Luggage lost for days?

[woodpecker58]

RCCL loaded our families luggage (3 bags) on their sister cruise line Celebrity in Seattle and didn't get them to us until 50+ hours later. RCCL provided $300 in shipboard credit and between the 3 of us, about $1200.00 in the form of future credits. Cruised with them for 6 cruises, but figured I would ask others if a) they experienced misplaced or lost luggage and b) what compensation they received? I personally think we weren't compensated enough, but would ask if the experience is the same with other cruise lines?

[SpainAlien]

Personally I think you did really well, 1500$ for just over two days inconvenience. Plus I assume you had holiday insurance which would pay out too

 

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[fishywood]

Just curious as to what you think fair compensation would be.

 

While unfortunate that your luggage was misdirected in the first place, you lucked out with ships remaining in close proximity during the Alaska season--and it could have taken the two days merely for the Celebrity ship to notify the RC ship that your luggage was even found.

 

Just be happy you were not the couple who relayed this story to me on our last cruise: at Port Everglades their luggage was loaded onto Coral Princess instead of Emerald Princess. Coral was to drop the luggage at its first port--Aruba on Day 3--where a second ship would relay it to Emerald in St Maarten on Day 5 (of a 7 day cruise!). But one bag remains missing. And they've had nothing but Princess t-shirts to wear, the boutiques didn't even have bathing suits in stock that fit. Now the capper: that final case was expected to show up "sometime" in the morning of disembarkation day--but when they told Princess they had an early flight and couldn't wait at the port for whenever it turned up, they were told they would have to pay the cost for the suitcase to be shipped home.

 

So take the FCC without a peep. And remember what you enjoyed the rest of your cruise.

Edited September 17, 2016 by fishywood

[woodpecker58]

Personally I think you did really well, 1500$ for just over two days inconvenience. Plus I assume you had holiday insurance which would pay out too

 

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

 

I guess I should have clarified the credits. It's $707.00 for me, $358.00 for my wife and $159.00 for our son who shared the cabin. All based off of our fare. Total for us was just over $5300.00/7 nights Alaskan cruise. Of course the credits are only good if you give them another opportunity. So look at what was provided for those 2 days.

$100/ea for 2 days, 1 being a formal night. We got Tux rentals, and the wife was able to piece something together with a blouse purchased on-board, plus what she could borrow from friends which luckily we were cruising as a group. Insurance for delayed luggage only gives you reimbursement for costs spent, minus any credit received. So it didn't come into play.

I think it was more than a inconvenience, but that's why I asked the question to see what others thought and to see if anyone else has gone through the same. Might be one of those instances you have to experience to really understand what it's like because the don't guarantee you will get your bags so all the decisions are on you! Should we go to the store on our first port of call, miss out on the shore excursions you paid for that they won't reimburse you for? Stay in your room for 3-4 hours so they can wash your clothes, but it will be during the day or evening as clothes aren't washed at night? What do you give up? Fun with friends, dinner?? Maybe my starting question was to vague.

[woodpecker58]

Just curious as to what you think fair compensation would be.

 

While unfortunate that your luggage was misdirected in the first place, you lucked out with ships remaining in close proximity during the Alaska season--and it could have taken the two days just for the Celebrity ship to notify the RC ship that your luggage was found.

 

Just be happy you were not the couple who relayed this story to me on our last cruise: at Port Everglades their luggage was loaded onto Coral Princess instead of Emerald Princess. Coral was to drop the luggage at its first port--Aruba on Day 3--where a second ship would relay it to Emerald in St Maarten on Day 5 (of their 7 day cruise!). But only one of their two bags arrives. And they've had nothing but Princess t-shirts to wear, the boutiques didn't even have bathing suits in stock that fit. Now the capper: their other case was expected to show up sometime in the morning of disembarkation day--but when they told Princess they had an early flight and couldn't wait at the port for whenever it turned up, they were told they would have to pay the cost for the suitcase to be shipped home.

 

So take the FCC without a peep. And just remember what you enjoyed the rest of your cruise.

 

Fair question on what I expected! I asked for 50% credit and a bump to the next loyalty level. The latter I would have considered a bonus had they given it to me. There is more stress and issues that you have to manage during those first days, and to me I spent my money for a vacation not to have to manage getting my luggage returned.

I guess their is always someone who has or had it worse the we did. Take the FCC without a peep, probably won't be used at this point.

[poolreader]

On a four day cruise with Carnival my DH did not get his luggage until the last night. All they gave him was a Carnival T-shirt (the type they give away in the casino), and after the about 36 hours a OBC of about $50 in the gift shops.

 

He wore shorts on the ship, so no MDR for the cruise, except the first night. Also no formal night , they offered him a discount on renting a tux, but still too much money and not his thing.

 

It was an anniversary cruise. I had to hand wash his boxers each night and press the water out in a towel. No pool or hot tub for him.

 

No additional compensation, you lucked out. Now we always cross pack and take a carry on with bathing suits and something simple we can wear for elegant night.

 

Where did they find the bags? It is scary that they lost all of your luggage.

[fishywood]

I think it was more than a inconvenience, but that's why I asked the question to see what others thought and to see if anyone else has gone through the same. Might be one of those instances you have to experience to really understand what it's like because the don't guarantee you will get your bags so all the decisions are on you! Should we go to the store on our first port of call, miss out on the shore excursions you paid for that they won't reimburse you for? Stay in your room for 3-4 hours so they can wash your clothes, but it will be during the day or evening as clothes aren't washed at night? What do you give up? Fun with friends, dinner?? Maybe my starting question was to vague.

 

Glad you came back to clarify. But personally I wouldn't worry about how much compensation I had coming as I would not let something as incidental as missing luggage cause me to sacrifice any of the above. If the ship did comp formal wear for that evening, making do with what's what the remainder of the time would be easy. Toiletries and maybe a couple t-shirts is all I would need--though I do have a TSA-sized Ziploc bag with tiny shaving cream, deodorant and toothpaste in my laptop bag (the one item I don't give to the porters). Rinse my tidy whities in the sink and hang dry overnight; haven't been in the habit of sleeping au naturale since I was much younger, but that would just make the vacation all the more interesting.

 

Certainly I would let the purser's desk know that I expect the return of my luggage to be expedited at all cost. But from that point on the finding and shipping of my luggage is their issue, not mine. I would simply refuse to allow any further moments of interference to my vacation. Nor would I cloud my judgement of the cruise overall, and whether I return to that cruise line, based on the compensation, or lack of, offered.

[GUT2407]

Fair question on what I expected! I asked for 50% credit and a bump to the next loyalty level. The latter I would have considered a bonus had they given it to me. There is more stress and issues that you have to manage during those first days, and to me I spent my money for a vacation not to have to manage getting my luggage returned.

I guess their is always someone who has or had it worse the we did. Take the FCC without a peep, probably won't be used at this point.

 

You are joking aren't you???

[woodpecker58]

On a four day cruise with Carnival my DH did not get his luggage until the last night. All they gave him was a Carnival T-shirt (the type they give away in the casino), and after the about 36 hours a OBC of about $50 in the gift shops.

 

He wore shorts on the ship, so no MDR for the cruise, except the first night. Also no formal night , they offered him a discount on renting a tux, but still too much money and not his thing.

 

It was an anniversary cruise. I had to hand wash his boxers each night and press the water out in a towel. No pool or hot tub for him.

 

No additional compensation, you lucked out. Now we always cross pack and take a carry on with bathing suits and something simple we can wear for elegant night.

 

Where did they find the bags? It is scary that they lost all of your luggage.

 

Unfortunately even if we cross packed, it wouldn't have helped since they misplaced each of our luggage. It was nice having the tux for an evening, I felt bad as this was a birthday for the wife and not being dressed up as nice as you would like was the real shame. The bags were loaded on a Celebrity ship that was boarding the same day.

[woodpecker58]

You are joking aren't you???

 

I had stated before the bump to next loyalty would be a bonus. Are you saying 50% FCC is way out of line? I only have a couple of weeks a year and was hoping I could plan another one for next year and get this one out of my mind. I we certainly didn't receive our money's worth.

Edited September 17, 2016 by woodpecker58

[Krazy Kruizers]

A number of years ago we boarded the Ryndam in San Diego for a 22 day cruise. The Zaandam was also there and had the main terminal and at time the Ryndam had the "tent" for boarding the ship.

Quite a few people from the Ryndam did not pay attention and handed over their luggage to the Zaandam workers. The Zaandam left for Hawaii. A couple of dozen people had to wait for the Zaandam to get to Hawaii and then had their luggage shipped to one of our ports. We were doing the Pan America cruise that included Ecuador. That group got their luggage in 7 days time. But there was an unfortunate group of 6 who never saw their luggage until we got to Cabo San Lucas -- day 20 of our cruise. It was always one day behind. Each person was given $100 to buy clothes and other items they needed. $100 doesn't go very far.

[woodpecker58]

Glad you came back to clarify. But personally I wouldn't worry about how much compensation I had coming as I would not let something as incidental as missing luggage cause me to sacrifice any of the above. If the ship did comp formal wear for that evening, making do with what's what the remainder of the time would be easy. Toiletries and maybe a couple t-shirts is all I would need--though I do have a TSA-sized Ziploc bag with tiny shaving cream, deodorant and toothpaste in my laptop bag (the one item I don't give to the porters). Rinse my tidy whities in the sink and hang dry overnight; haven't been in the habit of sleeping au naturale since I was much younger, but that would just make the vacation all the more interesting.

 

Certainly I would let the purser's desk know that I expect the return of my luggage to be expedited at all cost. But from that point on the finding and shipping of my luggage is their issue, not mine. I would simply refuse to allow any further moments of interference to my vacation. Nor would I cloud my judgement of the cruise overall, and whether I return to that cruise line, based on the compensation, or lack of, offered.

 

I am one of those folks that expect to get what I paid for. As you said "I would simply refuse to allow any further moments of interference to my vacation." is something I should have done better at. Now I don't understand your statement "Nor would I cloud my judgement of the cruise overall, and whether I return to that cruise line, based on the compensation, or lack of, offered." How could you not? If someone does you wrong, you would pay them again, and give them another try? I was willing to cruise with them again, but not at full price and yes, 23% off wasn't enough either. For someone who cruises once every other year, the small percentage (IMO) and having to use it within a year just didn't see genuine.

[woodpecker58]

A number of years ago we boarded the Ryndam in San Diego for a 22 day cruise. The Zaandam was also there and had the main terminal and at time the Ryndam had the "tent" for boarding the ship.

 

Quite a few people from the Ryndam did not pay attention and handed over their luggage to the Zaandam workers. The Zaandam left for Hawaii. A couple of dozen people had to wait for the Zaandam to get to Hawaii and then had their luggage shipped to one of our ports. We were doing the Pan America cruise that included Ecuador. That group got their luggage in 7 days time. But there was an unfortunate group of 6 who never saw their luggage until we got to Cabo San Lucas -- day 20 of our cruise. It was always one day behind. Each person was given $100 to buy clothes and other items they needed. $100 doesn't go very far.

 

I am thinking next cruise I will wear all my clothes. $100 shipboard credit sure doesn't go far, and to think the $50 dollar polo shirts probably only cost them $7. With all the cruises you have done, no luggage issues?

[GUT2407]

I had stated before the bump to next loyalty would be a bonus. Are you saying 50% FCC is way out of line? I only have a couple of weeks a year and was hoping I could plan another one for next year and get this one out of my mind. I we certainly didn't receive our money's worth.

 

Yep saying its waaaaaaay out of line.

[John Bull]

I rate the size of the OP's compensation pretty decent - except that I regard compo in the form of future credit rather than cash as a cop-out and an attempt to screw business out of their mistake, They'll make a profit when the OP uses that credit, and if the OP never sails with them again it won't cost them a bean.

And I suspect that the OP's insurance claim form will ask whether they had any other insurances or compensation - quite rightly a passenger shouldn't be compensated more than the once.

 

JB :)

Edited September 17, 2016 by John Bull

[woodpecker58]

I rate the size of the OP's compensation pretty decent - except that I regard compo in the form of future credit rather than cash as a cop-out and an attempt to screw business out of their mistake, They'll make a profit when the OP uses that credit, and if the OP never sails with them again it won't cost them a bean.

And I suspect that the OP's insurance claim form will ask whether they had any other insurances or compensation - quite rightly a passenger shouldn't be compensated more than the once.

 

JB :)

 

Sorry, I am not up on the lingo. Is OP's =One person?

[ducklite]

I am not a RCCL cheerleader by any means, but I think you messed up from the start. I would have told them I wanted $300 per person for clothing and toiletries (replacing minimal makeup alone would be over $100!) plus free tux rentals, and told them to dig up a long black skirt from the crew for me in formal night. I would have also asked for an additional $1000 cabin credit, used it towards some drinks and a nice relaxing massage, the gratuities, maybe a shore excursion, and been happy. FCC is absurd, as it requires you to spend money with them to use it.

 

What you are requesting is ridiculously out of line for two days of slight inconvenience.

 

This type of situation is why we always carry on bathing suits (if we are cruising somewhere that we need them), a change of underwear and clean shirt, toiletry kit/cosmetic bag on with our electronics and travel documents plus any non-costume jewelry in our daypack/cross body/tote/whatever small bag we are each using on that trip.

[msmayor]

I might have done as another poster suggested and asked for more OBC to purchase items needed...but I certainly wouldn't expect 50% of what I paid back.

 

I also wouldn't worry about wearing T-shirts or shorts into the dining room if that's all I had. I would almost consider myself a celebrity..."the one who had no luggage"...and I'm sure no one (including the crew) would have given you a hard time.

 

No luggage an inconvenience? You bet. But I'm not going to let that ruin a good time. I don't need special clothes to have fun.

[Essiesmom]

Waaayyy out of line. 'Got what you paid for'??? You did get it. You got the cruise, didn't miss any ports. That's all the contract you agreed to says. It is unfortunate what happened to you, but that's why you could have carryon bags. My carryon would always have a couple changes of clothes, including formal wear. After 40 years of international travel, I only use a carryon and backpack.

Be aware that cruise lines monitor those who seem to be asking for excessive compensation. Or frequently asking for compensation for minor inconveniences. They have been known to disinvite you to cruise with them. And their sister lines. EM

[dd likes to cruise]

Fingers crossed, as this hasn't happened to me. But, if you did have insurance, I would have bought more clothing and necessities either on ship on in the first port and had it reimbursed by insurance. As you said, not knowing for sure when the lugage would arrive. Unless you had a very long excursion planned you should have been able to fit a litle shopping in. I too would not have worried about how we were dressed - since it wasn't your fault.

 

Hindsight - OBC would have been the preferred route.

 

Maybe you could complain to the resolutions dept and get a partial refund now instead. I think I would at least try that.

[capriccio]

Sorry, I am not up on the lingo. Is OP's =One person?

 

OP = Original Poster (in this case that would be you :))

[leaveitallbehind]

I had stated before the bump to next loyalty would be a bonus. Are you saying 50% FCC is way out of line? I only have a couple of weeks a year and was hoping I could plan another one for next year and get this one out of my mind. I we certainly didn't receive our money's worth.

 

If I am understanding this correctly you received $600 in OBC ($100 ea. x 2 days) plus approximately $1,200 in future cruise credit for 2 days of delayed luggage? While I understand the inconvenience and frustration, I think that is very fair and reasonable. I would have been upset over the lost luggage and would have wanted something for my inconvenience, but what I think that what was offered was fair, and to expect a 50% FCC seems to be a reach in proportion to the mistake.

 

Quite frankly, what I also see as totally unreasonable - and not remotely related as a solution - is your suggestion of a loyalty bump as well. I realize you say it would have been a bonus, but to ask for it in the first place indicates to me that you were looking for something IMO not remotely deserved. You indicate 6 RCI cruises which I will assume has you at Platinum and likely 2 cruises away from Emerald. Based on this cruise as example, that would be a benefit to you of over $10,000 of passenger value to move to the next tier. Sorry but that is an outrageous expectation of compensation - in addition to the $1,800 OBC and FCC already received - for 2 days of luggage inconvenience. Sounds a bit greedy to me. I think you need to move on - it was an honest mistake that IMO was dealt with fairly.

 

....and "OP" means "Original Poster" - a reference to you.

Edited September 17, 2016 by leaveitallbehind

[Nic6318]

RCCL loaded our families luggage (3 bags) on their sister cruise line Celebrity in Seattle and didn't get them to us until 50+ hours later. RCCL provided $300 in shipboard credit and between the 3 of us, about $1200.00 in the form of future credits. Cruised with them for 6 cruises, but figured I would ask others if a) they experienced misplaced or lost luggage and b) what compensation they received? I personally think we weren't compensated enough, but would ask if the experience is the same with other cruise lines?

 

Hi there

 

If you were just wondering if your treatment was fair, I think what others are saying that their efforts were more than fair, is correct.

 

The reality that what happened to your family really is considered just an inconvenience might not be something that you agree with but don't expect them to change their opinion. Your luggage was returned. They did give you compensation, granted you need to use their product again to benefit from most of it, but it is substantial.

 

Just think, if it had been an airline that had misdirected your bags. It would have been unlikely that that the bags would catch up to you at all. You would have had to go shopping for all your needs. You would have to file all the insurance forms. On the return hopefully the airline would have your bags waiting for you, and most important, your compensation would have been next to nothing, considering your efforts.

 

I think this is the reality of traveling. You really do have to be prepared for it to happen. Luckily it is not the norm.

 

may your next cruise be uneventful

[CruisingAlong4Now]

Are we finished blaming the OP? Wasn't he stupid for not having more items with him in a carry on bag. Boy is he greedy. Why was he upset -he eventually got the bags . He should be a better person and not get upset. Blah Blah Blah

 

For several days he had no idea if or when the bags would appear. Every day was a reminder that the cruise was not going to be the stressfree vacation for which he had saved and planned. The paltry OBC hardly compensates for those daily stresses-much more than an inconvenience.

 

I would not consider a $1200 FCC as valid compensation. This is conditional compensation. There are two conditions which are needed to turn this into true compensation.

 

First the OP must want to cruise Royal again. Probable? Possible? Maybe 65% probability given his dismay at the response. Next, for the $1200 to be worth $1200, you must assume that the cost of a future cruise will not increase thereby negating the value of the FCC. Given that the OP cruises every other year and the annual increases in fare, the $1200 FCC should be depreciated by 25%. Therefore the present value of the FCC is not $1200 but approx. $600.

 

Everyone still think this is fair?

[buggins0402]

It also appears he received $300 OBC. If he spent more than that to replace clothes, he might be able to submit to his insurance company for the difference, with the arguement that the FCC has no value unless he books another cruise.

 

We once were transported to Miami after a ship fire with none of our belongings. Our return flight wasn't scheduled until a 4 days later. For around $400, between a trip to Walmart and Lincoln Rd., we were able to buy enough stuff to get us through. Trip insurance with the Chase Sapphire reimbursed.

Edited September 17, 2016 by buggins0402