If you’re taking your first cruise or even your fifth figuring out what to do with your luggage at the terminal can feel a little unclear. I recently posted a TikTok video breaking down exactly what happens at the cruise terminal, and one of the most popular follow-up questions was:

“Where do I get my luggage tags?”

Let’s walk through it all, from how they work to when to attach them, plus the best way to protect them so they don’t rip or fall off.

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🧾 Step 1: You’ll Get Cruise Luggage Tags After Final Payment

Once your final payment is complete and your online check-in opens (typically 45 days before sailing), you’ll get access to your cruise documents. Inside that PDF or email? Your luggage tags, one for each guest in your cabin.

These tags include:

• Your name
• Ship name
• Sail date
• Stateroom number

They’re used to sort your luggage curbside at the terminal and deliver it directly to your room.

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🖨️ Step 2: Print Your Luggage Tags (Color Optional)

You do not have to print your tags in color. Black-and-white prints work just fine.

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✂️ Step 3: Fold and Attach the Tags But Not Until AFTER You Fly

Here’s a mistake I see all the time:
Travelers attach cruise luggage tags before heading to the airport.

🛑 Don’t do that.

• You risk the tags getting torn off during baggage handling.
• And more importantly, they list your stateroom number, ship, and travel dates . Info you don’t need strangers at the airport seeing.

Wait until you’ve arrived in your departure city, then attach them before heading to the terminal.

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🔒 Step 4: Use a Luggage Tag Holder (Recommended)

You can fold and staple your luggage tags to your suitcase handle, but paper and staples don’t hold up well in rain, humidity, or under pressure from stacked bags.

That’s why I always recommend these plastic luggage tag holders (they’re in my Amazon cruise essentials list).
✔️ They’re waterproof
✔️ Reusable
✔️ Designed to fit Royal Caribbean tags perfectly

Even if your bags sit outside in a downpour (YIKES!) your tag stays legible and secure.

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🆘 Forgot to Print? There’s a Backup Plan

If you forget your printed tags or need to check an extra bag last-minute, don’t worry. At the cruise terminal, they have blank luggage tag sheets that you can hand-write your name and stateroom number on. A porter will attach one for you.

Just know that printing ahead of time saves you time and stress. And ensures your bag goes to the right room.

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🔁 Recap: Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Luggage Tags

✅ You’ll get them after check-in opens (usually 45 days pre-cruise)
✅ Print them at home. Color is optional
✅ Don’t attach them until after your flight
✅ Use plastic holders to protect them (see my Amazon list)
✅ If you forget, terminal staff can hand-write one for you
✅ One tag per bag. Attach to the bags you’re checking curbside

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🧳 Bonus Tip: Only Tag the Bags You’re Checking

If you’re carrying on a backpack, rolling bag, or carry-on item — don’t put a luggage tag on it. You’ll walk those items onto the ship yourself.

Luggage tags are only for the bags you’re handing to porters at the cruise terminal entrance. You’ll see those again outside your stateroom later that afternoon.

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📌 Final Thoughts

This is one of those little cruise details that causes stress for first-timers but once you know the process, it’s easy to manage. Pre-print your tags, use a good holder, and enjoy the boarding experience without worrying about your bags.

You can find the luggage tag holders I use right here on my Amazon Cruise Essentials list.

Want more real-world cruise tips?
Follow me on TikTok at @charityky and drop any questions you still have about boarding day, packing, or how to cruise smarter.