Bring a Folding Bicycle on Your Cruise

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Make your next cruise a little more exciting and independent by bringing your folding bicycle with you.

Folding bicycles are popular with sailors due to the fact that they can fit them onboard a sailboat or yacht and then easily get around from the harbor to town for shopping or sightseeing. Well, a cruise ship is kind of like a giant yacht! Why not use your folding bicycle to get around at ports?

There is one issue with this lovely idea, and that is some cruise ship lines don’t allow bicycles of any kind on board. It is smart to call ahead and check to make sure your cruise allows bicycles before showing up with your expensive Brompton and being denied.

Many cruisers in the past have reported bringing folding or even regular bicycles on their cruises, or seeing others who did. It is worth it to call or email your cruise line to check their specific rules.

Taking a river cruise? These boats often have bicycles for their guests to use. Most of them do not allow you to bring your own bicycle as well though.

Put Your Folding Bike in a Bag or Case

Your cruise line might frown upon carrying the bikes “naked” onto the ship. But you might have better luck if you pack your Brompton, Bike Friday or Dahon into a carrying bag or suitcase. That way the bike is cleanly put away and does not have as much potential to get chain grease on the furnishings or bump against another passenger.

Here are some bags that can be used to carry folding bicycles. Check the specs to see if your bicycle will fit.

B&W International makes a hard sided wheeled case that fits a folded Brompton
Many folding bike users are fans of the IKEA Dimpa bag for carrying and covering their bicycle
This roomy bag is made to carry a Dahon but can be used for other brands too
A bag that zips up to cover your folding bike would be handy on a cruise. Check this one out.
Suitable for bikes with less than 20″ wheels, this sturdy bag also folds up into a backpack when not in use.
B&W also makes a soft sided carrying case for folding bikes.
This large bag can easily fit your folding bicycle and has room for a helmet too.
This folding bike slipcover protects your bike and surrounding surfaces
If you’d simply like an easier way to carry your folder, take a look at this shoulder strap

Cruise Lines That Allow Folding Bikes

Here are the cruise lines that currently do not forbid you to bring a folding bicycle as of 2018. Again, always check ahead before you bring unusual items onboard. Some cruises might allow you to transport the bike but not use it while others will not allow any bicycles onboard even if they stay in your cabin at all times. Others are happy to let you bring a folding bicycle with you and use it in ports.

P&O Cruises

Lovely! P&O Cruises states that you can indeed bring a folding bicycle onboard as long as you store it in your cabin. You can read their statement here.

Costa

Costa Cruises do not specify whether it is possible to bring folding bikes onboard. Check with them before your trip.

Holland America

Unfortunately Holland America lists bicycles under “prohibited items”.

Royal Caribbean

Bicycles are not mentioned in the forbidden items list so you might be able to bring your folding bike onboard Royal Caribbean. See the prohibited items list here.

MSC Cruises

MSC does not specify whether bicycles are allowed on their ships. Check with the cruise line to find out if you can bring your folding bike.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian currently does not prohibit bringing bicycles on board. Electric bicycles are not allowed due to the large battery. Since folding bicycles are not mentioned, I would check with NCL before attempting to bring your folding bike onboard.

Carnival

Regular bicycles are not allowed on Carnival ships, but folding bicycles with wheels less than 20″ are allowed only to be used in port. You can find the information here.

Cunard

Bicycles are not prohibited on Cunard ocean liners so you might be able to bring your folding bike with you. Most of their passages don’t have a lot of ports but you could use the cruise to transport you and your bike across the Atlantic. But check before your trip to be sure your folding bicycle is allowed.

Celebrity

Celebrity does not specifically prohibit bicycles onboard. You can view their policy here. Check with them to see if they will let you bring your folding bike on your cruise.

Princess

Bicycles are not allowed on Princess Cruises. You can view their prohibited items list here.

Disney

Disney does not allow any bicycles or scooters onboard except those that are required for mobility, such as wheelchairs. Check their policy here.

Again, this list is not definitive. Be sure to double check with your cruise line before attempting to bring your bicycle onboard as rules may change at any time.

Take a look at these 10 things you should NOT bring with you on a cruise. And be sure to check out our 10 useful things you should consider packing for your cruise here.

Trying to decide what to pack or looking for some new luggage? We have tips for luggage to use for your next cruise too.

love, GG

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