A contentious debate is unfolding among cruise ship passengers regarding the etiquette of using elevators with luggage, particularly on busy days like disembarkation.
Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman stated that while passengers are permitted to bring luggage into ship elevators, consideration for limited space and fellow travelers is paramount. "When it comes to traveling, space is a priority," Gottsman told Fox News Digital. "You always have to think about the people that are going to be around you."
To manage luggage on busy mornings, Gottsman suggests passengers can leave larger suitcases outside their cabins the night before for crew members to collect. "When possible, it's always best to keep your suitcases to a minimum when getting on a crowded cruise ship elevator," she advised.
For those who prefer to manage their own bags, Gottsman added that they should be prepared to handle their luggage independently. Planning ahead is particularly crucial on embarkation and disembarkation days. "We know when we're getting off a cruise ship, it's going to be busy," she said. "Everyone is getting off the same cruise ship. So you have to plan in advance."
Carnival Cruise Line's policy notes that checked baggage service concludes two hours before a ship's scheduled sailing time. Passengers arriving after this cutoff are responsible for bringing their own bags aboard. \n
Gottsman also recommended allowing passengers to exit before boarding and waiting for a less crowded elevator if one is already full. Priority should be given to passengers with mobility issues, and those with substantial luggage should be prepared to wait their turn. "Don't just charge on with your luggage," she cautioned.
The discussion gained traction on social media platforms like Reddit, where a passenger's experience of being criticized for using an elevator with rolling suitcases sparked widespread commentary. Many users defended the practice, arguing that elevators are often the most practical means of transport across multiple decks. One commenter stated, "I always hand-roll my luggage off. I always use the elevator. I'm not hauling my bags up and down stairs."
Others countered that utilizing the ship's luggage delivery service is intended to simplify the disembarkation process for all passengers. "The whole point of the luggage delivery is to make it easier for everyone," one user wrote.
Cruise industry projections indicate a continued rise in passenger numbers, with an estimated 38.3 million people expected to travel by ship in the current year, surpassing the record set the previous year. \n
