The question all new cruisers ask

I find, the most frequently asked question by new cruisers, goes something like this :

How do I measure my luggage ? Do I measure it standing up, or laying down ?

Let me put forth a couple of analogies.... A 25' flagpole, is 25' feet, regardless whether it is laying on the ground, or standing erect. If you, are, say, 6' tall, you don't suddenly become 6' long when you go to bed. You are still, 6' tall.

So, when measuring your luggage, L( length ) is always the longest side. W (width) is the measurement across the top, parallel to the handle. H ( height ), is usually the shortest side. Across the top, perpendicular to the handle. It is also the total depth of your suitcase.

So, unless you purchased some sort of magical luggage that changes dimensions depending on its special relationship, allow me to restate :

Length ( L ) = the longest side of your luggage

Width. ( W ) = the side across the top, usually the second longest side, parallel to the handle.

Height. ( H )= usually the shortes side, measured across the top, perpendicular to the handle.. think of it also as the depth of your luggage.

there it is in a nutshell.

16 Answers

Even for people who don't fly, carry on bags/small suitcases have to fit to go through the scanner when boarding the ship.

In order to get to the ship terminal, many passenger have to fly.

The luggage measurements question came up soooooo often on the Carnival forum. I think "cromp", "crustybucket" and a few others just clicked auto reply. LOL Big Smile

Can I ask how you did that? I need that for a 7 day cruise. I am dreading packing for our 15 night transatlantic cruise in April Nervous

I don't think I've ever measured my luggage!

Yep!

Some questions will only get the "HUH?" answer....Wink

I can't tell you how many times someone will ask, " Do I measure my luggage standing up on its wheels, or lying down on the bed ? ".

The first time I saw it, I scratched my head wondering if the poster had ever taken a geometry class. But then it kept popping up. Either they didn't understand the diagram, or they never went on a cruise.

If you are checking the piece of luggage, just worry about the 50 lb weight limit ( +/- ). This only applies to carry on. And even then, you don't have to worry about length. It does have to fit in the scanners at the terminals. Hint: if it was small enough for an airplane, you're good to go. If you didn't fly in to the cruise terminal, then work off the above info.

enjoy your cruises

I pack light....so was never an issue. I did 6 weeks of land sea trip in Europe with just one checked bag and my carry on.

Hey, you wanna bring a big a$$ steamer trunk, by all means do so. But remember, it ain't gonna fit under da bed. Wink

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