11 MSC Cruise Luggage Rules: What You Can & Can’t Bring

If you’re getting ready for your MSC cruise, one of the most important things to understand is the luggage policy.

Knowing what you can bring, what you should pack in your carry-on, and what is not allowed onboard can save you time, stress, and potential issues at the port.

Here’s a complete breakdown to help you pack the right way before your MSC cruise.

1. Luggage Allowance Per Person

MSC has specific limits on how much luggage you can bring.

Each guest is allowed:

• Two checked suitcases per person (maximum 23 kg each)

• Two carry-on bags per person

There is also a cabin limit:

• No more than 100 kg total luggage per cabin

• Maximum of 8 pieces per cabin

Any luggage exceeding these limits may not be accepted at check-in.

2. What to Expect on Embarkation Day

When you arrive at the port, your checked luggage will be taken and delivered directly to your cabin.

However, your bags may not arrive until later in the day.

Luggage delivery typically happens:

• Late afternoon to early evening

Because of this, it’s important to pack a carry-on bag with everything you’ll need for the first part of your cruise.

3. What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

Your carry-on bag should include essential items you may need before your luggage arrives.

This includes:

• Travel documents and passport

• Medications

• Personal identification

• Electronics

• Jewelry and valuables

• A change of clothes for the evening

Important Tip:Anything valuable or fragile should always be kept in your carry-on, as MSC is not responsible for damage or loss of these items.

4. Items You Are NOT Allowed to Bring

MSC has strict rules about prohibited items.

You are not allowed to bring:

• Alcohol or most beverages

• Weapons or firearms

• Sharp objects like knives or scissors

• Flammable or explosive materials

• Items with heating elements such as irons, kettles, or hot plates

• Open flames such as candles or incense

If these items are found, they will be confiscated and may not be returned.

5. Important Food and Beverage Rules

Guests are not allowed to bring most food or drinks onboard.

This includes:

• Homemade food

• Open or partially consumed items

The only exception is:

• Dry, packaged, commercially sealed food

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6. Special Rules for Drones

Drones are allowed onboard, but there are restrictions.

• Drones cannot be used on the ship

• They must be stored safely in your cabin

• They can only be used off the ship where permitted

If used onboard, the drone will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.

7. Illegal Items and Controlled Substances

MSC has a strict zero-tolerance policy.

Guests are not allowed to bring:

• Illegal drugs

• Controlled substances, including medical marijuana

Violation of this policy can result in denial of boarding or removal from the ship.

8. What You DON’T Need to Pack

Some items are already provided onboard.

You can leave these at home:

• Pool towels

• Hair dryers

• Basic toiletries

Additional items like sunscreen and personal care products are also available for purchase onboard if needed.

9. Luggage Tips for Boarding and Disembarkation

Before arriving at the port:

• Label your luggage with the tags provided with your cruise documents

• Hand your luggage to MSC staff at the terminal

At the end of your cruise:

• You will receive luggage tags and instructions

• Place your luggage outside your cabin the night before departure

• Your luggage will be delivered to the terminal for pickup

10. Lost or Damaged Luggage

If your luggage is lost or damaged during your cruise:

• Report it immediately to Guest Services onboard

• Complete the required luggage form

If the issue happens after your cruise:

• Report it at the terminal before leaving

• Submit documentation to MSC customer service

Compensation may be available, but it is limited:

• Up to €100 per damaged item

• Up to €600 per lost item

11. Traveling by Air with Luggage

If you are flying to your cruise:

• Check your airline’s baggage rules separately

• Airlines may have different size and weight limits

If your luggage is lost during your flight:

• The airline is responsible

• MSC may assist in helping track and deliver your luggage to the ship when possible

Final Thoughts

Understanding MSC’s luggage rules ahead of time helps you avoid delays, extra costs, and unnecessary stress.

Packing smart, following the guidelines, and preparing your carry-on properly will make your embarkation day much smoother.