A fight over elevator space

Cruise passengers are arguing about whether wheeling a suitcase into a crowded ship elevator is practical or rude, especially on disembarkation morning when thousands leave at once.

The expert says yes, but

Texas etiquette expert Diane Gottsman says bags in elevators are allowed, as long as you think about the people packed in beside you.

“When it comes to traveling, space is a priority.”

Hand your big bag over

Gottsman points to the obvious out: leave the large suitcase outside your cabin the night before and let the crew move it. Keep what you carry to a minimum.

Carnival draws a line

Carnival stops checked baggage service two hours before sailing. Show up after that and the bags are yours to haul on board yourself.

“Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board.”

Plan for the crush

Everyone gets off the same ship on the same morning. Gottsman says let people exit first, wait for the next car if one is full, and expect to wait if you have extra bags.

“Don't just charge on with your luggage.”

Mobility comes first

Riders who need the elevator to move at all should get priority. One commenter described strangers being rude to their mother while she was on a scooter for her back and knees.

Reddit sides with the cruiser

A first-timer was scoffed at riding from Deck 14 to Deck 5 with rolling bags. Commenters backed them, asking how else you move luggage down nine decks.

“I'm not hauling my bags up and down stairs.”

More people, tighter squeeze

The Cruise Lines International Association projected 38.3 million passengers this year, up 4% on last year's record 37.2 million. The elevators are not getting bigger.