We used ShipGo for the first time in May. We spent 4 nights in Rome prior to embarking Marina. Three pieces of luggage were sent to the ship with ShipGo. Bag #1 cleared customs in 2 days at FCO. Bag #2 did not clear customs until the day before embarkation, a full 2 weeks after pickup. Bag #3 did not clear customs until after our sailing. ShipGo was very responsive and kept in contact with us and concierge on the ship. Our 3rd bag finally got to us in Bordeaux France, 10 days into our cruise. BTW the international reps at ShipGo also handle Luggage Forward and Luggage Free. There were over 200 bags with all 3 services that were held up in Rome customs during a 2 week period in May.
Lessons Learned:
-Cross pack all luggage. We had packed outfits for each of us which included all coordinating accessories/shoes. This allowed us to wear what was packed in the 2 pieces of luggage that did arrive on time.
-All apparel was packed in 2 gallon ziploc bags in the event that luggage sat out in the rain on a tarmac.
-There is no "guarantee" that any of these services will deliver your bags on time. We received a full refund from ShipGo immediately upon our return home for the charge of the delayed piece of luggage. We also submitted our purchases to our insurance along with delayed baggage coverage. Those are still pending.
-Although ShipGo international reps were diligent in tracking and contacting overseas agents, their "guess" was that there was a bottleneck at customs due to staffing issues. When we finally received our third bag in France, it did not appear that it had ever been opened. Everything was neatly packed in the ziploc bags just like I had packed them 3 1/2 weeks prior.
Would we use such a service again? Depending on the situation and itinerary details we probably would. We know what pitfalls there are. We also know that expectations need to be tempered and realistic.
-Katie