What Is The MSC Luggage Policy?

When it comes to MSC, their luggage policy is actually quite generous, but they do have a “cap” on the total weight to keep things manageable. Each person is technically allowed up to two suitcases and two pieces of hand luggage, but the big thing to watch is the weight limit of 23kg (about 50 lbs) per bag. Even if you’re traveling as a group, they usually want the total weight in a single cabin to stay under 100kg. Like most lines, I always recommend tagging your bags before you even get to the pier; it saves a ton of time and ensures your gear actually makes it to your room by dinner. Also, MSC is pretty strict about drones and “smart” recording devices, so leave the high-tech spy gear at home!

MSC Luggage Essentials:

Checked Bags: You can bring up to two bags per person, ideally not exceeding 90 x 75 x 43 cm.
Carry-ons: You’re allowed two small bags (think 56 x 45 x 25 cm) for the overhead scanners.
Prohibited Items: They are very firm on no alcohol, iron/steamers, or drones. Surprisingly, though, they usually allow hair straighteners.
Beverage Policy: Unlike some other lines, MSC generally prohibits bringing any outside drinks (even soda or water) unless it’s for medical or infant needs.
The “Naughty Room”: If they find a banned item during the X-ray, they’ll hold your bag at security and you’ll have to go claim it (and explain yourself).

What Is The MSC Cruise Luggage Limit & Weight Indications?

When it comes to packing for an MSC cruise, the main thing to keep in mind is the “23kg rule.” Each passenger is allowed to check in up to two suitcases, and each one should stay under 23kg (about 50 lbs). This weight limit is really important because it’s set for the safety of the crew who handle your bags. You’re also allowed two pieces of hand luggage, which have the same weight limit but need to be small enough to fit through a standard X-ray machine. Just a heads-up: even if you’re a heavy packer, they usually cap the total luggage in a single cabin at 100kg (220 lbs) or 8 total bags.

Checked Bags (x2): Max weight is 23kg (50 lbs) and dimensions shouldn’t exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm.
Hand Luggage (x2): Max weight is 23kg (50 lbs) and dimensions must be within 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
Cabin Total: The combined weight for everyone in one room shouldn’t go over 100kg.
Flight Disclaimer: If you’ve booked a “Fly & Cruise” package, remember that your airline’s weight limits are often much stricter than the ship’s usually closer to 20kg.
Prohibited Items: They will scan for items like irons, kettles, and drones, so leave those at home to avoid your bag being held at the security desk.

What Is Forbidden To Bring On Board MSC?

Their biggest “no-go” is outside drinks unlike many other cruise lines, you generally can’t even bring a single bottle of wine or a six-pack of soda. Everything is scanned at the terminal, and if they spot something forbidden, they’ll hold it at security until the end of the trip. It’s all about safety and following strict international maritime rules, so keeping the high-risk items out of your suitcase will save you a headache at check-in.

Quick “Leave it at Home” List:

Any Alcohol: No wine, beer, or spirits are allowed. They’ll even check mouthwash or lotion bottles if they look suspicious.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Water, soda, and juice are also prohibited (except for baby formula or medical needs).
Heat Sources: Leave the clothing irons, kettles, candles, and incense at home. (Standard hair straighteners and dryers are usually okay).
Smart Gear & Drones: Drones are allowed on board but must be kept in your cabin and never flown on the ship. “Smart glasses” are also banned in public areas for privacy.
Food Items: Fresh fruit, meat, or home-cooked snacks aren’t allowed. Only factory-sealed, dry snacks will make it through.
Weapons & Replicas: This includes pocket knives and even toy guns for the kids.

What Are The Luggage Restrictions & Forbidden Luggage Items?

When you’re getting ready for an MSC cruise, the main thing to remember is their “23kg rule” and their very strict stance on outside items. You’re generally allowed two suitcases and two carry-ons, with each bag capped at 23kg (about 50 lbs) for the safety of the crew. MSC is famously tough on prohibited items unlike other lines, they usually ban almost all outside drinks, including water and soda, unless it’s for a baby or a medical need. They also have a unique “smart tech” policy where things like drones or smart glasses are restricted or banned in public areas to protect everyone’s privacy. If you pack a heat-producing item like a travel kettle or iron, expect your bag to be held at the “naughty room” until the end of the trip. Keeping these rules in mind makes for a much smoother boarding process.

Quick Forbidden List:

All Outside Drinks: No alcohol, beer, soda, or bottled water (security will confiscate these).
Heat-Producing Items: Irons, steamers, kettles, and candles are strict fire hazards.
Drones & Smart Gear: Drones must be kept in the cabin; smart glasses (like Google/Meta) are banned in public areas.
Weapons: This includes pocket knives, scissors with long blades, and even realistic toy guns.
Illegal Substances: There is a zero-tolerance policy for all drugs, including medical marijuana or CBD products.

How Much Luggage Can You Bring On MSC Cruises?

MSC generally allows each person to bring up to two checked bags and two pieces of hand luggage. Each individual bag should stay under 23kg (about 50 lbs) to ensure the crew can handle them safely. If you’re traveling with family, keep in mind that they usually cap the total luggage per cabin at 100kg or eight pieces total. It’s plenty of space for most, but just remember you’ll need to store those suitcases in your room.

What Is The Luggage Policy For Disembarkation Day?

On your final day, you essentially have two choices: the “easy way” or the “fast way.” If you want the easy way, you’ll leave your tagged bags outside your cabin door the night before usually by 10 PM or midnight. The crew collects them overnight, and you’ll pick them up in the terminal after you walk off the ship. If you’re in a rush to catch a flight, “Self-Assist” is your best bet; you keep all your bags in your room and carry them off yourself as soon as the ship is cleared.

What Items Are Prohibited In MSC Luggage?

When you’re packing for an MSC cruise, it’s best to keep it simple and skip anything that might raise a red flag at security. They are much stricter than other lines, especially about drinks outside alcohol, soda, and even bottled water are generally a no-go and will be taken at the pier. They also keep a close eye on fire hazards, so anything with a heating element needs to stay home. If security finds something they don’t like, they’ll hold it in the “naughty room” until you disembark, which is a hassle nobody wants on vacation.

Banned From Your Bags:

Any Beverages: No wine, beer, spirits, or even soda and water (except for baby formula or medical needs).
Heat Sources: Clothing irons, steamers, kettles, candles, and incense are strictly forbidden.
Smart Tech & Drones: Drones are allowed but must stay in your room (never flown on board). Smart glasses are banned in public areas for privacy.
Electrical Gear: Extension cords and surge-protected power strips are fire risks standard hair straighteners and curlers are usually fine, though.
Sharp Items: Large scissors and knives are out; stick to small nail scissors or a basic razor.
Food Items: You can bring factory-sealed, dry snacks, but anything fresh, homemade, or perishable will be tossed.

Conclusion

MSC 2026 luggage rules are essentially a “pack smart, play by the rules” situation. While they’re generous with the 23kg-per-bag limit, the zero-tolerance stance on outside drinks even a single bottle of water is where most people get caught off guard. The real game-changer this year is the strict ban on smart glasses like Ray-Ban Metas in public areas; you can bring them, but keep them in your cabin to avoid a run-in with security. Just stick to the “factory-sealed snacks only” rule and you’ll breeze through embarkation without any awkward trips to the naughty room.

FAQ

Q.1 What Is Not Allowed On MSC Cruises?

Ans: MSC Cruises prohibits items like firearms, illegal drugs, explosives, flammable materials, open flames (candles, incense), weapons (knives, pepper spray, drones, nunchaku), and most food/alcohol (except small packaged snacks/allowed wine).

Q.2 How Much Luggage Can I Take On An MSC Cruise?

Ans: Two suitcases per person* (not exceeding 90x75x43 cm in size and 23 kg in weight per bag) two pieces of hand luggage per person* (not exceeding 56x45x25 cm in size and 23 kg in weight per bag).

Q.3 Can I Bring A Backpack And A Suitcase On A Cruise?

Ans: Yes, you can absolutely bring a backpack and a suitcase on a cruise.

Q.4 Can I Bring Bottled Water On An MSC Cruise?

Ans: Non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda and juices, are prohibited to be brought on board either as carry- on or checked luggage on both embarkation and port days.

Also Read: MSC Military Discount: Complete Guide for Active & Retired Service Members