of what you can and can't take from airplanes, hotels, or cruise ships. Click through the gallery to find out more...

Can take: the plane amenities kit

Can’t take: the blanket

Who knows why you’d want to take a blanket that has been drooled on by countless other travelers, but a fair number of people do. In business class, some have even been known to take the duvet and/or the pillow.

Several airlines have now added announcements or leaflets, telling customers to leave theirs in their seat upon leaving the aircraft, while others collect the items from passengers before landing.

Can take: all the snacks

Unlike the minibar in hotels, the snack box on a plane is a glorious free-for-all. Maybe don’t tip the entire thing into your bag, but definitely hoard some of the chips and candy bars for later.

Can’t take: headphones

Can take: plastic flatware

These come in handy later on for takeaway meals or eating on the go while away on vacation. Also, if the flatware doesn't come in a sealed bag, any airline will assume that you’ve used them and likely bin them, even if you haven't.

They're definitely there for the taking.

Can’t take: proper silverware

Taking silverware or condiment holders such as salt and pepper shakers is a no-no (and this also applies on cruise ships). In the end, the customer is the loser because any losses incurred by the company tend to manifest in penny-pinching elsewhere.

Can take: wine and miniatures

Some airlines give you wine and spirits in bottles rather than pouring them straight into your glass. Many travelers will save a bottle or two for later, and that's perfectly fine – just ask the flight attendant, rather than trying to grab anything from the trolley.

Can’t take: wine that isn’t given to you

This includes taking anything from the galley without permission. It also includes decanting the sparkling wine from premium economy galleys into a separate bottle, which is frankly just crass.

Can take: plastic tumblers

We're not sure why you’d want to, but if plastic tumblers are your thing, then filch away. Or, better yet, reuse them when the drinks trolley comes around again and reduce the amount of plastic that's wasted on planes.

Can’t take: glassware and cups

As much as you may get attached to the Champagne flutes, cups or nice wine glasses in your hotel room (or on the plane), you can’t pop them in your bag to take home. These are things that you will definitely get fined or charged for.

Can take: hotel miniature bath products

When it comes to hotel rooms, miniature bath products are yours to keep. In fact, this goes for pretty much any portable item you can use for showering, moisturizing, or cleansing. However – it's possible to go overboard.

A pair of hotel guests were recently shamed on social media after their enormous stash of mini toiletries, tea, coffee, and food was discovered by housekeeping staff. 

Can’t take: products from the cleaning cart

It’s not strictly outlawed, but unless you are asking for extra teabags or sugar, it’s frowned upon to raid the housekeeping cart. The miniatures are designed for use within your room on a daily basis, so no tipping an entire tray of shampoo into your bag on the way out.

Can’t take: bathrobes

You can wear them, snuggle in them, and go to sleep in them as long as they don’t leave the confines of your room. Some hotels have taken to writing notes on the hangar allowing you to purchase them, but be warned, they will charge your credit card if you take your bathrobe without paying up first.

Can’t take: bed linen

Some travelers aren’t put off by the fact that thousands of people have slept on the same sheets and happily stash them inside their suitcases. Don't do it – you'll pay the price (which is usually outrageous).

Can take: pillow mints

This is pretty much the only thing on your bed that you are allowed to consume or take home. The same applies to the complimentary cookies by the tea and coffee making facilities, if there are any.

Can’t take: the mattress

You might think it goes without saying that you can't steal the actual bed, back in 2014, one lady was caught on CCTV trying to wedge a double mattress from a Premier Inn in the UK into the elevator. Needless to say, she was not successful.

Can take: toilet paper/tissues

Super handy when you're on the go on vacation, toilet paper is usually fine to take, as long as you don't go overboard. This goes for tissues from the dispenser too.

Can take: tea bags/coffee/milk

Unless it’s expressly part of the minibar, tea bags and coffee provided are generally free to take. Be wary when it comes to pricier items such as Nespresso and other coffee pods, though, as these may not be included.

Can’t take: electrical items

It doesn’t matter how small the kettle is, you can’t pack it away to take home with you. Hairdryers usually aren’t a risk because they're often nailed to the wall, but a surprising number of people will also attempt to steal lamps and other gadgets.

In fact, a couple were recently caught on CCTV at a hotel in Pembroke Dock, West Wales pilfering everything from a lamp to an electric fan and TV remote. You're unlikely to get away with it and, bottom line, it's illegal.

Can take: magazines

This is a topic of contention but taking a magazine with you is generally OK, because it's left for your consumption – and it will likely soon be replaced with a new edition anyway. Maybe avoid taking the whole pile, though.

Can take: postcards

If they are clearly there for you to write a message to loved ones back home, by all means, take them. You can also pin them on your fridge as a reminder of your trip.

Can’t take: curtains

People have actually been known to unhook curtains from the room and stuff them into their suitcase – some years ago, a woman was caught on surveillance video as she was making several trips up and down the hallway, removing curtains, an iron with an ironing board, rugs and even a television from the room. Don't even think about it.

Can’t take: artwork

Some travelers might think it’s okay to nab the artwork or steal photo frames from a hotel room or cruise-ship cabin. But, as artwork – like the curtains – are part of the interior decor of the room, it’s not allowed at all.

It's pretty much certain that your credit card will be charged for the missing items.

Can take: welcome flowers

Some hotels may leave you with a couple of fresh flowers to welcome you into the room. You’re welcome to take these with you, although we’d rather not imagine what they’ll look like after being stuffed into a carry on.

Can’t take: plant pots

If you've got grand plans to smuggle that decorative plant pot from your hotel room or corridor, we'd suggest you think again. There's no question about it: that's stealing.

Can’t take: full-sized products

Most hotels or cruise ships have notices saying you will be charged for taking full-sized products, so just stick to using them in your room. And it’s definitely frowned upon to take the hand wash on a plane.

Can take: slippers

Cruise ship or hotel slippers are the only piece of clothing you can usually take, and if you’re lucky to stay in a room with waffle-fabric slippers and cushioning, you’ve hit the jackpot. However, be warned that some hotels have started charging for their slippers, so make sure there are no notices inside the room, in the wardrobe, or in the info leaflet.

Can’t take: towels

The most stolen item from hotels and cruise ships isn’t bathrobes, but towels. It’s so rife that, in 2019, Nimble Technologies created fabric tags with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking chips that can be sewn or put into bed linen and towels, remote controls, and even lamps.

Recently a TikToker named Téja Renée also sparked an online debate  when she reprimanded her friend for taking hotel towels – most of her followers agreed that this was crossing a line. Make sure you leave yours in your room.

Can take: stationery

Hotel and cruise ship stationery is perfectly fine to pilfer, but make sure you aren’t taking any of the leather binders the sheets may be tucked into. Similarly, pens are a grey area – many people take them, so hotels that don’t want to lose money in this area tend to provide pencils.

Can't take: the Bible

The Bible you find in your bedside dresser has most likely been provided by The Gideons International, a Christian organization that expects their donation to have a six-year life span. In fact, the organization estimates that a quarter of travelers thumb through the Bible in their hotel room, so leave yours behind for the next guest. 

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