HAVEN'T GOT ANYTHING TO WEAR ie LOST LUGGAGE

[serendipity1499]

This WEB site was posted on the Oceania Board..Good article about what to do if your luggage was lost by the Airline (after you have a fit!)..LOL

http://www.tripso.com/2007/08/trammels.php?page=all

[hammybee]

Thanks Betty. I read some of this on the Carnival CD's blog. I really liked the morning shout-out to all passengers to find appropriately sized clothing for those with MIA luggage.

Uncertainty with luggage is another reason to consider paying more for a non stop flight, if available and affordable, as well as flying in at least one day before the cruise.

[Robin7]

Lost luggage before a cruise is my own personal recurring nightmare before we leave. I always pack a few things in my carryon 'just in case.' Especially a SWIM SUIT and footwear (since I have to special order my shoes thanks to a lovely bunion problem). My carryon is usually REALLY heavy when heading for a cruise ship. :D

I love John Heald's blog! He sometimes is dealing with 60, 80, 150 pieces of missing luggage. Incredible. The guy is hilarious, though. You should heck it out!

Robin

http://johnheald.wordpress.com/

[mamaofami]

When we fly, we try to arrange our packing so that some of my clothes are in DH's suitcase and some of his in mine. That way, if one suitcase is lost, we're not totally up the creek. I too have to take my shoes in my carry on luggage because of bunions. Makes for a very heavy carry on.

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!
Interesting thread. Usually our carry-on's contains all our documentation(s), money, jewlery, electronic gear, cameras, etc. Like the previous poster we also have a pair of shorts, extra shirt/blouse and a dreaded pair of 'jeans', sandels and a two day supply of 'unmentionables' along with a bathroom/Rx tote (I pack the sharps on the check-in these days). Not all that heavy really.
I talked with a couple a few years ago aboard the Ryndam who had lost their luggage and it turned out that once the crew learned of their plight loaned them clothing until they were able to use the ship store/ 'hit' the first port. Further, housekeeping services did have an inventory of 'unclaimed clothing' and were also able to give them formal wear at no charge due to their circumstances. The HAL staff is the GREATEST, as if you haven't probably noticed. So not to worry, plan ahead, maintain good travel insurance and more importantly, ENJOY YOUR CRUISE!
If all else fails, an evening or two of room service in your 'birthday suit' (cloaked in a HAL robe of course!) might be the best memory that you could retain for years (assuming as a couple, the 'spark' remains).

Bon Voyage and Good Health!
Bob:)

[the2ofus]

Robin and Carol,
My intention is not to hijack this thread but your mention of bunions touched a chord. I dealt with the foot pain and limited choice of shoes for way too many years. When dancing became too painful to be fun, I finally gave in and, after consulting many friends re; their experiences I opted for surgery. I know that choice is not for everyone, but it gave me great relief. After a sensible and sensitive recovery period I can now dance for hours without discomfort. It is worth considering.

To get back on topic, I've used the "divided wardrobe" packing trick for years, with some of my clothes and some of his, both day and evening ensembles in each bag. Also, just be careful with those carry-ons when you get to the ship. Once, we were distracted by something just as the baggage handler grabbed the luggage and before we realized it, the roll-on with DH's meds inside had gone with the other bags. It was the last bag to show up in our cabin, and long after the ship sailed. We had a few anxious moments over that. After that, we were careful to keep a firm grip on that bag at all times.

[cruznon]

I ran into a lady the fourth day of our last week on the Ryndam and she related how their luggage was missing. She saild HAL had been great about laundering clothes they had. She told me she felt like she was at a girls' school and everyone else was at the prom!. She was hoping luggage would be in Juneau. Never saw her again, I hope she got her luggage.

I know I'm always so relieved to see luggage on baggae turnstile! After our ten-hour wait yesterday at the airport we vowed not to fly again to reach a ship. We'll take extra time to drive. Flying is such an unpleasant experience now.

I also love the idea of the shout out to passengers to offer assistance.

[catl331]

On our West. Med cruise on Noordam the couple next to us in the dining room lost their luggage and they stopped eating there and eating at the Lido. I wouldn't do that. I would even come on the formal night. There must be a little table that I would be able to sit at inconspicuously. I paid for it and deserve it because I didn't lose my luggage. They did!I wouild sit there with my GATOR shirt and jeans. GO GATORS!!!!!!!!!

of course, their luggage was waiting for them when we got to Naples, our next to last stop.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I always split all our clothing between 4 suitcases.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I always split all our clothing between 4 suitcases.

[MercedMike]

LOL -- on a recent cruise, we managed to get to FLL but our bags were somewhere between Austin and DFW! My DW, bless her flexible and capable little heart, sent the rest of us on to the ship while she haunted the airline baggage office. She finally came into the cabin about ten minutes before sailing, carrying four big white Target bags, with a hysterical story about telling the checkin desk that it WAS her luggage!

Cross packing of course did no good, as ALL our bags were lost. DW managed to grab underwear for both of us, shirts and a pair of slacks, a couple of simple dresses, and even a new pair of shoes for her. HAL was simply outstanding in helping us out. They kept in touch with the airline and let us know where our bags were and what their progress toward the ship was, gave us free express laundry service, notified the maitre d' of our situation, and even gave us free formal wear rental! Our bags finally caught up to us four days later in Aruba!

It all worked out in the end. It is surprising how few things you REALLY need to get by!

[satine]

This WEB site was posted on the Oceania Board..Good article about what to do if your luggage was lost by the Airline (after you have a fit!)..LOL

http://www.tripso.com/2007/08/trammels.php?page=all
I had a similar situation-lost luggage but it was really my fault. I had taken a cab along with a friend from the airport to the pier to board a Celebrity ship. We were taken to the wrong pier and the porter assured us as we handed over our luggage that we were in the right place. We realized within a few minutes that we were at the wrong pier and by this time our luggage had disappeared. We had to leave that pier and make it to the correct one and we notified the Celebrity associate as soon as we got to the correct pier. My friend's luggage was located and put on the Celebrity ship but mine didn't get to me for three days when we ended up at the same port as the RC ship that my luggage was on. So from Sunday until Wed. I had only what I had in my carry on-night gown, 2 pair undies one extra shirt and extra socks. I am a plus size and almost nothing on the ship fit me. Celebrity was wonderful by doing my laundry each night and having it back to me the next am. They called me each day and asked if there was anything I needed-sent a ship's tshirt for me and one for my cabin mate, sent fresh fruit each day. They couldn't have been nicer and they were in no way at fault. I was able to buy a pair of shorts and a top, a pashmina and just made do. My insurance paid for the things that I had to purchase. It was my first cruise so a little disappointing but I sure didn't let it ruin my vacation. Satine

[Stevesan]

Thanks Betty. I read some of this on the Carnival CD's blog. I really liked the morning shout-out to all passengers to find appropriately sized clothing for those with MIA luggage.

Uncertainty with luggage is another reason to consider paying more for a non stop flight, if available and affordable, as well as flying in at least one day before the cruise.

We once had a nonstop flight to Vegas. Unfortunately, the plane wasn't nonstop and our luggage continued on to Los Angeles.
Some days, you just can't win.:p

[ger_77]

Cross packing of course did no good, as ALL our bags were lost.

I can identify with that statement - we had the same thing happen a couple of years ago before boarding a Mediterranean cruise. We didn't have the luxury of time to hit any stores on shore and spent the first 3 days wearing the same outfits we travelled in. Fortunately we travel in fairly respectable clothing so the only thing we really missed out on was the first formal evening. We picked up a couple of t-shirts, golf shirts and a pair of shorts onboard and used them to supplement our travel clothing. All was not lost however, as we made a great friends with another couple in the same situation - we've cruised together since then and plan on more in the future. Oh, our luggage was waiting for us on the pier on our return from our first shore excursion in Istanbul at the end of day 3 ... I hugged each piece as if it was one of our children!:rolleyes:

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)
Gerry

[hammybee]

Maybe we need to consider doing what some college kids do to avoid excess bagggage weight charges. Wear you entire cruise wardrobe when boarding, in layers. :rolleyes:

[RedmondCruiser]

I'll never forget the lady that I talked to as we came back into Ft Lauderdale after a 7 day cruise. She had a jogging suit on and that is all she had for 7 days. She had taken a short flight accross Florida to Ft. Lauderdale and they lost all her luggage. She was not a happy camper.

In 40+ cruises we have never lost our luggage and though we always talk about cross packing, we have never done it. As luck holds out, the day we do cross pack our luggage will go MIA.

[Robin7]

Maybe we need to consider doing what some college kids do to avoid excess bagggage weight charges. Wear you entire cruise wardrobe when boarding, in layers. :rolleyes:

LOL! I'd need a seatbelt extender for sure! Thanks for the laugh, Hammy.:D

Robin

[NHCruisr]

We traveled from Orlando to Boston last weekend on AIR Tran - direct flight. They managed to lose 3 of our 4 bags. Fortunately, we were on our way home. The bags did show up until about 30 hours later.

When I'm going on a cruise, I carry a small bag on the plane that contains meds, jewelry, small version of my toiletry bag (3 oz containers), swim suit, 3 days underwear, black sandals, black knit skirt, black pants, and a knit top or two. I figure that if I end up with no luggage I can always buy casual clothes on the ship. I'm sure that I could also find something to wear for formal night too. With what I have packed in my carry on, I would look presentable in the dining room. Also, I travel in a knit jog suit and wear good walking shoes. It's amazing how small knit clothes can be folded, then placed in a plastic bag in a carry on.

[serendipity1499]

We've always cross packed & take a change of clothing (for dinner & casual) with extra under ware etc. in our carry-ons along with meds & Jewelry..Those roll up travel skirts & tops are great..Also take a pair of dress shoes & purse...DH wears his sport jacket so he has it to wear in the evening.. In 35 years of flying have never had a lost bag, but don't think our luck will last forever..;) Have heard a few horror stories lately..

We with Friends did a TA cruise several years ago & flew back on LH: ROM to MIA via FRA..Our Friends lost one of their bags on the return trip..LH found it & delivered it to their home a few days later..

We're covered though, if either couple has a lost bag..My Friend & I are the same height (5' 1") & wear approx the same size clothing...She could wear some of my things & I could wear some of hers..In addition our DH's both are 6'2" & wear the same size pants & shirts..They even have the same pant & sleeve length, so they could lend each other something to wear..The only exception is we all wear different size shoes..

The moral of the story is: Find Friends who are compatible in likes & dislikes, as well as size to travel with.. LOL:) Betty

[hammybee]

My Friend & I are the same height (5' 1") & wear approx the same size clothing...She could wear some of my things & I could wear some of hers..In addition our DH's both are 6'2" ....... Betty

How is it that so many petite ladies tend to end up with the tall men? :)

[serendipity1499]

How is it that so many petite ladies tend to end up with the tall men? :)

LOL...Everyone asks that question! :) And the funny thing is he's always liked tall skinny girls:(

We look ridiculous when dancing;) While others are in a romantic embrace - cheek to cheek.. We're dancing cheek to bellybutton:D LOL..My arms get tired, holding them up that high..It's great when he's food shopping with me..Get's things off high shelves..If he's not with me, occasionally will ask a stranger to reach something & hope his DW/SO doesn't clobber me..;)

Goodnight everyone..Sweet Dreams..Betty