Cruise Lost Luggage Blog
BY TONY PARKINS - CRUISE DIRECTOR.
Losing luggage on a cruise is certainly stressful, but rest assured cruise lines have proven procedures in place to try to renunite you with your luggage.
Check what your respective cruise lines lost luggage policy is. In the meantime here is a general overview of what to do in the event of your luggage being lost.
1. Report the Lost Luggage. Immediately
At the Port: If your luggage goes missing before embarkation, report it to the cruise line's baggage services at the terminal. Once onboard, If you notice your luggage is missing after boarding, visit the Guest Services desk immediately, it is always advisable to also inform the Cruise Director.
2. Provide Details
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Give a detailed description of your bag (colour, size, brand, tags).
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A good idea is to take a photo with your mobile phone of the luggage before you leave home.
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Show your baggage claim tag (usually attached to your boarding documents) and check with the Airline (if you flew in). Keep any receipts for lost belongings.
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If your luggage was lost in transit report it to the airline & inform the cruise line.
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Many Cruise Lines assist in forwarding delayed luggage to the next port.
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Download your airlines APP as it will have details on how you can track lost luggage. Also, lost luggage contact numbers are available on the APP's.
3. Ask About Loan Items
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Some Cruise Lines provide temporary clothing, toiletries, or onboard credit for essential purchases. It is also common for fellow guests to lend clothes, demonstrating a real community spirit.
4. Follow Up Regularly
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Stay in touch with Guest Services and the Cruise Director for updates.
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If luggage is found and delivered to ship by the airline, ship’s staff will arrange delivery to your cabin.
5. File a Claim If Necessary
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If luggage is permanently lost, file a claim with the Cruise Line, airline or travel insurance provider.
- Compensation varies, so check the Cruise Line’s lost baggage policy which is published online at the respective Cruise Lines website.
I have assisted many of our guests with lost luggage and spent countless hours calling the respective airlines to follow up often to be told that the luggage will arrive at the next port (On River Cruises) but on other occasions the guest has had to wait to arrive back home to be reunited with their luggage which often causes anxiety, stress on what is supposed to be a relaxing holiday.
But, there is a device which contributes to solving the location of our lost luggage in the form of a GPS luggage tracker.
Check out the Amazon highly rated >> Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 << Bluetooth Tracker which works in conjunction with your mobile phone app allowing you to track your luggage.
To share your lost luggage stories contact our Cruise Look Facebook Page: facebook.com/mycruiselook or visit: www.mycruiselook.com