Packing for a Norwegian cruise is pretty straightforward, but there are a few rules to keep in mind so your embarkation day is a breeze. They generally allow two checked bags per person, each with a 50-pound limit, which is pretty standard. Just remember to keep your essentials and any medication in a small carry-on, as it can take a few hours for your main bags to show up at your stateroom door. It’s all about packing smart so you can start relaxing the moment you step on deck.

What Is Norwegian Air Luggage Allowance And Fees?

When you’re flying with Norwegian Air, the most important thing to know is that they are a “pay-for-what-you-need” airline, so your luggage allowance depends entirely on the ticket you bought. If you went with the cheapest LowFare option, you’re only allowed one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you overhead bin space isn’t even included unless you pay extra. For most other tickets like LowFare+ or Flex, you get that under-seat bag plus a standard carry-on for the overhead locker. It’s always a smart move to weigh your bags at home because Norwegian is known for being quite strict; if your carry-on is over the limit, they’ll likely charge you a hefty gate fee to check it into the hold.

Baggage Breakdown & Fees:

• Under-Seat Bag (All Fares): Must be 30 x 20 x 38cm or smaller.
• Overhead Cabin Bag: Standard size is 55 x 40 x 23cm.
• The “Online” Hack: Always add extra luggage through their website at least 4 to 6 hours before your flight to save money.
• Heavy Bag Fees: If your checked bag is over 23kg, they charge an excess weight fee of roughly €12–€15 per kilo ($13–$16).

What Are Norwegian Airlines Ticket Types?

When you’re booking a flight with Norwegian Air, you really have to pay attention to the ticket types because they operate on a “choose what you use” model. They generally offer three main tiers: LowFare, LowFare+, and Flex. The basic LowFare is their “bare bones” option it’s usually the cheapest, but it only covers your seat and a small bag under your feet. If you want a carry-on for the overhead bin or a checked suitcase, you’ll end up paying extra. Most people find that the LowFare+ is the “sweet spot” because it bundles in a checked bag and seat selection for a better price than adding them separately. If your plans are a bit shaky, the Flex ticket is the way to go since it’s the only one that’s fully refundable and lets you change flights without those annoying extra fees.

What Is Norwegian Airlines Cabin Baggage?

When you’re packing your cabin baggage for a Norwegian Air flight, the most important thing to keep in mind is that they focus more on the weight than just the size. Everyone gets to bring one small bag that goes under the seat in front of them, but whether you can use the overhead bins depends entirely on your ticket. If you’re on a budget LowFare ticket, you only get that one under-seat bag, and if you try to sneak a larger one into the overhead locker, they’ll likely spot it at the gate and charge you to check it. For those with a bit more of a “plus” or “flex” fare, you get both, but you still have to be careful with the scales since they combine the weight of both bags.

Cabin Bag Rules At A Glance:

• Under-Seat Bag (All Fares): Max 30 x 20 x 38cm. It’s perfect for your laptop, meds, and essentials.
• Overhead Cabin Bag: Max 55 x 40 x 23cm. This is only included for LowFare+, Flex, and Premium tickets.
• Weight Limits: This is the tricky part!
• Dubai Exception: If you’re flying to or from Dubai, the total weight limit is strictly 8kg because of aircraft weight restrictions.
• Shopping Bonus: You’re allowed to bring one airport shopping bag in addition to your ticket’s bag limit.

What Is Norwegian Airlines Checked Baggage?

Each bag has a standard weight limit of 23kg (50 lbs), and if you go over that, they’ll hit you with excess weight fees for every extra kilo. Your ticket type is what really matters here: LowFare+ includes one bag, while Flex or Premium tickets usually give you two. If you’re on the basic LowFare, nothing is included, so you’ll want to pay for your bags online at least six hours before your flight to avoid the much higher airport prices.

Checked Bag Essentials:

• Weight Limit: Stay under 23kg per bag. Anything between 23kg and 32kg is considered “excess” and costs roughly €12–€15 ($13–$16) per kilo.
• Size Max: Bags shouldn’t exceed 250 x 79 x 112 cm with a maximum circumference of 300 cm.
• The 32kg Hard Cap: For safety reasons, they won’t accept any single bag that weighs more than 32kg (70 lbs).
• Online v/s Airport: Adding a bag at the airport can cost double what you’d pay online always handle it through the app or website ahead of time.

Norwegian Airlines Excess baggage 

With Norwegian Airlines, there is a limit of 2 checked bags and 1 small checked bag per passenger. If you wish to travel with more luggage than this, excess baggage fees will apply.

The charge for excess baggage is £11 per kilo for a single leg of your journey.

If when you arrive at the airport your hand baggage exceeds the standard baggage limits, you will be charged for it to be stored in the hold – £50 for domestic flights and £85 for international flights.

What Are Norwegian Airlines Sports Items?

When you’re bringing sports gear on Norwegian Air, you have to treat it as “special baggage” rather than just a standard suitcase. For instance, bikes have to be in hard cases with the pedals off, and diving tanks must be completely empty.

• Booking Tip: Always pay for sports items online (usually around €35–€60) because airport desk fees are significantly higher.
• Skis & Snowboards: You can actually bring two bags (one for skis/board and one for boots) as long as their combined weight is under 23kg.
• Bicycles: These must be in a protective hard case. Electric bikes are a big “no” because of the batteries.
• What’s Allowed: This includes golf bags, fishing rods, surfboards, diving gear, and even vaulting poles (though poles usually require a travel agency booking).

What Are The Customs & Entry Requirements?

When you’re flying with Norwegian Air, navigating customs and entry requirements is really about being prepared for the specific laws of your destination, as the airline itself is quite strict about documentation. If you’re heading to Norway or other Schengen countries, your passport usually needs at least three to six months of validity remaining beyond your stay. For those outside the EU/EEA, you’ll also need to keep an eye on the new ETIAS authorization or visa requirements depending on your nationality. Once you land, customs are generally smooth if you’re honest about what you’re bringing; for instance, Norway has very tight limits on alcohol, tobacco, and even certain food items like potatoes or meat from outside the EU. Keeping your meds in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription is a huge time-saver if you get pulled aside for a bag check.

Conclusion

Packing for a Norwegian cruise in 2026 is all about knowing which “Norwegian” rules you’re actually following. If you’re heading straight to the ship, the policy is pretty generous allowing two checked bags per person at 50 pounds each though in reality, porters rarely count your suitcases as long as you’re tipping. However, if you’re flying Norwegian Air to get to the port, you’ll need to be way more careful with the scales, as they are famously strict about combined weight limits and overhead bin space.

FAQ

Q.1 What Is The Baggage Policy For Norwegian Cruises?

Ans: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) allows each guest to bring two pieces of checked luggage, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs per bag, plus one carry-on bag.

Q.2 Do Norwegian Airlines Include A Carry-On?

Ans: Included in your hand baggage: One carry-on bag free-of-charge. One small personal item to be placed under the seat in front of you (e.g. a small handbag or slim laptop case).

Q.3 What Is Low Fare Luggage In Norwegian?

Ans: Norwegian Airlines Ticket Types Important update: Norwegian airlines LowFare option allows ONLY one under-seat bag which weighs no more than 10kg and measures no more than 30x20x38cm.

Q.4 Is A Backpack Considered Hand Luggage?

Ans: Yes, provided it falls within the size guidelines on the airline’s website, you can use a backpack as a personal item or carry-on bag.

Also Read: Norwegian Cruise Deals – Free at Sea & Last-Minute Offers