Key Aspects:
- Carnival Cruise Line does not permit collapsible wagons to be used at embarkation or debarkation, even in ports of call.
- Similarly, they may not be used onboard ships due to safety constraints and damage to the decks and architecture.
- Guests can bring such wagons aboard but must carry (not wheel) them off for use only in ports.
Are you a chronic overpacker? Do you feel better bringing all your luggage onboard with you on a cruise? It can be challenging if you have a lot of carry on items, but a small, collapsible wagon could make it easier to lug bags around.
Unfortunately, wagons are not permitted on Carnival cruise ships at the times when they might be most useful. This includes embarkation and debarkation, as well as when going to and from the ship at ports of call.
One guest has reached out to the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, to better understand the reasoning and why wagons can’t be used onboard.
“We used to take a small folding wagon to check in and walk around the ship until we could access our rooms. We don’t carry a ton on, but some things you have to carry on (like soda, medicines, etc.). It ends up being more than I can carry,” the guest explained.
A wagon could make it much easier to bring multiple bags up the sometimes lengthy gangways and onto the ship. This could be especially true for any guest who also brings aboard their preferred soft drinks or who might also have small children.
“Our last cruise, I saw that we can no longer use wagons,” the guest noted. “Are we able to take wagons through the check in process and onto the ship? It would make boarding so much easier on this body of mine.”
The answer Heald offered, however, is not one the guest might have wanted.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that these are now strictly not allowed,” he said.
This is not a new policy, as collapsible wagons have been listed on Carnival Cruise Line’s prohibited items list since at least 2021. They aren’t actually 100% prohibited, however.
“They [can] be used in port but not carried or dragged around the ship,” Heald confirmed.
Wagons are listed under the “Items for Port Use Only” portion of the prohibited items list. This means guests may bring them aboard the ship, but may only use them while off the vessel at different destinations.
This policy further clarifies that wagons cannot be rolled on or off the ship either at the beginning or end of a cruise or while visiting ports of call.
“For the safety of our guests, the wagon cannot be rolled onto/off the ship during embarkation and debarkation and cannot be rolled off/onto the ship while in port,” the policy outlines.
Other cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, have similar restrictions on wagons.
Why Aren’t Wagons Allowed on Carnival Ships?
Heald further explained why wagons aren’t permitted, and it goes beyond just safety.
“They have been damaging the decks and some of the architecture as well as causing problems in other ways as well,” he said.
Different wagons use different materials for wheels. Some materials may scratch, scuff, or leave debris on the different flooring and deck materials onboard ships, especially after busy, sandy beach days.
Furthermore, if the wagons are carelessly bumped or crashed into corners, poles, railings, or doorways, that could create even more damage.
Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise
Heald does not offer details about what other problems wagons might cause. Depending on their use, however, wagons could easily take up excess space in already crowded elevators, injure other guests with bumps or squashed toes, or cause difficulties if they are “parked” in corridors.
So how can guests bring their essential items when they board the ship, if there is just a bit too much to tote?
The self-assist luggage option is always available and does not have size restrictions. Guests can (and I have!) bring aboard larger rolling bags, so long as they can manage the bags without help from crew members.
