Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage: A Rare In-Between Size for Cruise Travel

I have been looking for something very specific: a suitcase that lands between a typical carry-on and a medium checked bag. That size range is surprisingly hard to find.

Related: Antler Soft Stripe Review!

We have used Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on bags and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bags and have liked them very much. The 21-inch Maxlite is a great carry-on, and the 25-inch Maxlite has been our go-to checked bag for cruise travel. But there are times when a carry-on feels too tight and a full 25-inch checked bag feels like more suitcase than I want to take.

That is why I picked up the Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage. It has a rare middle-ground capacity: more useful packing space than a standard carry-on, but not as large as many traditional medium checked bags.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Why This Size Makes Sense

Most luggage jumps from carry-on size to a fairly large checked bag. That can leave a gap for travelers who want more room than a carry-on, but still want to keep things compact and manageable.

That middle size can be especially useful for cruise travel. Cruise packing often involves more than just clothes. You may be packing shoes, toiletries, formal night clothing, swimsuits, layers, electronics, chargers, medications, cruise documents and pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel items. A standard carry-on can get tight quickly.

At the same time, not every trip needs a larger checked bag. For shorter cruises, warm-weather itineraries, solo trips, lighter packing, or travel that includes trains, taxis and hotels, a smaller checked bag can be much easier to manage.

The Rare Middle-Ground Capacity

This is the main reason I bought this bag. The Antler Soft Stripe Medium is listed with a 74L packing capacity and a maximum expanded volume of 88L.

On paper, 74L is a really interesting target capacity. It gives you roughly 60% more packing capacity than a 46L carry-on without going all the way to a 90L+ checked bag.

For comparison, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on is listed at 46L, while the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag is listed at 91L. That makes the Antler Soft Stripe Medium much roomier than a carry-on, but still a step down from the larger checked suitcase we normally use.

Size Comparison

Why I Bought the Antler Soft Stripe Medium

The appeal here is simple: it gives me more room than a carry-on without automatically jumping to a larger checked bag.

That can be a really useful size for:

• Shorter cruises where carry-on-only feels too tight
• Warm-weather cruises with lighter clothing
• Fly-to-cruise trips where you want to keep checked luggage manageable
• European cruise travel where trains, taxis and sidewalks may be part of the trip
• Travelers who want a checked bag but do not want to overpack
• Anyone who likes the idea of a smaller checked suitcase with real packing capacity
• European travel, especially trips where you cannot quite get down to a single carry-on

Related: What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Key Features

• Medium checked luggage size – larger than a typical carry-on, but not as large as many medium checked bags.
• 74L packing capacity – useful middle-ground capacity for cruise and general travel.
• Expandable design – expands from 11 inches to 13 inches deep, with a listed maximum volume of 88L.
• Lightweight construction – Antler lists this bag at 5.29 lbs.
• Softside design – flexible for packing cubes, shoes, layers and travel extras.
• Four spinner wheels – designed for upright rolling and easy movement.
• Adjustable handle – height-adjustable handle for easier maneuvering.
• TSA-approved combination lock – built-in lock for added security.
• Exterior front pocket – handy for flat, non-valuable items you want accessible before checking the bag.
• Interior organization – includes internal pockets and a compression strap.
• Recycled polyester construction – Antler lists the outer shell and lining as recycled polyester.

Specs at a Glance

Note that specs can change, check out the product page for current info.

Why a Smaller Checked Bag Can Be a Good Cruise Choice

A lot of cruise packing advice focuses on either carry-on-only travel or larger checked suitcases. I think there is a very practical space in between.

A smaller checked bag gives you more room for real cruise packing, but it can still be easier to handle than a bigger suitcase. That matters when you are moving through airports, hotel lobbies, cruise terminals, parking lots, elevators and cabin hallways.

It can also help limit overpacking. Larger bags are easy to fill just because the space is there. A middle-size checked bag gives you extra room compared with a carry-on, but still encourages a more focused packing list.

Softside Luggage for Cruise Travel

We still like softside luggage for a lot of travel. Hardside bags are popular, but softside luggage can be more forgiving when you are packing around shoes, packing cubes, toiletry bags, jackets and last-minute extras.

The exterior pocket is also useful. I would not use it for valuables, but it can be handy for flat or flexible items before the bag gets checked. Think printed paperwork, a lightweight jacket, luggage tag holders or other non-valuable items you may want to access before handing the bag over.

How I Plan to Use This Bag

I bought this as a smaller checked bag option. For trips where the Travelpro 21-inch carry-on feels too small but the Travelpro 25-inch checked bag feels like too much, this Antler bag looks like a very useful middle-ground choice.

For cruise travel, I can see using it as the main checked bag for a shorter or lighter-packing trip, then pairing it with a personal item or small carry-on for essentials.

As always, anything truly important should stay with you. Keep passports, IDs, boarding documents, medications, electronics, valuables, chargers and a change of clothes in your carry-on or personal item.

Cruise Packing Tips for This Size

• Use packing cubes to keep the smaller checked-bag space organized.
• Pack shoes toward the wheel end of the suitcase.
• Use the expansion zipper as extra flexibility, not as an invitation to overpack.
• Weigh the packed bag before flying.
• Use a bright luggage tag or luggage strap so the bag is easy to spot.
• Keep cruise documents, medication, electronics and valuables with you.
• Unpack once onboard, then store the suitcase under the cruise cabin bed if space allows.

About Antler Luggage

Antler is a British luggage brand with roots going back to 1914. The company makes suitcases, travel bags and accessories, and its current lineup includes both hard shell and softside luggage options.

I was not specifically shopping for a new luggage brand when I found this bag. The size is what caught my attention first. But Antler’s long luggage background, lightweight softside design and this unusual medium capacity made the Soft Stripe Medium worth trying.

Who This Bag May Make Sense For

The Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage may make sense for travelers who want more packing room than a carry-on without moving up to a larger checked suitcase.

It looks especially interesting for cruisers who pack thoughtfully, want a lighter checked bag, or want something easier to manage during fly-to-cruise travel. The size is the star here. It fills a gap that many luggage lines skip over.

Final Thoughts

We have had very good luck with our Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch and 25-inch bags, so I was not necessarily looking to replace those. I was looking for something more specific: a rare in-between size.

That is what made the Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage interesting enough for me to buy. It sits between a carry-on and our larger 25-inch checked bag in terms of packing capacity, while staying very light for a checked suitcase.

For cruise travel, that could be a really useful size. I will update after I have more real-world travel time with it, but based on the dimensions, capacity and weight, this is exactly the kind of middle-ground bag I had been trying to find.

ANTLER – Soft Stripe Medium Luggage – 27″ Softside Suitcase, Adjustable Handle, 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight, Expandable, TSA Lock – Recycled Polyester Luggage – Black – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Learn More! Antler Soft Stripe Review!

Related Cruise Packing Resources, Reviews & Articles

• What size luggage should I take on my cruise?
• Recommendation: Get Luggage Tags for Your Next Cruise (smoother embarkation, less chance of delayed luggage!)
• Customized Luggage Tags!
• Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?
• Zipper Clips for anti-theft protection and in transit security
• European Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & Why
• Hands on Review: Cotopaxi Cado Accessory Bag

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage: A Rare In-Between Size for Cruise Travel

I have been looking for something very specific: a suitcase that lands between a typical carry-on and a medium checked bag. That size range is surprisingly hard to find.

Related: Antler Soft Stripe Review!

We have used Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on bags and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bags and have liked them very much. The 21-inch Maxlite is a great carry-on, and the 25-inch Maxlite has been our go-to checked bag for cruise travel. But there are times when a carry-on feels too tight and a full 25-inch checked bag feels like more suitcase than I want to take.

That is why I picked up the Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage. It has a rare middle-ground capacity: more useful packing space than a standard carry-on, but not as large as many traditional medium checked bags.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Why This Size Makes Sense

Most luggage jumps from carry-on size to a fairly large checked bag. That can leave a gap for travelers who want more room than a carry-on, but still want to keep things compact and manageable.

That middle size can be especially useful for cruise travel. Cruise packing often involves more than just clothes. You may be packing shoes, toiletries, formal night clothing, swimsuits, layers, electronics, chargers, medications, cruise documents and pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel items. A standard carry-on can get tight quickly.

At the same time, not every trip needs a larger checked bag. For shorter cruises, warm-weather itineraries, solo trips, lighter packing, or travel that includes trains, taxis and hotels, a smaller checked bag can be much easier to manage.

The Rare Middle-Ground Capacity

This is the main reason I bought this bag. The Antler Soft Stripe Medium is listed with a 74L packing capacity and a maximum expanded volume of 88L.

On paper, 74L is a really interesting target capacity. It gives you roughly 60% more packing capacity than a 46L carry-on without going all the way to a 90L+ checked bag.

For comparison, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on is listed at 46L, while the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag is listed at 91L. That makes the Antler Soft Stripe Medium much roomier than a carry-on, but still a step down from the larger checked suitcase we normally use.

Size Comparison

Why I Bought the Antler Soft Stripe Medium

The appeal here is simple: it gives me more room than a carry-on without automatically jumping to a larger checked bag.

That can be a really useful size for:

• Shorter cruises where carry-on-only feels too tight
• Warm-weather cruises with lighter clothing
• Fly-to-cruise trips where you want to keep checked luggage manageable
• European cruise travel where trains, taxis and sidewalks may be part of the trip
• Travelers who want a checked bag but do not want to overpack
• Anyone who likes the idea of a smaller checked suitcase with real packing capacity
• European travel, especially trips where you cannot quite get down to a single carry-on

Related: What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Key Features

• Medium checked luggage size – larger than a typical carry-on, but not as large as many medium checked bags.
• 74L packing capacity – useful middle-ground capacity for cruise and general travel.
• Expandable design – expands from 11 inches to 13 inches deep, with a listed maximum volume of 88L.
• Lightweight construction – Antler lists this bag at 5.29 lbs.
• Softside design – flexible for packing cubes, shoes, layers and travel extras.
• Four spinner wheels – designed for upright rolling and easy movement.
• Adjustable handle – height-adjustable handle for easier maneuvering.
• TSA-approved combination lock – built-in lock for added security.
• Exterior front pocket – handy for flat, non-valuable items you want accessible before checking the bag.
• Interior organization – includes internal pockets and a compression strap.
• Recycled polyester construction – Antler lists the outer shell and lining as recycled polyester.

Specs at a Glance

Note that specs can change, check out the product page for current info.

Why a Smaller Checked Bag Can Be a Good Cruise Choice

A lot of cruise packing advice focuses on either carry-on-only travel or larger checked suitcases. I think there is a very practical space in between.

A smaller checked bag gives you more room for real cruise packing, but it can still be easier to handle than a bigger suitcase. That matters when you are moving through airports, hotel lobbies, cruise terminals, parking lots, elevators and cabin hallways.

It can also help limit overpacking. Larger bags are easy to fill just because the space is there. A middle-size checked bag gives you extra room compared with a carry-on, but still encourages a more focused packing list.

Softside Luggage for Cruise Travel

We still like softside luggage for a lot of travel. Hardside bags are popular, but softside luggage can be more forgiving when you are packing around shoes, packing cubes, toiletry bags, jackets and last-minute extras.

The exterior pocket is also useful. I would not use it for valuables, but it can be handy for flat or flexible items before the bag gets checked. Think printed paperwork, a lightweight jacket, luggage tag holders or other non-valuable items you may want to access before handing the bag over.

How I Plan to Use This Bag

I bought this as a smaller checked bag option. For trips where the Travelpro 21-inch carry-on feels too small but the Travelpro 25-inch checked bag feels like too much, this Antler bag looks like a very useful middle-ground choice.

For cruise travel, I can see using it as the main checked bag for a shorter or lighter-packing trip, then pairing it with a personal item or small carry-on for essentials.

As always, anything truly important should stay with you. Keep passports, IDs, boarding documents, medications, electronics, valuables, chargers and a change of clothes in your carry-on or personal item.

Cruise Packing Tips for This Size

• Use packing cubes to keep the smaller checked-bag space organized.
• Pack shoes toward the wheel end of the suitcase.
• Use the expansion zipper as extra flexibility, not as an invitation to overpack.
• Weigh the packed bag before flying.
• Use a bright luggage tag or luggage strap so the bag is easy to spot.
• Keep cruise documents, medication, electronics and valuables with you.
• Unpack once onboard, then store the suitcase under the cruise cabin bed if space allows.

About Antler Luggage

Antler is a British luggage brand with roots going back to 1914. The company makes suitcases, travel bags and accessories, and its current lineup includes both hard shell and softside luggage options.

I was not specifically shopping for a new luggage brand when I found this bag. The size is what caught my attention first. But Antler’s long luggage background, lightweight softside design and this unusual medium capacity made the Soft Stripe Medium worth trying.

Who This Bag May Make Sense For

The Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage may make sense for travelers who want more packing room than a carry-on without moving up to a larger checked suitcase.

It looks especially interesting for cruisers who pack thoughtfully, want a lighter checked bag, or want something easier to manage during fly-to-cruise travel. The size is the star here. It fills a gap that many luggage lines skip over.

Final Thoughts

We have had very good luck with our Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch and 25-inch bags, so I was not necessarily looking to replace those. I was looking for something more specific: a rare in-between size.

That is what made the Antler Soft Stripe Medium Luggage interesting enough for me to buy. It sits between a carry-on and our larger 25-inch checked bag in terms of packing capacity, while staying very light for a checked suitcase.

For cruise travel, that could be a really useful size. I will update after I have more real-world travel time with it, but based on the dimensions, capacity and weight, this is exactly the kind of middle-ground bag I had been trying to find.

ANTLER – Soft Stripe Medium Luggage – 27″ Softside Suitcase, Adjustable Handle, 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight, Expandable, TSA Lock – Recycled Polyester Luggage – Black – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Learn More! Antler Soft Stripe Review!

Related Cruise Packing Resources, Reviews & Articles

• What size luggage should I take on my cruise?
• Recommendation: Get Luggage Tags for Your Next Cruise (smoother embarkation, less chance of delayed luggage!)
• Customized Luggage Tags!
• Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?
• Zipper Clips for anti-theft protection and in transit security
• European Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & Why
• Hands on Review: Cotopaxi Cado Accessory Bag

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On: Our Go-To Cruise Carry-On Bag

We own the Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry-on and like it very much. In fact, Travelpro has become our go-to luggage brand. We both use the Maxlite 5 25-inch size as our regular checked bags, and we also use the 21-inch Maxlite 5 bags as our carry-ons.

For cruise travel, the 21-inch Maxlite 5 has been a great companion bag. It gives us a practical carry-on for cruise documents, medication, electronics, valuables, a change of clothes and the things we want to keep with us when flying or boarding a ship. It is lightweight, easy to roll and large enough to be useful without feeling bulky.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Why We Like the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On

The biggest thing we like about the Maxlite 5 line is that it feels practical. These are not flashy suitcases, but they are light, easy to roll and roomy for their size. The 21-inch version works well as a carry-on bag for flying to a cruise port, staying overnight before embarkation or keeping important items with you while your larger checked bag is being handled by the airline or cruise port.

We also like having the matching 25-inch Maxlite 5 checked size. Using the same luggage line for checked bags and carry-ons keeps things simple, and both sizes have worked well for the way we travel.

Related: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag

Why This Size Works Well for Cruises

A carry-on bag is one of the most useful pieces of cruise luggage you can own. Even if you are checking a larger suitcase, you still want a bag that stays with you during travel day and embarkation day.

For us, the 21-inch Maxlite 5 works well because it is large enough to hold the important stuff, but still easy to maneuver through airports, hotels, shuttle stops and cruise terminals. It is also much easier to keep nearby than a larger checked bag.

This size can be a good fit for:

• Fly-to-cruise trips
• Pre-cruise hotel stays
• Embarkation day essentials
• Medication, documents, valuables and electronics
• A change of clothes in case checked luggage is delayed
• Short trips where you want to avoid checking a bag
• Travelers who use a larger checked bag plus a carry-on

Related: What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

According to Travelpro, the Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On Spinner weighs 5.4 lbs. That is one of the main reasons we like it. A lighter carry-on is easier to lift, easier to roll and easier to manage when you are dealing with flights, hotels, cruise transfers and terminal lines.

That matters even more on cruise travel days. You may be moving between your house, airport parking, baggage claim, shuttle buses, hotels and the cruise terminal before you ever get to your cabin. A lightweight carry-on helps make that process easier.

Key Features

• 21-inch carry-on size – a practical carry-on option for flights, cruise travel and shorter trips.
• Lightweight design – Travelpro lists this bag at 5.4 lbs.
• Four spinner wheels – designed to roll upright in multiple directions.
• Expandable packing space – expands up to 2 inches when you need extra room.
• Softside construction – flexible and easy to work with when packing.
• Two exterior pockets – useful for flat, flexible items you want to keep accessible.
• Interior organization – includes a full-length lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold-down straps.
• Top, side and bottom handles – helpful when lifting the bag into a car, onto a luggage rack or into an overhead bin.
• PowerScope Lite handle – handle stops at 38 inches and 42.5 inches.

Specs at a Glance

Carry-On Sizing Note

Carry-on sizing can vary by airline, aircraft and route. Travelpro lists this bag with 21″ x 14″ x 9″ case dimensions and 23″ x 14.5″ x 9″ overall dimensions including wheels and handles.

For most cruise travelers flying within the U.S., this is the kind of carry-on size many people look for. Still, it is always smart to check your airline’s current carry-on rules, especially if you are flying a budget airline, a smaller regional aircraft or an international route with stricter carry-on limits.

Softside Carry-On Advantages

We still like softside luggage for a lot of cruise travel. A softside carry-on gives you more flexible packing than many hard-sided bags, and the exterior pockets are genuinely useful on travel day.

We do not use outside pockets for valuables, but they can be handy for things like printed travel paperwork, a light jacket, a luggage tag, a small pouch or other non-valuable items you may want to grab quickly before boarding.

How We Use It

For a typical cruise, we use the 25-inch Maxlite 5 as our main checked bag and the 21-inch Maxlite 5 as our carry-on. That setup gives us a good balance. The checked bag handles most clothes, shoes and bulkier items, while the carry-on stays with us.

In the carry-on, we like to keep:

• Passports and IDs
• Cruise boarding documents
• Medication
• Electronics and chargers
• Valuables
• A change of clothes
• Basic toiletries
• Anything we would not want separated from during travel day

That last part is important. Even when we are checking luggage, we do not put essentials in a checked bag. If an airline delays luggage or if cruise terminal luggage delivery takes a while, the carry-on gives us what we need to get through the day.

Cruise Packing Tips for This Bag

• Use the carry-on for your most important items, not just overflow packing.
• Keep medication, documents, valuables and electronics with you.
• Pack a change of clothes in case checked luggage is delayed.
• Use packing cubes or small pouches to keep the interior organized.
• Use exterior pockets for flat, flexible, non-valuable items.
• Be careful with the expansion zipper if you need to meet airline carry-on size limits.
• Pair it with a checked bag if you are packing for a longer cruise.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The 21-inch Maxlite 5 is a carry-on spinner, so it is best for travelers who want rolling luggage rather than a backpack or duffel. It is easy to roll on smooth airport and cruise terminal floors, but like most spinner bags, it is not designed for rough sidewalks, cobblestones or uneven pavement.

The expansion feature is useful, especially when coming home with extra items, but expansion can make a carry-on more likely to push size limits. If you are flying, check your airline’s rules and use the expansion feature with that in mind.

Who This Bag Is Best For

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on is best for cruisers who want a lightweight, practical rolling carry-on from a well-known luggage brand. It makes a lot of sense for fly-to-cruise trips, pre-cruise hotel stays, shorter trips and travelers who like using a carry-on alongside a larger checked bag.

It is also a good fit if you already use or are considering the 25-inch Maxlite 5 checked bag. We like the combination of the 21-inch carry-on and 25-inch checked bag because it covers most of our cruise travel needs without feeling oversized or complicated.

Final Thoughts

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on is our go-to carry-on bag for cruise travel. We own these bags, use them ourselves and like them enough that Travelpro has become our regular luggage brand.

For us, the appeal is simple: it is lightweight, practical, easy to roll and useful for the things we want to keep with us on travel day. If you are looking for a carry-on bag for fly-to-cruise trips, pre-cruise hotels, embarkation day or general travel, this is one we are comfortable recommending based on real use.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry-on 21-Inch – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related Cruise Packing Resources, Reviews & Articles

• What size luggage should I take on my cruise?
• Recommendation: Get Luggage Tags for Your Next Cruise (smoother embarkation, less chance of delayed luggage!)
• Customized Luggage Tags!
• Do AirTags Work on Cruise Ships?
• Zipper Clips for anti-theft protection and in transit security
• European Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & Why
• Hands on Review: Cotopaxi Cado Accessory Bag

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Checked Luggage: Lightweight 25-Inch Spinner Suitcase

We own the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag and like it very much. In fact, Travelpro has become our go-to luggage brand. We both use the Maxlite 5 25-inch size as our regular checked bags, and we also use the 21-inch Maxlite 5 bags as our carry-ons.

For cruise travel, that combination has worked very well for us. The 25-inch checked bag gives us enough room for a real cruise packing list without jumping up to an oversized suitcase, while the Maxlite 5 design keeps the bag relatively light and easy to handle through airports, hotels, cruise terminals and cruise cabins.

✅Check Current Price & Availability →

Why We Like the Travelpro Maxlite 5

The biggest thing we like about the Maxlite 5 line is that it feels practical. These are not flashy suitcases, but they are light, easy to roll and roomy without being awkward. The 25-inch version is large enough for a weeklong cruise, extra outfits, shoes, toiletries and cooler-weather layers, but it still feels much more manageable than a huge checked bag.

We also like having the matching 21-inch Maxlite 5 carry-on size. Using the same luggage line for checked bags and carry-ons keeps things simple, and both sizes have worked well for the way we travel.

Why This Size Works Well for Cruises

A 25-inch checked bag is a nice middle ground for cruise travel. It gives you more room than a carry-on, but it does not jump all the way up to the largest checked suitcase size. That matters because huge suitcases can be harder to lift, easier to overpack and more annoying to store in a cruise cabin.

For us, the 25-inch Maxlite 5 hits the sweet spot. It has enough room for a normal cruise wardrobe, but it still feels manageable at the airport, at the hotel and at the cruise terminal.

This size can be a good fit for:

• 7-night cruises
• Fly-to-cruise trips
• Alaska cruises with bulkier layers
• Europe cruises with pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel stays
• Back-to-back cruises
• Cruisers who pack extra outfits, shoes or formal night clothing

Related: What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Lightweight Without Feeling Too Small

According to Travelpro, the Maxlite 5 Medium Check-In Spinner weighs 6.8 lbs. That is one of the reasons we like it. When you are flying to a cruise port, the empty weight of your suitcase matters. The heavier the bag is before you pack it, the less room you have before hitting airline checked bag weight limits.

A lighter checked bag gives you more flexibility for real-world packing. Clothes, shoes, toiletries, hair tools, sunscreen, rain jackets, souvenirs and cruise extras all add up quickly. Starting with a lighter bag helps.

Key Features

• 25-inch checked-medium size – a practical checked bag size for weeklong cruises and longer trips.
• Lightweight design – Travelpro lists this bag at 6.8 lbs.
• Four spinner wheels – designed to roll upright in multiple directions.
• Expandable packing space – expands up to 2 inches when you need extra room.
• Softside construction – flexible and easy to work with when packing.
• Exterior front pocket – useful for flat, flexible items you want to keep accessible before checking the bag.
• Interior organization – includes interior pockets and hold-down straps.
• Top, side and bottom handles – helpful when lifting the bag into a car, onto a luggage rack or out from under a cruise cabin bed.

Specs at a Glance

Softside vs Hardside for Cruises

Hard-sided luggage is popular, but we still like softside luggage for a lot of cruise travel. The biggest advantage is flexibility. A softside bag can be a little more forgiving when you are packing around shoes, packing cubes, jackets, toiletry bags and last-minute extras.

The exterior pocket is also useful. We do not use it for valuables, but it can be handy for flat or flexible items before the bag gets checked. Think luggage tags, printed paperwork, a lightweight jacket or other non-valuable items you may want to access before handing the bag over.

How We Use It

For a typical cruise, the 25-inch Maxlite 5 works as our main checked bag. Then we use the 21-inch Maxlite 5 as a carry-on. That setup gives us a good balance: the checked bag handles the bulk of our clothes and shoes, while the carry-on can hold cruise documents, medication, valuables, electronics, a change of clothes and anything we do not want to risk being separated from.

That last part is important. Even with a good checked bag, you should not pack essentials in luggage that may be checked with an airline or handed over to cruise port luggage handlers. Keep medications, passports, IDs, boarding documents, valuables, chargers and a change of clothes with you.

Cruise Packing Tips for This Bag

• Use packing cubes to organize clothes by category, person or day.
• Pack heavier items like shoes toward the wheel end of the suitcase.
• Use the expansion zipper carefully, especially if you are flying.
• Weigh the packed bag before leaving for the airport.
• Use a bright luggage tag or luggage strap so your bag is easier to spot.
• Keep documents, medication, electronics and valuables in your carry-on or personal item.
• Unpack once onboard, then store the suitcase under the cruise cabin bed if space allows.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This is a checked bag, not a carry-on. If you are trying to cruise with carry-on luggage only, this is not the right size. The Maxlite 5 line does include smaller carry-on options, and we use the 21-inch size for that purpose.

Also remember that expandable luggage can be easy to overpack. The extra room is useful, especially on the way home, but it can push you closer to airline weight limits. A small luggage scale is a smart add-on if you fly to your cruise port.

Who This Bag Is Best For

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag is best for cruisers who want a lightweight, practical checked suitcase from a well-known luggage brand. It makes a lot of sense for weeklong cruises, fly-to-cruise trips, Alaska cruises, longer vacations and travelers who want more room than a carry-on without moving up to a huge checked bag.

It is probably not the best choice for strict carry-on-only travelers or people who prefer hard-sided luggage. But for the way we cruise and travel, it has been a very good fit.

Final Thoughts

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag is our go-to checked suitcase for cruise travel. We own these bags, use them ourselves and like them enough that we also use the 21-inch Maxlite 5 carry-on bags.

For us, the appeal is simple: they are lightweight, practical, easy to roll and big enough for cruise packing without feeling oversized. If you are looking for a checked bag for fly-to-cruise trips, weeklong cruises or general travel, this is one we are comfortable recommending based on real use

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Ensign Blue, Checked Medium 25-Inch – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related Cruise Packing Resources, Reviews & Articles

• What size luggage should I take on my cruise?
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For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage: Expandable Hardside Suitcase with Front Laptop Pocket

The LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage is an expandable hardside suitcase with one feature that makes it stand out: a front laptop compartment. Most hardside carry-ons require you to open the entire suitcase to reach anything inside. This one gives you quicker access to a laptop, tablet, documents, boarding passes and other travel essentials.

That makes it an interesting option for business travel, weekend trips, flights to cruise ports and travelers who like the structure of hardside luggage but still want easier access to important items.

This is the 20-inch expandable version in black. The Amazon listing describes it as a carry-on suitcase with a PC+ABS hardside shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, aluminum telescoping handle, built-in TSA lock and front zippered laptop compartment.

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In This Post

• Why This Carry-On Is Interesting
• Specs at a Glance
• Front Laptop Compartment
• Expandable Hardside Design
• Good Travel Uses
• Cruise Travel Angle
• Important Carry-On Size Note
• Things to Consider
• Final Thoughts

Why This Carry-On Is Interesting

Hardside carry-ons are popular because they offer structure, protection and a clean look. The downside is that many of them do not have easy-access exterior pockets. If you need your laptop, passport, paperwork, headphones or charging cable, you may have to open the entire suitcase.

The LEVEL8 Grace carry-on solves that problem with a front compartment built into the hardside design. That gives it some of the convenience of softside luggage while keeping the harder shell format many travelers prefer.

If you travel with a laptop or tablet, that front access section is the main reason to consider this bag over a basic hardside spinner.

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Specs at a Glance

Here are the key specs from the Amazon listing for this LEVEL8 Grace expandable carry-on:

• Brand: LEVEL8
• Model: Grace Carry-On Luggage, 20 Inch – EXT
• Color: Black
• Overall dimensions: 21.8” x 14.5” x 9.8” including wheels and handles
• Expanded dimensions: 21.8” x 14.5” x 11.3”
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Packing capacity: 36L, expands to 42L
• Shell material: PC+ABS
• Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels
• Handle: Aluminum telescoping handle
• Lock: Built-in TSA combination lock
• Front compartment: Designed for up to a 15.6-inch laptop, tablet, documents and other quick-access travel items

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Front Laptop Compartment

The front compartment is the big selling point here. It gives you a place for a laptop, tablet, documents and small travel items without opening the main suitcase.

That can be helpful at the airport, during a layover, at a hotel or any time you want quick access to electronics and paperwork. It also may let you keep your personal item smaller since some of your tech gear can ride in the suitcase instead.

The tradeoff is that a front laptop compartment uses some of the overall suitcase space. That is normal for this style of bag. The benefit is easier access; the downside is a slightly different packing layout compared with a basic open-shell carry-on.

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Expandable Hardside Design

This is the expandable version of the LEVEL8 Grace carry-on. The listed packing volume is 36L and expands to 42L. That extra room can be useful on the return trip when your packing is less tidy or when you pick up a few extras.

The important detail is size. Once expanded, the depth increases from 9.8 inches to 11.3 inches. That may push the bag beyond some airline carry-on limits, so I would treat expansion as a useful bonus rather than something to rely on for every flight.

Expanded mode makes the most sense for road trips, hotel stays, cruise travel where you are not flying, or situations where you are okay checking the bag if needed.

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Good Travel Uses

This suitcase is a good fit for short trips where organization and quick access matter. The hardside shell gives the bag structure, while the front pocket makes it more practical than a completely closed hardside design.

• Business trips: The front laptop compartment is useful for work travel.
• Weekend trips: The 36L to 42L capacity range works well for shorter travel.
• Airport travel: Keep tech and documents easier to reach.
• Hotel stays: The structured design helps keep items organized.
• Road trips: The expandable design is handy when airline sizing is not a concern.
• Hardside luggage fans: You get a hard shell with better quick-access storage.

The spinner wheels and telescoping handle are also practical for airports, hotel lobbies, parking garages and cruise terminals.

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Cruise Travel Angle

For cruising, this could work well as an embarkation day carry-on, especially if you fly to your cruise port. You can use it for the items you want with you before checked luggage reaches your cabin.

That could include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, travel documents, electronics, chargers, swimsuit, sunscreen and other first-day essentials. The front compartment is especially useful for passports, boarding documents, tablets and small electronics.

I would see this as a personal carry-on, short-cruise suitcase or pre-cruise hotel bag rather than a replacement for a checked bag on longer trips.

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Important Carry-On Size Note

The Amazon listing gives the overall dimensions as 21.8” x 14.5” x 9.8” including wheels and handles. That is close to many common carry-on limits, but airline rules vary.

The expanded depth is listed at 11.3 inches. That is the dimension I would watch most carefully. Expansion is useful, but an expanded carry-on may not fit every airline’s published carry-on size rules or every overhead bin situation.

Before flying, compare the suitcase dimensions to your airline’s current carry-on rules, especially if you are flying a budget airline, international carrier or small regional aircraft.

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Things to Consider

This suitcase has a lot going for it, but it is not the right carry-on for every traveler. The front laptop pocket is the standout feature, but it also changes how the bag packs.

• Weight: At 9 lbs, this is not the lightest carry-on option.
• Expanded size: The expanded depth may be too large for some carry-on rules.
• Front pocket tradeoff: Easy tech access can reduce or reshape the main packing space.
• Hardside structure: Hardside luggage protects and organizes well, but it does not flex like softside luggage.
• Airline rules vary: Always check the airline you are actually flying.

For the right traveler, those tradeoffs may be reasonable. The key question is whether the front compartment is a feature you will actually use.

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Final Thoughts

The LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage is worth a look if you want a hardside carry-on with easier access to your laptop, tablet and travel documents. The front compartment is the main reason to consider this suitcase over a basic hardside spinner.

I especially like the idea of this for business travel, flights to cruise ports, short trips and travelers who want electronics accessible without carrying a large separate laptop bag. The expandable design adds flexibility, but I would be careful about using expanded mode when airline carry-on sizing matters.

Bottom line: if you like hardside luggage but miss the convenience of an outside pocket, this LEVEL8 Grace expandable carry-on is a practical option to compare against more traditional carry-on suitcases.

LEVEL8 Grace Hardside Carry On Luggage with Front Compartment, 20 Inch Expandable Suitcases with Wheels, Lightweight Carry On Suitcase for Airplane, Tsa Lock Approved, Black, 20-Inch – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related: ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Luggage Review: A Rare In-Between Checked Bag

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info and availability.

Luggage Straps

4 Packs Luggage Straps Luggage Tag, Military Grade Luggage Strap, Luggage Strap with Plastic Buckle, Luggage Strap for Suitcases TSA Approved – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels

We’re big fans of Travelpro and both use Maxlite 5 25″ as our go to checked bags. We also use the 21″ size Maxlite 5 for carry on bags.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Azure Blue, Carry-On 21-Inch – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What size luggage should I take on my cruise?

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.