Finding your perfect cruise ship luggage pieces
As cruise travelers, we want sturdy, long-lasting suitcases and bags that are easy to transport and withstand the heavy handling by airline and the cruise line baggage handlers. We also want our luggage to look good, be comfortable, and offer flexible packing options with plenty of compartments and pockets for our travel essentials.
We have listed our favorite luggage set in our essential cruise item list, but luggage does deserve a little more focus. After all, there are many options depending on what type of traveler you are. Often the very minimum we cruise with is one large checked suitcase plus a smaller piece of carry-on cabin baggage containing items such as travel documents, medicine, and a few spare items of clothing. Should our checked luggage go missing, the items we bring in our carry-on will be our lifeline for at least a day or two.
And with the mention of missing luggage, a trackable device attached to your suitcase to quickly locate your bag is a good idea.
When visiting different destinations, you may want to include a backpack or a popular cross-body bag for your shore excursion. You will need to carry your passport, wallet, smartphone, cruise card, and other essentials such as sun cream, a water bottle, and a waterproof jacket.
How we have chosen the cabin luggage pieces below
We travel as a family of four. Two adults and two children. Often our parents join us. And we all have different needs and therefore not the same type of luggage. When contemplating the best bags to buy, the decision is based on a combination of cost and need. Read on to find out which pieces are best for you and your cruise travel companions.
Best cabin luggage
Top of the list for me is a sturdy hard case with great wheels, easy access, and lightweight. The full-zip interior divider and cross straps for easier packing are a plus.
Best-seller cabin luggage
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On
- Spinner wheels for easy mobility
- Hard shell, long-lasting and robust
- Lightweight casing in a variety of holiday colors
- 10-year limited warranty
- Side-mounted locks for security
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A budget 2-piece cabin luggage set
If you travel less frequently, choosing a less expensive luggage set can make a lot of sense. Maybe you want luggage that will be used once or twice a year.
2-piece budget luggage set
Rockland 2-piece Budget Luggage Set
- Great value for infrequent travelers
- Light-weight with two front pockets
- Size standing: 20″ x 13″ x 7.5″ (with wheels)
- Smaller bag: 13.5″x 11″x 5″
- Telescopic handle
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Stylish 3-piece travelers set
Travel in comfort and style with this beautiful 3-piece luggage set that will last you for years to come.
Stylish 3-piece travelers set
Hardside Expandable, Spinner (3-Pieces)
- Expandable luggage in a choice of colors.
- Includes a carry-on, boarding tote, and a travel kit toiletry case
- Spinner wheels for smooth mobility
- Light and durable hard shell
- The tote bag attaches to your cabin luggage
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Kids’ 5-piece luggage travel set
A bright, fun, and durable set of kids’ luggage! Choose from various vibrant colors that make it easy to spot the bags on the baggage carousel.
5-pice luggage set for kids
Travelers Club Kids Luggage
- Keep your kids organized with their own luggage set
- Hardside carry-on luggage, 15″ backpack, 10″ lunch bag, neck pillow, and luggage tag
- Fun, durable, and in vibrant colors so they are easily identifiable
- 4 wheels and telescopic handle
- Glides easily for kids to use
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Vintage-style suitcase set
Splash out when it’s all about style for your cruise vacation with this vintage-style luggage set, a perfect gift for your cruising partner!
Combining style & function
Urecity Vintage-style Suitcase Set
- Travel with the elegance of the Victorian era
- Lightweight, durable material with an aluminum alloy framework
- 4 spinner wheels for easy mobility
- Fun vintage colors to choose from
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Our favorite hardshell checked luggage
Best hardshell checked luggage
Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage
- Eight 360-degree spinner wheel
- Large packing capacity
- 100% Polycarbonate hard shell with built-in lock
- Divider panels and accessory pockets
- A variety of vintage color choices are available
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Soft side large checked luggage
If you prefer soft-sides luggage rather than a hard shell, this expandable roller luggage from SwissGear is hard to beat. With a handy zippered wet bag includes, it’s the perfect case to take on your cruise vacation
Best soft side checked luggage
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage
- Available in a choice of colors and sizes
- 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels
- Removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items
- Reinforced, comfortable, padded top handle with an integrated side and bottom handle
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Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Small Crossbody Bag
This beautiful anti-theft small crossbody bag from Travelon is one of our favorite crossbody bags on the market. Excellent quality, and durable with room for all smaller items needed on a shore excursion; it is also fitted with anti-theft hidden panels and locking zippers.
Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Travelon Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
- Cotton and canvas material with a 5-year warranty
- Lightweight and practical to wear over your body or shoulder
- Hidden slash-resistant stainless steel mesh body panels
- Locking zippers
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Crossbody Sling Backpack / Daypack
A fantastic crossbody backpack that looks good and holds everything you need for touring your port destinations. Comfortable, lightweight, and sturdy, this backpack comes in many colors. Pick the one that suits you best!
Ideal for cruise port visits
Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack
- Separate compartments inside for smaller items
- Easy access to your earphones
- Perfect for shore tours and outings
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Waterproof Dry Bag
If you plan on a beach excursion or water sports such as swimming with dolphins, kayaking, or a snorkeling adventure, this water dry bag will keep all your valuables secure and dry. We think this one’s a winner!
Waterproof dry bag
Waterproof Dry Bag
- Certified waterproof 2-liter bag
- Multifunctional dry bag for any outdoor activity
- Touchscreen access to your phone
- A detachable and adjustable shoulder strap to wear it crossbody or as a backpack.
- Hidden earphone hole for easy access to your earphones
- Zipper closure with external mesh pockets for your water bottle
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