After you spend time carefully packing for a cruise, it’s distressing if your luggage goes astray somewhere between your home and your cruise ship cabin. While we hope this never happens to you, you should know what to expect and what to do in this unfortunate situation.
To help avoid a
lost luggage event, use at least one way to track your luggage. For example, download
your airline’s mobile app and use its luggage-tracking feature. Many travelers also
place small tracking devices in their luggage – these devices can share their exact
location with your mobile device. And even when you use these precautions, be
sure to pack an extra outfit – plus essential paperwork and prescription
medication – in a carry-on bag that will stay with you.
After you fly to
your departure city, If your luggage doesn’t appear on the baggage claim
carousel, look around; airport staff may have set it aside. If not, go to the
baggage service desk for the airline you arrived on and show your luggage claim
tickets. If you put tracking devices in your luggage, open the tracking app and
share that information with the baggage service representative, too.
If your luggage is
on a different flight and will arrive before you board the ship, give the baggage
service representative details on where to deliver it.
If your luggage
won’t arrive before the ship departs, provide details about the cruise
itinerary; hopefully, the airline can deliver your luggage to a port of call. Then,
when you board the ship, visit the guest services desk and let the staff know you’re
expecting your luggage to be delivered to the ship. Ask them if they can connect
with the airline’s baggage service to keep tabs on the situation for you.
It doesn’t happen
often, but if your luggage comes to the dock with you yet doesn’t show up in
your cabin, visit guest services. If your luggage isn’t found onboard, ask for assistance
such as free laundry services, complimentary t-shirts and toiletries, and discounts
at onboard or onshore shops.
Sailing without
your luggage is not ideal, but the airline, cruise line, or your travel
insurance provider may cover at least some of the related costs. Be careful to
keep any paperwork, emails, and texts you receive, as well as receipts for
anything you buy to replace what was in your luggage. And, check in with Anita,
your professional travel advisor for additional advice.
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