Random question about bags to check at the port

[sadiecatie]

Is it a bad idea to check soft-sided bags at the port? Like a weekender bag? Just thinking about baggage plans on our upcoming Alaskan cruise - I will have a hard-sided carry-on and a soft weekender bag, and was thinking about checking both at the port and taking a smaller backpack as my carry-on until we get into our rooms. But should I be worried about stuff in my weekender getting damaged (or the bag itself) if I check it?

This is the kind of bag I'm talking about:

 

[scrappinginontario]

It depends on what you put in it. I would only check it if you're okay with it possibly getting damaged or a lot of weight piled on top of it. I would use the same measurement that I use when checking a bag at the airport. Checked luggage anywhere can take a beating.

 

[kiford]

Very bad idea. They pile tons of bags and anything in it might get damaged. I'd only check a hard sided or a substantially sized bag that can withstand a bit of weight. PrincessShmoo has a photo that will tell you all you need to know.

 

[sadiecatie]

Hmm, ok...I think the call then may be to expand my suitcase and transfer some stuff into it ahead of time so I have room for wine in the weekender (and, ya know, not as much weight/bulk) The trouble of trying to do carry-on-only for a 10 day vacation.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

PrincessShmoo has a photo that will tell you all you need to know.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

so I have room for wine in the weekender

I'll just point out that any beverages you bring onboard must be in your carry on bags, not checked.

 

[sadiecatie]

I'll just point out that any beverages you bring onboard must be in your carry on bags, not checked.

I know - if I had a backpack as a carry-on, it would be in that. I'm saying I'd take the weekender as my carry on instead.

 

[MichelleCanada]

This was from our cruise on the Magic in April 2023.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

This was from our cruise on the Magic in April 2023.

Ooooo.. a new photo! May I add it to my files?

 

[MichelleCanada]

Ooooo.. a new photo! May I add it to my files?

Sure!

 

[kateandy08096]

I personally wouldn't do it. My husband once packed his clothing in a hard sided Rubbermaid container. To his defense we were in WDW for 2 weeks then the cruise for 5 days however nothing was damaged

 

[hrhdhd]

I would check it, although I would take off the shoulder strap.

I don't know why the photos horrify people. It's luggage. It's designed to protect the stuff that's in it, and won't be treated like glass by airline employees or cruise ship employees.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I would check it, although I would take off the shoulder strap.

I don't know why the photos horrify people. It's luggage. It's designed to protect the stuff that's in it, and won't be treated like glass by airline employees or cruise ship employees.

Except OP is asking about, basically, using a cloth bag as checked luggage.

AND, I've had hard-sided bags damaged by rough handling, so it's not so protective.

 

[hrhdhd]

Except OP is asking about, basically, using a cloth bag as checked luggage.

AND, I've had hard-sided bags damaged by rough handling, so it's not so protective.

I've checked plenty of duffels and soft-sided stuff. And yes, luggage gets damaged. That's why I'm not sure why the photo is horrifying--it's how luggage is treated.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I've checked plenty of duffels and soft-sided stuff. And yes, luggage gets damaged. That's why I'm not sure why the photo is horrifying--it's how luggage is treated.

Sadly, there are people who don't understand this. They need a visual to learn. Some people this may the first time they've actually traveled requiring baggage handling by others.

 

[kiford]

I've checked plenty of duffels and soft-sided stuff. And yes, luggage gets damaged. That's why I'm not sure why the photo is horrifying--it's how luggage is treated.

Yes, but the smaller the bag if it's soft-sided the more likely it and its contents are to get damaged. Luggage (i.e., not small carry-on type bags) are designed to be more protective than those smaller bags. I would definitely not check the type of bag OP showed. It will get completely squished.

 

[sadiecatie]

I mean; I guess I could also just move stuff so that it’s all soft/clothes in there and put anything I’m concerned about in the hard sided case or my backpack. I just don’t know that I want to carry that bag with me if it’s a while until we get into our room

 

[starry_solo]

I mean; I guess I could also just move stuff so that it’s all soft/clothes in there and put anything I’m concerned about in the hard sided case or my backpack. I just don’t know that I want to carry that bag with me if it’s a while until we get into our room

Put clothes in the weekender, items that could be damaged in the hard suitcase, and wine in your carry-on (along with a swim suit so you can use the pools/slides, if you want to, before going to the room)

 

[hrhdhd]

Yes, but the smaller the bag if it's soft-sided the more likely it and its contents are to get damaged. Luggage (i.e., not small carry-on type bags) are designed to be more protective than those smaller bags. I would definitely not check the type of bag OP showed. It will get completely squished.

Eh. Anyone who packs a Ming vase in a checked bag gets what she gets. A bunch of T-shirts and shorts will be fine.

 

[Dug720]

Another cautionary word about soft-sides checked luggage… If someone else breaks the rules and checks wine (or some other beverage NOT allowed to be brought on board) and it gets broken and leaks and your soft-sides bag is next to their bag, your stuff is now at best wet and smelling of wine or at worst damaged by said wine.

Yes, DCL officers will track down the offending bag’s owner and that person will have to pay for repair or replacement of all damaged bags and their contents or face removal (I overheard this on one cruise where the offending bag’s owner was 2 doors down and got super loud about it), but it will take a while to get your stuff cleaned - and if it has to be replaced that can only be done in the on board shops once they open.