Are you looking for the best travel luggage for your next cruise? Not sure what size or type of luggage you should travel with? Ultimately, the best travel luggage for your voyage is durable, lightweight, large enough for your packing list but small enough to fit in your stateroom, and may vary based on your specific itinerary. Never fear, we’ve scoured the internet to share with you our top three picks for cruise luggage to make sure you can travel like a pro. So without further ado, let’s get started!

It’s important to keep in mind, most cabins are small and don’t have tons of storage space. For this reason, it is wise to consider how much luggage will fit in the cabin when deciding what suitcases or bags you should pack for your trip. While the closet is an obvious choice for luggage storage, many experienced cruisers stow their luggage beneath the bed- either way, check with your cruise line to make sure your favorite suitcase fits.

You’ll need to consider your itinerary and the type of cruise before deciding what luggage you should bring. Resort wear generally requires less space than jackets and layers for a cooler Alaskan cruise. You may need to consider a garment bag for formal wear or a light backpack if your trip is packed with excursions. Most cruise lines recommend that you bring no more than two bags and keep their weight under 50 lbs each, so you’ll want to assess your packing list for your cruise carefully.

In general, we favor rolling, lightweight, hard-sided suitcases with TSA locks. The optimal suitcase size for a 7-day cruise is between 22- 24″ (along with a carry-on bag). Bonus points if it is collapsible. Here are a few of our absolute faves.

1) The Carry-On Closet Plus by Solgaard

Weighing in at 9 lbs with its built-in six-shelf closet system, this hard-sided, 23″ spinner is perfect for the left-brained organizer. The polycarbonate shell is paired with a lightweight aluminum frame, making it virtually indestructible. It’s also waterproof, scratch-resistant, is equipped with a TSA-approved lock, and is backed by a 10-year guarantee. This unique design by Solgaard was recognized by TIME magazine as the Travel Invention of the Year in 2018.

2) The Bigger Carry-On by Away

New to the travel industry, Away’s luggage has been turning up on Instagram feeds and is a favorite of celebrities like Serena Williams. Away’s Bigger Carry On is a spacious 23″ hard-sided spinner equipped with a built-in charger and a TSA-approved lock. It’s lightweight, weighing in at 7.4 lbs, made of durable polycarbonate, and features an interior compression system to help you pack more in. As a bonus, Away also has a line of packable bags, so you can bring along a backpack or tote bag without sacrificing space.

3) Travelpro Maxlite 4

If you are headed on a more extended cruise, you might opt for a larger suitcase. This 29-inch, soft-side spinner pushes the limits of recommended storage size, but it weighs in at a super-light 8lbs and unzips to offer even more space when your souvenir shopping gets out of hand.

Bonus: The Crospack Suit Bag

The Crospack suit bag is the ideal way to transport your favorite formalwear. With a waterproof exterior, interior, dual buckle system for wrinkle-free clothing, and inside pockets for ties or shoes, this durable garment carrier will keep you looking stylish no matter where life takes you!

Pro Travel Tip: Baggage Transportation Service

When deciding on what to bring and how to carry it, keep in mind that whatever you do, you will be responsible for hauling your bags to the plane, train, or automobile you use to get to your cruise ship. One of the unsung benefits of working with a travel consultant is that they can schedule baggage service that will pick up your luggage at home and deliver it to your ship or destination.

In the end, luggage is a very personal choice. It’s there to help you pack your life up and head out for an adventure- but that means each bag will have its pros and cons. The luggage set that’s perfect for you may not be the one that’s perfect for someone else- but don’t worry, with so many choices out there, it will only take a few minutes to find exactly what you’re looking for!