What are cruise luggage tags? Do you need them? And, how do you attach cruise luggage tags?
Going on a cruise? You’ll need some cruise luggage tags! These tags are provided by the cruise ship before embarkation day, sometimes, they are mailed to you as adhesives, and other times you have to print them at home.
What are cruise luggage tags?
Luggage tags provided by cruise lines are special tags that you attach to your luggage before you get on a cruise ship. The tags have your name, cabin number, and location on the ship (AFT, FWD, or MID). They are color coordinated and will most likely have a spot for you to write your address on.
In the past, years ago, cruise ships would mail out cruise luggage tags. Now, with technology and the internet, you can print your luggage tags or have them delivered to your home before your cruise.
Many of the mainstream cruise lines have you print your own cruise luggage tags at home. The luggage tags are provided with your e-docs upon check-in.
Some cruise lines will mail them to you about two weeks before your sail date. You will experience this with Disney Cruise Lines and other luxury cruise lines.
Also, if you’re staying in a suite or retreat area of a cruise ship, like the Haven on Norwegian, the cruise ship tags are mailed to you then.
You can always call the cruise line to verify or ask questions after check-in. You may even be able to request the cruise luggage tags to be mailed to you but be aware that it may not be an option.
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In this article, we’ll go over some of the most asked questions, how to print them out and attach them, and the most popular cruise luggage tag holders on the market, so you can choose what works best for you!
Cruise Luggage Tags
Do you need cruise luggage tags?
If you’re sailing on a cruise, the answer is yes. All cruisers must-have luggage tags to board the cruise ship on embarkation day. The cruise lines must know where to drop your luggage off after you have dropped it off with a porter at the port before going through security.
What happens if you have to print the cruise luggage tags at home?
If you have to print your own cruise luggage tags at home, don’t worry, it’s easy! The cruise line will send you an email when your e-docs are ready. You will sign in to your account, look for your e-docs and click where it says “print cruise luggage tags.” A PDF will download, and you can print the cruise luggage tags home.
We have a few creative ways below on how to attach the printed luggage tags if you don’t want to purchase the holders.
Where should I attach my cruise luggage tag?
You should put the cruise luggage tag on the top handle of your suitcase. If you have a hardshell case, it’s best to put it on the side or front handle.
How do you attach cruise luggage tags?
You must attach the cruise luggage tags to your carry-on and checked bags. If you’re printing them, you’ll need to attach them by looping the printed luggage tag for your cruise through your suitcase handle and stapling it on the sides unless you purchase a cruise luggage tag holder suggested below in this article.
If the cruise line provides adhesive strips as luggage tags, you will also loop them onto the main handle of your suitcase and attach the adhesive strip.
Do cruise luggage tags have to be printed in color?
If you’re printing your cruise luggage tags at home, they should print them in color. Black and white printed cruise tags may make it more difficult for the cruise line to organize and deliver your luggage to your cabin.
What happens if you don’t own a printer?
If you don’t have a printer at home, you can try to print the cruise luggage tags at a local print shop or office supply store. You can also wait to get to the port to request them. However, if you are staying at a hotel the night before your cruise, you can ask the front desk to print it for you, or they’ll have a guest computer and printer for you to use.
Can I get luggage tags at the port?
You can get luggage tags at the port, but we don’t recommend it. It will add time to your check-in process.
There are many steps to preparing for a cruise, so check out how to prepare for a cruise next.
8 Luggage Tag Holders for Cruises
If you must print your cruise luggage tags before your cruise, you may want to make a small investment in luggage tag holders. The idea of stapling a piece of paper to your suitcase handle may make you feel uneasy as it is not the most solid way to attach your cruise luggage tags.
Should you purchase cruise luggage tag holders?
It’s not required, but we think it makes it easier. You don’t have to worry about ruined or lost cruise luggage tags.
We recommend the following luggage tag for the following cruise lines:
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Cruise
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- One Size Fits Most
All the tag holders below come with a waterproof sleeve to which you can slip your at-home printed cruise luggage tags. The stainless steel metal rings attach easily to your luggage handle. Seven out of eight of them are designed by Cruise On.
If you’re an avid cruiser with a particular cruise line, consider the cruise luggage tag holders a small investment.
1. Luggage Tags for NCL Cruise
Unless you’re cruising the Haven, you must print your tags at home and attach them to your luggage. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed for NCL luggage tags.
We purchased these recently before sailing on the Norwegian. They worked as advertised. Now, we are saving them for our next NCL cruise.
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2. Luggage Tags for Carnival Cruise
You will need to print your tags for a Carnival cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Carnival luggage tags.
Before you set sail, pack these essentials that will help make your cruise even more enjoyable. These items include everything from sun protection essentials to must-have medications. We also cover what not to pack for a cruise on our site.
3. Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean
You will need to print your tags for a Royal Caribbean cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Royal Caribbean luggage tags.
4. Luggage Tags for Princess Cruises
You will need to print your tags for Princess cruises. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Princess luggage tags.
5. Luggage Tags for Holland America
You will need to print your tags for a Holland America cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Holland America luggage tags.
6. Luggage Tags for MSC Cruise
You will need to print your tags for an MSC cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for MSC luggage tags.
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7. Luggage Tags for Celebrity Cruise
In the past, Celebrity has mailed luggage tags to us before our sail date on the Celebrity Equinox. However, this has changed; you may need to print your tags for a Celebrity cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Celebrity luggage tags.
8. Compatible With Most Cruise Lines
These one-size-fits-most tags are mostly compatible with most cruise lines.
Here are a few creative tips for attaching your printed luggage tags without luggage tag holders:
1. You can print them on cardstock paper instead of regular paper, this way the tags are slightly sturdier when you fold them on the sides and staple them to your suitcase handle.
2. You can laminate the tags at home or your nearby office supply store. Punch a hole at the top, and then use a plastic zip tie to secure it to your luggage tag.
3. Print them out and cut them to size into a long strip. Then use clear packaging tape on the front and back to make your own laminated tag at home. Once this is done, loop it around your luggage handle and staple it on the sides.
Whether you use cruise luggage tag holders or get creative by stapling them to your luggage’s handle, be sure you have everything you need before heading out on your cruise vacation.
These 8 luggage tags for cruises should cover most major cruise lines. If not, check with your specific cruise line for their requirements.
What creative ways do you attach your cruise luggage tags? Let us know in the comments!
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