Marella Cruises Luggage Policy
Marella Cruises packages operate primarily as all-inclusive fly-cruises from the UK to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and the Caribbean, alongside select cruise-only itineraries. While Marella Cruises does not charge shipboard luggage fees or set a strict numerical bag limit on the vessel, baggage rules are governed by your transit method. For fly-cruises, operating airline limits apply, whereas cruise-only departures depend on port terminal handling limits and stateroom space.
Marella Cruises does not charge per-bag fees or enforce a strict piece limit on board its ships, provided all luggage fits safely within your cabin. However, because most sailings are fly-cruises, checked allowances are bounded by your flight ticket-typically 20 kg per person on standard TUI Airways flights, plus a 10 kg hand luggage piece. Cruise-only guests should observe a 23 kg safe-handling limit per bag.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Marella Cruises includes cabin luggage delivery on all sailings without charging cruise-specific excess baggage fees. Total weight allowances on fly-cruises depend directly on the flight component booked through TUI UK.
What can change: Operating airline (TUI Airways charter vs. third-party scheduled carrier), flight seating tier, infant age, and embarkation port transfer setup.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the transport operator's stated order of dimensions. Measurements must include handles, pockets, and wheels when fitting in aircraft overhead lockers.
TUI Airways Fly-Cruise Hand Luggage
Published limit: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg
Standard charter flight leg on Marella fly-cruise packages
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
BaggageBase separates published cruise operator rules from aviation transit restrictions and practical dockside guidance.
Fly-Cruise vs. Cruise-Only Allowances
Marella Cruises voyages fall into two primary booking formats: fly-cruises and cruise-only sailings. The rules governing your hold luggage and hand baggage depend on your chosen route and transport package.
Standard Fly-Cruise Packages via TUI Airways
Most Marella itineraries include return flights operated by TUI Airways. When traveling on a standard TUI charter flight:
- Hold luggage: Each paying passenger (adults and children aged two and above) receives 20 kg of checked luggage.
- Hand luggage: Each passenger may carry one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10 kg, with maximum external dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. This bag must fit inside the aircraft overhead bin.
- Infants: Children under two years of age receive a 10 kg checked baggage allowance, in addition to one fully collapsible pushchair or car seat carried free in the aircraft hold.
- Premium cabin upgrades: If you book Premium seats on long-haul flights or select suite accommodations, your checked baggage allowance may increase to 23 kg or 25 kg as indicated on your booking invoice.
- Baggage pooling: Passengers on the same booking reference may pool their checked allowance on TUI Airways flights. However, no single suitcase may exceed 32 kg to protect airport baggage handling staff.
Fly-Cruises on Third-Party Scheduled Airlines
Certain Marella itineraries-such as repositioning cruises or sailings departing from long-haul ports-use scheduled services with partner airlines including British Airways, easyJet, or Emirates. On these bookings:
- The baggage allowance stated on your confirmation invoice and airline e-ticket overrides standard TUI Airways policies.
- Weight allowances, piece concepts, and excess luggage charges are governed strictly by the operating airline.
Cruise-Only Bookings (Direct Port Embarkation)
For travelers who arrange their own transport to the ship:
- Marella Cruises does not enforce a rigid numerical suitcase cap or charge shipboard excess weight fees.
- Individual bags must not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs). This limit complies with port authority and stevedore health and safety regulations for manual lifting.
- All suitcases brought on board must fit safely within your assigned stateroom without blocking doorways, safety exits, or corridors.
| Booking Category | Checked Hold Allowance | Hand Luggage Limit | Luggage Handling Setup | Excess Weight Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUI Airways Fly-Cruise (Standard) | 20 kg per person | 1 piece up to 10 kg (55 x 40 x 20 cm) | Direct bonded cabin delivery or coach transfer | Charged per kg by airline at airport desk |
| TUI Airways Fly-Cruise (Premium Tier) | 23 kg to 25 kg (as ticketed) | 1 piece up to 10 kg (55 x 40 x 20 cm) | Direct bonded cabin delivery or coach transfer | Charged per kg by airline at airport desk |
| Third-Party Scheduled Airline | Carrier-dependent (typically 20–23 kg) | Operating carrier dimensions apply | Reclaim at carousel, transfer to coach | Governed by airline carrier fee schedule |
| Cruise-Only (Port Embarkation) | No piece cap; max 23 kg per single bag | 1 bag for embarkation day essentials | Handed to dockside porters at terminal | None on ship; overweight bags must be repacked |
Embarkation Day Luggage Procedures
Baggage handling on embarkation day transfers your large luggage from port or airport arrivals to your stateroom corridor.
Luggage Tags
Before reaching the departure airport or port terminal, attach your official Marella luggage tags to every checked bag. These tags contain:
- Passenger full name
- Ship name (such as Marella Discovery, Marella Explorer, or Marella Voyager)
- Deck level and cabin number
Tags can be downloaded and printed through the online Cruise Control customer portal or extracted from your digital ticket pack. Fasten them securely through suitcase handles using staples or protective tag holders.
Port Handover and Bonded Transfers
- Bonded airport routes: On select charter routes (historically direct flights to destinations like Barbados), Marella runs a bonded luggage transfer. Checked bags handed over at the UK departure airport travel straight from the aircraft hold to your stateroom, bypassing the destination airport baggage carousel.
- Standard transfer routes: On most European and Mediterranean routes, you collect your hold bags from the carousel at the destination airport. You then wheel them to the designated Marella transfer coaches, where drivers load them into the coach hold. Porters unload them at the cruise terminal and transfer them onto the ship.
- Port terminal drop-off: For cruise-only departures, drive to or arrive at the terminal luggage drop zone. Hand your tagged hold bags directly to the terminal porters before entering the security hall for passenger check-in.
Cabin Delivery Timing
Suitcases pass through shoreside and shipboard x-ray screening before crew members distribute them to cabin corridors. Delivery begins in the early afternoon and continues through late afternoon and early evening. Keep essential items with you, as suitcases may not arrive outside your door until 18:00 to 20:00 on turnaround days.
What to Keep in Your Embarkation Hand Luggage
Do not pack travel documents or critical supplies into your checked hold bags. Keep the following items in your hand luggage throughout embarkation:
- Travel documentation: Passports, flight boarding passes, cruise boarding documentation, printed insurance policies, and any necessary health certificates.
- Medications: At least 72 hours of vital prescription medicines in original pharmacy packaging with prescription labels attached.
- Valuables and electronics: Cameras, laptops, tablets, chargers, mobile phones, fine jewelry, and cash.
- Day-one essentials: A change of clothes for dinner, swimwear, and sunscreen, allowing you to use onboard pools and dining venues while awaiting stateroom luggage delivery.
- Infant necessities: Formula, baby food, nappies, and comfort items required for the duration of travel.
Stateroom Storage and Suitcase Clearance
Once delivered, all suitcases must remain stored inside your cabin throughout the voyage. Marella ships do not provide a centralized luggage storage hold for guest bags during the cruise.
- Under-bed storage: Cabin beds across the Marella fleet feature an open-frame design with a vertical clearance of approximately 23 cm to 25 cm (9 to 10 inches). Standard hard and soft suitcases slide flat under the bed.
- Thick or rigid cases: If a large hardshell case does not slide under the bed closed, unzip it open like an open book and slide it flat beneath the frame.
- Wardrobes and shelving: Staterooms feature hanging wardrobe space with coat hangers, modular shelves, and small wall hooks for jackets or suit carriers. Nest smaller suitcases inside larger ones to maximize floor space.
Prohibited Items, Appliances, and Liquids
Shipboard safety and fire prevention rules are enforced across the fleet under international maritime safety regulations. Luggage is scanned before loading, and restricted goods will be removed and held by ship security.
Electrical and Heating Appliances
- Travel irons and clothes steamers: Strictly prohibited. Irons represent a primary fire risk aboard ships. Self-service launderettes with irons and ironing boards are available on select ships (such as Marella Explorer and Marella Voyager), and all vessels offer professional laundry and pressing services.
- Kettles and coffee makers: Strictly prohibited. All Marella staterooms include complimentary tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Personal kettles and immersion heaters are not allowed.
- Hair dryers: Staterooms feature built-in hair dryers. Personal hair dryers are permitted if in safe working order.
- Hair straighteners and curling wands: Permitted for stateroom use. They must never be left unattended and must be disconnected from electrical outlets immediately after use.
- Extension leads and surge protectors: Surge-protected extension strips are prohibited as they can damage marine electrical circuits. Standard, non-surge multi-adaptors may be accepted subject to inspection.
Alcohol and Beverage Policy
- Embarkation drinks: Marella Cruises operates on an All Inclusive basis. Guests may not bring personal supplies of beer, wine, or spirits on board at embarkation for cabin consumption.
- Port purchases and duty-free: Alcohol purchased during port stops or bought from onboard duty-free shops will be collected by security at the gangway. Items are tagged and stored safely, then returned to you on the final evening or morning of your sailing.
- Soft drinks: Modest quantities of non-alcoholic drinks, such as small packs of bottled water or specialty sodas for personal use, are permitted in carry-on baggage.
Hazardous Materials and Recreational Items
- Weapons and sharp objects: Firearms, replica weapons, ammunition, knives with blades exceeding 6 cm, flares, fireworks, and open-flame items like candles or incense are banned.
- Drones: Recreational drones may not be flown on board. If brought for shoreside use, they must be registered with ship security on embarkation day and kept in security storage during sailing.
- E-scooters and hoverboards: Lithium-battery-powered personal mobility devices (excluding certified medical mobility aids) are prohibited due to battery combustion hazards.
Medical Equipment and Infant Baggage
Marella Cruises accommodates medical necessities and infant travel gear, provided safety guidelines are observed.
Medical Equipment and CPAP Machines
- Advance notification: Contact the TUI Assisted Travel team at least 48 hours prior to travel to register essential medical devices such as CPAP machines, portable oxygen concentrators, or dialysis materials.
- Hand luggage carriage: Carry all medical equipment as hand luggage. On TUI Airways, certified medical equipment does not count toward your standard hand baggage weight limit.
- Water for CPAP devices: Demineralized or distilled water can be arranged through cabin stewards or customer service for medical equipment use.
Mobility Aids and Wheelchairs
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters must be declared at the time of booking.
- Corridor clearway rules: Maritime safety standards prohibit storing mobility scooters, walkers, or wheelchairs in passenger corridors or elevator lobbies. Equipment must be stored inside your stateroom. If your device cannot fold to fit through standard stateroom doorways, an Accessible Cabin must be booked.
Pushchairs and Car Seats
- Families traveling with young children may take a fully collapsible pushchair or car seat. On TUI Airways flights, this gear is checked into the aircraft hold free of charge in addition to standard allowances.
Disembarkation Luggage Procedures
At the end of your cruise, hold luggage is offloaded systematically prior to passenger clearance through port customs.
Final Night Luggage Placement
- On the day before arrival, your stateroom steward provides color-coded, numbered luggage tags and a disembarkation schedule.
- Complete your details on the tags and attach them to all large suitcases.
- Place tagged suitcases outside your cabin door between 22:00 and 23:00 on the final evening. Crew members collect them overnight and move them to the cargo hold.
Disembarkation Hand Luggage
Keep an overnight bag containing:
- Clothing and footwear to wear the following morning
- Toiletries and regular prescription medications
- Passports, flight tickets, and personal valuables
Terminal Baggage Claim
- After clearing the ship gangway on disembarkation morning, follow terminal directional signs to the baggage reclaim area.
- Luggage is sorted into zones matching your disembarkation tag color and number.
- Retrieve your bags, check tag names, and continue through customs to your airport transfer coach, personal vehicle, or onward transit.
Marella Cruise Baggage Checklist
Follow these steps to avoid airport luggage surcharges and port delays before your voyage.
- Confirm your operating flight carrier. Check your booking invoice to verify if your flight is on TUI Airways or a partner airline with different weight limits.
- Print your ship luggage tags in advance. Download tags from your online Cruise Control portal, fill in cabin numbers, and carry a stapler or luggage tag holders.
- Keep individual cases under 23 kg. Ensure every single piece of hold baggage remains within safe handling limits for dock porters and baggage staff.
- Pack embarkation hand luggage carefully. Place passports, cruise boarding documents, travel insurance, jewelry, and medications into carry-on bags.
- Leave prohibited appliances at home. Do not pack clothes irons, steamers, kettles, candles, or surge-protected power boards into any bag.
- Check stateroom door widths for mobility aids. Confirm that wheelchairs or mobility scooters fold compactly enough to store entirely inside your cabin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags can I take on a Marella cruise?
Marella Cruises does not place a limit on the number of bags you bring on the ship, as long as they fit in your stateroom. However, on fly-cruises, your allowance is limited by your flight ticket-typically one checked bag of up to 20 kg per passenger on standard TUI Airways flights.
Can I bring an iron on board a Marella cruise ship?
No. Travel irons and clothes steamers are strictly prohibited on all Marella Cruises ships due to marine fire regulations. Irons discovered during port security screening will be confiscated. Marella vessels feature self-service launderettes with irons on select ships, or you can purchase laundry pressing services.
Can I bring alcohol on board Marella Cruises?
No. Because Marella Cruises operates predominantly on an All Inclusive basis, guests may not bring personal wine, beer, or spirits on board at embarkation. Alcohol bought ashore or from the onboard duty-free shops is held by security and returned to you on the final night of your cruise.
What is the hand luggage allowance for a Marella fly-cruise?
On standard TUI Airways charter flights, the hand luggage allowance is one bag weighing up to 10 kg, with maximum external dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. If your fly-cruise uses a third-party scheduled airline, that carrier's specific carry-on dimensions and weight limits apply.
What happens if my suitcase exceeds 20 kg on a fly-cruise?
If your flight is operated by TUI Airways and your bag exceeds 20 kg without purchasing additional allowance in advance, you must pay the airline's per-kilogram excess baggage fee at the airport check-in desk. The cruise line itself does not charge excess weight fees, but the airline enforces its rules strictly.
Do I have to carry my own suitcases onto the ship?
No. Large suitcases are checked at the airport on bonded flight routes or handed to terminal porters at the port drop-off area. Bags are screened and delivered directly outside your cabin door on embarkation day. You only carry your hand baggage through terminal check-in.
What should I do with my luggage on the final night of the cruise?
Attach your assigned disembarkation tags to your main suitcases and place them outside your cabin door between 22:00 and 23:00 on the final evening. The ship's crew will collect your luggage overnight and transfer it to the terminal baggage hall for collection the next morning.
Baggage policies, weight limits, and security procedures can vary by departure port, transport provider, flight schedule, and booking confirmation. The operating transport company's official terms and conditions of carriage always prevail.
