Hard or Soft-sided Luggage?

Question

I've been hearning different things, but which is preferred to take on a Carnival cruise? My mom and I are going in May to the Eastern Caribbean for 8 days. I have a rolling 28" case I was planning on taking, but there's also a large rolling suitcase that I can used that collapses and can fit under a bed if need-be.

Answer 1

Either one has it's advantages.  Your cabin steward will store the hard one for you, just ask.  like the one poster stated take extra luggage, or bag, you will need the space for the stuff you bring home from the different ports or on board shops.

Answer 2

it depends if you are going to be taking (or buying) anything fragile...

if not then as above soft is the way to go

if you are, well it pains me to say the crew, and shore side staff, are not the gentlest when handling the pags, they get thrown left right and center when being loaded and unloaded from the ship... so a hard case does have its advantages...

Answer 3

Hints for luggage for cruises.

- Less is better.  There is limited storage room.

- Mark the handles of your luggage with brightly colored yard, tape or plastic flags.  It will make it easier to see during debarkation. There will be a sea of black luggage in the cruise terminal.

- Pack your valuables, breakables, meds and anything you will want before midnight in your carry-on bag.  It can take many hours to get your luggage delivered to your cabin and they are not gentle in handling it.

For our family of 4 (3 females, 1 male), we combine clothes into two of the very large rolling cases, 1 small rolling case for shoes, 2 garment bags and 2 carry-ons.  1 carry on for valuables and a second carry on with 1 change of clothes each in case luggage gets lost...

My girls usually pack a collapsed duffle bag to haul back all of the stuff they buy while in port.

Answer 4

My 28" had not trouble fitting under the bed. All the suitcases fir inside each other and I was able to hide them for the week.

Answer 5

If you have a collapsable luggage and can fit all your stuff in it. Take that one!!! The rooms are tiny and youll be glad you did:)