What To Think...What To Do???

[Makeup Lady]

On Grandeur 1-12, returned 1-17. Because I stayed over I did not unpack until 1-19, only to discovered my "lingerie" bag missing (several new items PLUS all of my "costume" jewelry, which was more than likely packed into that bag).

 

My bags were packed and placed in the hallway by 11PM on the 16th, and as I said, I did not get back home until last Saturday. As we all do, I checked the room, closet and drawers before disembarking, as did BBF, and to our best knowledge, we didn't leave anything behind.:eek:

 

From some postings I've read on this board, is it really RCI's policy to throw out, or otherwise "dispose" of articles left behind? Would it be fruitless to contact them???

 

The lingerie bag was not small by any means, the costume jewelry was in a rather large see-through plastic container. I realize when you're packing at 10PM at night, "throwing" things back in, you can't always remember what you packed, much less how. But I do know we left three bags outside the door, and I did pick up three bags at the end.

 

Just wondering if anyone on this board has had experience dealing with lost articles.

 

Thanks :)

[Sue L]

Call them you never know, especially with jewelry. Were your bags locked? That is another possibility.:(

[Makeup Lady]

Call them you never know, especially with jewelry. Were your bags locked? That is another possibility.:(

 

Thanks for your reply. No, bags were not locked. Shoulda, woulda, coulda...but my mindset is such that I no longer use electrical ties or locks because of TAS regulations (even though I wasn't leaving for home right away).

 

I think I'll give RCI a call. You're right, nothing "lost" if it's found!:)

[Sue L]

Thanks for your reply. No, bags were not locked. Shoulda, woulda, coulda...but my mindset is such that I no longer use electrical ties or locks because of TAS regulations (even though I wasn't leaving for home right away).

 

I think I'll give RCI a call. You're right, nothing "lost" if it's found!:)

 

You are allowed locks for ships and flights as long as the ones for the flights are TSA approved. Sorry you had to learn this lesson the hard way.

[Makeup Lady]

I just called RCI, Lost and Found Department, and talked to the nicest representative. He took a full report, and said that he would contact me by Thursday afternoon. There is a big Lost and Found Department where lost luggage and articles are sent to in Miami.

 

What their representative did was to take a description, along with name, etc., and if it is found it will be mailed to me. However, in the meantime, he is doing an email search.

 

That's more than I could ask for.

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Sincerely,

:eek:

[Sue L]

I just called RCI, Lost and Found Department, and talked to the nicest representative. He took a full report, and said that he would contact me by Thursday afternoon. There is a big Lost and Found Department where lost luggage and articles are sent to in Miami.

 

What their representative did was to take a description, along with name, etc., and if it is found it will be mailed to me. However, in the meantime, he is doing an email search.

 

That's more than I could ask for.

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Sincerely,

:eek:

 

 

Good luck and let us know what happens, we love happy ending stories here on the boards. :)

[Makeup Lady]

Well, Sue, I did receive a call today from a same very nice RCI (Lost and Found) rep, regarding the lost items. Unfortunately, they have not turned up, but he added he would continue to be in contact with their Miami offices. And would certainly let me know if they did indeed turn up. :(

 

Thank you again for your suggestion to call RCI, and for your concerns. Guess this is a loss, kind of like in the casino. Just that some of the jewelry is not replaceable. :eek:

 

Sincerely,

[Sue L]

Well, Sue, I did receive a call today from a same very nice RCI (Lost and Found) rep, regarding the lost items. Unfortunately, they have not turned up, but he added he would continue to be in contact with their Miami offices. And would certainly let me know if they did indeed turn up. :(

 

Thank you again for your suggestion to call RCI, and for your concerns. Guess this is a loss, kind of like in the casino. Just that some of the jewelry is not replaceable. :eek:

 

Sincerely,

 

 

thanks for letting us know, sorry they didn't find anything but who knows it could turn up. Too bad about the jewelry but just some advice next time regardless of its value always carry jewelry in your carry on , too tempting to others. :(

[maxs mom]

Yes......and always, always, always lock your bags when you set them out in the hallway. You can unlock them before going to the airport, or better yet....get the TSA locks. Sorry about your lost items......glad the rep was helpful, though.

[Makeup Lady]

It had been a while since we were on a cruise, and since we were driving, it didn't "dawn" on me to lock my cases. Just so used to TSA standards. And I even have TSA locks...but they were at home (duh!)

 

You're both so right...and thanks for your helpful reminders for "next time."

 

Sincerely,

[Jungle Jane]

Someone told me that the TSA locks are useless because pretty much anyone can get a hold of a key. Is that true?

 

Also I remember reading something about cable ties...are they allowed? Obviously if there was any suspicion they would be cut, but are they allowed to begin with?

 

Thanks............

[Makeup Lady]

Someone told me that the TSA locks are useless because pretty much anyone can get a hold of a key. Is that true?

 

Also I remember reading something about cable ties...are they allowed? Obviously if there was any suspicion they would be cut, but are they allowed to begin with?

 

Thanks............

I used to use cable ties instead of locks before 9-11, and they worked. However, since all luggage is subject to inspection, cable ties/locks, etc., could only be used AFTER the luggage is scanned or hand inspected (i.e., smaller airports where there is no curbside checkin, etc.)...that's my understanding, at least.

[Jungle Jane]

So do you recommend the TSA locks? This has been the one thing I've worried about since booking-that someone will take stuff from my suitcase while it's in the hall. I don't plan on packing any valuables in there, but would be happier if I could lock it somehow.

 

Thanks again.

[Gonzo70]

I just tape a sign onto my luggage that states that I have not placed any valuables inside. So far this has worked.

[senrab]

You can use anything you wish to secure your luggage, but realize that TSA (and presumably cruise lines) have the rights (through some form of rulemaking or another) to search your bags. As a result, they can cut the ties or locks if need be. If you have "old fashioned" hard-sided lugage (without zippers) they can cut through the sides of the bag, if they want to.

 

I always use the wire ties. It keeps the zipper from coming undone accidentally, and it alerts me if someone has accessed my bag.

[WinterEscape]

I hope they find your belongings!

 

I always use the zip ties whether cruising or flying. The few times our lugage has been inspected, they have left notes for us and put on new zip ties.

[Jungle Jane]

Zip ties-cables ties, just want to make sure we're talking about the same thing... the usually white plastic things, you stick the end in the whole and pull it thru- ZZZIIIPPP- and it won't come undone unless you cut it off. RIght?? If those are allowed I think I'll use those, I'm afraid of the zippers coming undone.

 

Thanks so much!

[Sue L]

Zip ties-cables ties, just want to make sure we're talking about the same thing... the usually white plastic things, you stick the end in the whole and pull it thru- ZZZIIIPPP- and it won't come undone unless you cut it off. RIght?? If those are allowed I think I'll use those, I'm afraid of the zippers coming undone.

 

Thanks so much!

 

That is exactly what zip ties are and I love your description!!:D

[emdia43]

I use Sentry locks (TSA approved). If TSA opens your bags they are required to leave a note informing you of this. Hindsight is wonderful of course, but I wouldn't leave my bags unlocked in a public hallway.

[Jungle Jane]

Gosh I'm so glad this topic came up here because I've actually asked about the safety of my bags in the hallway before in another thread and was told by several posters that it was no problem, nothing ever happens, nothing to worry about etc etc etc... I know that chances are it will be fine but if I have somewhat of a solution then it's just one less thing for me to worry about.

 

Thanks so much everyone!

 

And congrats Sue on kicking the cigs! :) Wish my mom would... :mad:

[Makeup Lady]

OP here...I realized today, a week later, that I am now missing two (expensive) shirts! in addition to the original items in lingerie bag, swim coverup, and several pices of costume jewelry.

 

This is truly bizarre...However, I am looking at the whole ordeal as a learning experience (locking my suitcases from now on), and never pack any jewelry (costume or otherwise). I equate this incident as I do when I "lose" at a casino. It's a loss, and I'm responsible for my "misktakes."

 

Thank you all again for your helpfulness. Wonder what else has not accounted for :D. It could have been much worse, I could have stayed in Michigan instead of going on a cruise!

[cruise_lover]

We use both cable locks and TSA locks on our luggage and never had any trouble. Once my sister's TSA lock was not on the same numbers we set it to and her cable lock was missing on one of her luggage pieces but we figured that the drug dog picked up the scent of all her vitamins and altered the authorities that something "smelt funny." We could tell the luggage was open but since all her vitamins were on the top of her clothes nothing else was disturbed. I use cable locks and TSA locks for "my" piece of mind. Crooks will usually go for the pieces of luggage that aren't secured first - the less time they have opening a lock and cutting the cable ties the faster they can swipe the items inside your luggage.

 

And as stated before, always, always, carry your valuables in your carry-on and carry-off luggage.

 

So sorry you lost all your jewelry. Sometime it is the inexpensive items that mean the most to us.

[Eileen G]

Make sure if you use cable ties that you have something to cut them off with when you reach your final destination.

[msraye]

Cable ties are great!! I use the ones I found at Kmart that are in NEON colors. I can see at a glance if they are still intact and/or if TSA has had a look. They replace your ties with white ties. I carry a fingernail clipper (With no nail file--very important) in my purse or fanny pack so it is always at hand.