Luggage took a different cruise

[ironwmnmk]

Just finished Southern Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Summit. Booked a pre-cruise accommodation at Sheraton, Old San Juan through Celebrity for the convenience of luggage transfer from hotel to ship. I made it easily onto my cruise, but as it turned out my Huge suitcase (yes I am a female) was aboard the Royal Caribbean ship which was at same pier. I was allowed to purchase items I needed from whatever source I could find with assurance of reimbursement, however since Aruba was last port of call this proved to be challenging and aggravating. My luggage was not even discovered until the sixth day even though the Royal Caribbean ship had been requested to perform search after Summit, Pier, and Sheraton all reported negative findings (about 12 hours), so until then I was given impression by both concierge and supervisor that bag was lost forever.

Has anyone else experienced similar circumstances and what was the remediation that was received?

[eandj]

WOW!!!! :eek: Did you have your ship baggage tags on the suitcase?

I would definitely be working on some kind of "credit package" from Celebrity for the inconvenience and stress. Especially since you bought THEIR pre night hotel package with the transfer of luggage included. Letting you purchase things while you cruise wouldn't be good enough for me!:mad:

[Krazy Kruizers]

On our recent 23 day Ryndam cruise out of San Diego -- 12 people ended up with no luggage for 7 days and one couple for 20 days.

 

The Zaandam was in port with us and some people didn't turn over their luggage to the correct porters for the correct ship. The Zaandam left for Hawaii so that luggage so all that luggage couldn't be sent to our ship until they reached the islands.

 

As for the other couple -- they luggage traveled all over Hawaii, then back to San Diego and then through Mexico.

[martinimadam]

that is, if you want to even try Celebrity again:( .

 

I would be interested to know if you had them all tagged. Did you stay overnight at the hotel? Did you see them pick up your luggage? The times when I've done this, with Crystal and HAL, they actually had you identify your luggage before it and you loaded the bus and once again when you got to the ship. Much safer, I'd say.

[jp2001]

I'd definitely be looking for a free cruise out of this! that is, if you want to even try Celebrity again:(

 

A free cruise for delayed luggage??? They are going to reimburse her new clothes (and she will be getting her suitcase when she comes back, it's not totally lost), I think it's OK. If they also add some sort of onboard credit, I think it's nice of them. I know it's not fun not to have your belongings but don't you think asking for a free cruise for delayed luggage is a bit much?

[ironwmnmk]

Most definitely the bag was tagged. Our instructions from the cruise ship were to place any bags that were to be transported with the ships stateroom tags that were provided inside by the door of of our hotel room. It was written that pickups would begin at 9:30 am. We marked two large suitcases and left them as instructed and left for breakfast. Upon returning, our two large bags were gone. We checked our two carry on bags with the hotel and left to explore El Morro since ship did not leave until late that night. Upon arrival to check-in I learned that my stateroom (7002 - large outside) which I booked six months prior was changed. Upon boarding, I was assured that the change was necessary and that my new stateroom was an upgrade (6094 outside with balcony). My husbands bag was delivered to 7002 as it was marked in the hotel so we brought it back to our room. Despite numerous checks outside of 7002 and our new room 6094, in addition to speaking with concierge my bag had not arrived prior to retiring for the night. The next morning, still no bag at either room. The concierge had requested a search of the ship's hallways and public areas overnight without results. Emails were sent to the hotel, the pier and to the Royal Caribbean ship that was docked right "behind" our ship. After about 48 hours I was told by both concierge and front office manager that they had no idea where my bag was and was likely to never be found. It was not until the evening of the final port day at Aruba that I received word that my bag had been found inside someone's stateroom on the Royal Caribbean ship and that when we arrived in San Juan I would be personally escorted to it. I found it intact and the contents surprisingly untouched.

 

I currently have a 14 day Mediterranean cruise booked on the same ship for our 25th Anniversary this October. I'm thinking along the lines of

1. Prompt reimbursement of the clothing replacement expenses I incurred on this cruise which totaled about $500.

2. Complimentary Pre-Cruise Accommodations in Barcelona this October to remediate the problem that I had with the San Juan Pre-cruise transfer

3. Complimentary stateroom upgrade from deck 3 to the same deck 6 that I had this past time so I can fully enjoy the balcony experience while wearing my own clothes.

4. Shipboard credit for distress and aggravation since I do not cruise for the purpose of having to shop, that's why I do all that beforehand and bring a bag that is large enough to get overweight charges by airline.

 

and if they are feeling particularly generous, being remarried by the Captain would be a nice gesture.

So what do you all think and does anyone know if my bag had a good cruise?

[martinimadam]

So your luggage wasn't just delayed...it was "lost" to you for the entire cruise? I know I would be very very upset. What did you do for formal nights? I'm not even sure I'd be able to find any clothes that fit. And wasting all that time shopping for clothes rather than doing fun stuff (I know, some of you ladies might like the excuse...not me!).

 

I think you're definitely on the right track. It's not as if you checked your luggage at the pier and a porter made a mistake...you were on one of Celebrity's pre-cruise packages...they were totally responsible. You deserve much more compensation than just getting your money back. Don't forget to charge them interest on the money you had to spend out of your own pocket!

 

The marriage by the Captain is a really nice touch.

[martinimadam]

So your luggage wasn't just delayed...it was "lost" to you for the entire cruise? I know I would be very very upset. What did you do for formal nights? I'm not even sure I'd be able to find any clothes that fit. And wasting all that time shopping for clothes rather than doing fun stuff (I know, some of you ladies might like the excuse...not me!).

 

I think you're definitely on the right track. It's not as if you checked your luggage at the pier and a porter made a mistake...you were on one of Celebrity's pre-cruise packages...they were totally responsible. You deserve much more compensation than just getting your money back. Don't forget to charge them interest on the money you had to spend out of your own pocket!

 

The marriage by the Captain is a really nice touch.

[Terpnut]

I'm thinking along the lines of

1. Prompt reimbursement of the clothing replacement expenses I incurred on this cruise which totaled about $500.

2. Complimentary Pre-Cruise Accommodations in Barcelona this October to remediate the problem that I had with the San Juan Pre-cruise transfer

3. Complimentary stateroom upgrade from deck 3 to the same deck 6 that I had this past time so I can fully enjoy the balcony experience while wearing my own clothes.

4. Shipboard credit for distress and aggravation since I do not cruise for the purpose of having to shop, that's why I do all that beforehand and bring a bag that is large enough to get overweight charges by airline.

 

and if they are feeling particularly generous, being remarried by the Captain would be a nice gesture.

So what do you all think and does anyone know if my bag had a good cruise?

Since your bag got a free cruise, I think RCI/Celebrity will likely consider it all a "wash". :p Just kidding...

 

As for your plan, I think RCI/Celebrity will likely want to settle with you for a fixed dollar discount and/or OBC on your next cruise as they won't want to deal with any of your special requests or accommodations.

[Jimsgirl]

I once had luggage that took cruise to Alaska without me, but since that happened on disembarkation it was not nearly as bad as your stress.

 

What is amazing is that the luggage was in someones stateroom on another ship and they did nothing .about it. I know I would soon be asking someone to "get that thing out of here"

 

Leaving luggage inside hotel rooms is the norm these days, and not seeing it put onto transport is also normal when there are many passengers at the same hotel.

 

Must admit I worry each and every time.

 

Do tell us what happens now.

[ironwmnmk]

Since your bag got a free cruise, I think RCI/Celebrity will likely consider it all a "wash". :p Just kidding...

 

As for your plan, I think RCI/Celebrity will likely want to settle with you for a fixed dollar discount and/or OBC on your next cruise as they won't want to deal with any of your special requests or accommodations.

 

LOL terpnut and I hope my bag didn't incur a bigger bar bill!

 

I know what you are inferring about settling. A Barcelona pre-cruise package I have booked with the cruise already so I guess I thought of it as just removing those charges. The stateroom upgrade seemed feasible since cruise is 8 months from now, so I assume balconies are still available. That was my rationale at least. Any idea on what would be considered fair OBC amount?

 

Btw, once reunited with my bag at the pier I did ask concierge if I could have an immediate free cruise since apparently I had a bag full of clean clothes!

[ironwmnmk]

So your luggage wasn't just delayed...it was "lost" to you for the entire cruise? I know I would be very very upset. What did you do for formal nights? I'm not even sure I'd be able to find any clothes that fit. And wasting all that time shopping for clothes rather than doing fun stuff (I know, some of you ladies might like the excuse...not me!).

 

 

Completely agree with you on the shopping thing! St. Maarten is a blur to me because I spent day "frantically" running up and down Front Street on a SUNDAY trying to find something formal for that night. Completely unsuccessful, I sort of pouted that night for a while feeling very out of place and missing the great cocktail dress I had never worn. Had to get over it though, didn't come to be miserable. As usual cruisers are great people, for second formal night a table mate and new very good friend gave me a dress to wear. Plan B was to wrap myself in a pure white sheet that trailed behind like a wedding gown train and make my entrance down the grand staircase!

[Terpnut]

LOL terpnut and I hope my bag didn't incur a bigger bar bill!

 

I know what you are inferring about settling. A Barcelona pre-cruise package I have booked with the cruise already so I guess I thought of it as just removing those charges. The stateroom upgrade seemed feasible since cruise is 8 months from now, so I assume balconies are still available. That was my rationale at least. Any idea on what would be considered fair OBC amount?

 

Btw, once reunited with my bag at the pier I did ask concierge if I could have an immediate free cruise since apparently I had a bag full of clean clothes!

Just my opinion of course, but I'd think you'd be doing very well to get 1/3 or 1/2 off your fare for the 14-day Med cruise. Being more realistic, I would guess they'd probably come closer to 15-25% off. I'd suggest you avoid the complexity of trying for a free pre-cruise package and/or OBC, and just negotiate the best straight-out discount on your next cruise. Good luck!

[Skyglider]

ironwmnmk,

Because of your experience I just added another item to our "Things to do and bring" list which is:

 

"Make additional OBVIOUS baggage tags with ship name, departure port and departure date to prevent bags from going on wrong ship."

 

So sorry for your experience and hope you get "everything" you request as compensation,

Skyglider

[Sheffie]

Just finished Southern Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Summit. Booked a pre-cruise accommodation at Sheraton, Old San Juan through Celebrity for the convenience of luggage transfer from hotel to ship. I made it easily onto my cruise, but as it turned out my Huge suitcase (yes I am a female) was aboard the Royal Caribbean ship which was at same pier. I was allowed to purchase items I needed from whatever source I could find with assurance of reimbursement, however since Aruba was last port of call this proved to be challenging and aggravating. My luggage was not even discovered until the sixth day even though the Royal Caribbean ship had been requested to perform search after Summit, Pier, and Sheraton all reported negative findings (about 12 hours), so until then I was given impression by both concierge and supervisor that bag was lost forever.

Has anyone else experienced similar circumstances and what was the remediation that was received?

 

 

Hence the reason we always take a carry-on that has at least one change of each type of clothes.

 

Hope next cruise is perfect!

[ironwmnmk]

Did have a carry-on with few clothes, bathing suits, jewelry, some toiletries. But from what this experience taught me

 

1. No more his and her bags. All bags will be packed with a variety of both of our clothes.

2. Carry-on will have one pair of dress shoes and cocktail dress, in addition to variety of clothes good for most situations.

3. Sadly, I don't need as much as I have always thought.

 

Pluses = not a lot of time spent repacking on the last day!

[Terpnut]

ironwmnmk,

Because of your experience I just added another item to our "Things to do and bring" list which is:

 

"Make additional OBVIOUS baggage tags with ship name, departure port and departure date to prevent bags from going on wrong ship."

 

So sorry for your experience and hope you get "everything" you request as compensation,

Skyglider

If her bags were tagged with Celebrity's tags, isn't that already pretty obvious?? What more can a person do? If the baggage handlers aren't looking, don't care or whatever, there is NOTHING else you can do.

[ladycaveat]

The same thing happened to my husband (now former husband) and I on our honeymoon cruise in 1974. The suitcase arrived . . . at our home . . . two weeks after we got back from our cruise. Thank goodness it wasn't "my" suitcase that took a wrong cruise (by the way . . . love the title of this thread). My husband was so not into clothes, he'd have been happy wearing the same outfit for the entire cruise. But . . . we spent the entire day on our first shore excursion shopping for clothes for him . . . from his undies, bathing suit, shorts and tee shirts to shaving cream and razor . . . :eek:

 

By the way, my former husband and I are still the best of friends . . . . :p

[jp2001]

Most definitely the bag was tagged. Our instructions from the cruise ship were to place any bags that were to be transported with the ships stateroom tags that were provided inside by the door of of our hotel room. It was written that pickups would begin at 9:30 am. We marked two large suitcases and left them as instructed and left for breakfast. Upon returning, our two large bags were gone. We checked our two carry on bags with the hotel and left to explore El Morro since ship did not leave until late that night. Upon arrival to check-in I learned that my stateroom (7002 - large outside) which I booked six months prior was changed. Upon boarding, I was assured that the change was necessary and that my new stateroom was an upgrade (6094 outside with balcony). My husbands bag was delivered to 7002 as it was marked in the hotel so we brought it back to our room. Despite numerous checks outside of 7002 and our new room 6094, in addition to speaking with concierge my bag had not arrived prior to retiring for the night. The next morning, still no bag at either room. The concierge had requested a search of the ship's hallways and public areas overnight without results. Emails were sent to the hotel, the pier and to the Royal Caribbean ship that was docked right "behind" our ship. After about 48 hours I was told by both concierge and front office manager that they had no idea where my bag was and was likely to never be found. It was not until the evening of the final port day at Aruba that I received word that my bag had been found inside someone's stateroom on the Royal Caribbean ship and that when we arrived in San Juan I would be personally escorted to it. I found it intact and the contents surprisingly untouched.

 

I currently have a 14 day Mediterranean cruise booked on the same ship for our 25th Anniversary this October. I'm thinking along the lines of

1. Prompt reimbursement of the clothing replacement expenses I incurred on this cruise which totaled about $500.

2. Complimentary Pre-Cruise Accommodations in Barcelona this October to remediate the problem that I had with the San Juan Pre-cruise transfer

3. Complimentary stateroom upgrade from deck 3 to the same deck 6 that I had this past time so I can fully enjoy the balcony experience while wearing my own clothes.

4. Shipboard credit for distress and aggravation since I do not cruise for the purpose of having to shop, that's why I do all that beforehand and bring a bag that is large enough to get overweight charges by airline.

 

and if they are feeling particularly generous, being remarried by the Captain would be a nice gesture.

So what do you all think and does anyone know if my bag had a good cruise?

 

IMHO, the oceanview to balcony upgrade OR an 500$ onboard credit (+ prompt reimbursement, of course) would be fair. I would also ask for the vow renewal with the Captain, they may accept to make up for their mistake. I think if you ask too much, they will go on the defensive side and won't give you as much as if you are being reasonable with your requests.

[macka]

I'm sorry I just cannot agree.

 

A cruise without any luggage would be totally ruined. You would not have your toiletries, underwear, any clothes shoes or swimwear, just think about it! I would expect every penny of my fare to be reimbursed. Every penny, and more. you cannot get that vacation time back ever again.

[mstea]

That is horrible :eek:

I really think they should do what-ever to make your next cruise PERFECT !!

The stress you were under, We had our luggage lost on a day cruise to Bahamas.. what a pain shopping for both of us... After we spent the whole day shopping, thankfully our bags were at our hotel when we returned, but this was the day when you dressed to fly, like dress shoes and the whole bit, not casual clothes.. so I kinda understand, you deserve a refund, credit, something for your last cruise.. good luck and keep us posted.

[momofmeg]

WOW!!!! :eek: Did you have your ship baggage tags on the suitcase?

I would definitely be working on some kind of "credit package" from Celebrity for the inconvenience and stress. Especially since you bought THEIR pre night hotel package with the transfer of luggage included. Letting you purchase things while you cruise wouldn't be good enough for me!:mad:

 

CELEBRITY????????

 

 

Sheraton is the one who goofed-but the hotel should reimburse for sure! Ofcourse you would think at the RCI dock they would have had sense enough - to realize the luggage tags did not match their ship and send the bags over to the correct ship-but I can't see how Celebrity would be the least bit responsible.

[kruisecat]

and this is the exact reason that I NEVER pack all of my stuff in one and DH's in the other. I always mix our clothes up in each of the suitcases so that if one gets lost we still have clothes to wear. And I always carry my toiletries onboard.

 

Sorry you had such a tough time.

[jp2001]

I'm sorry I just cannot agree.

 

A cruise without any luggage would be totally ruined. You would not have your toiletries, underwear, any clothes shoes or swimwear, just think about it! I would expect every penny of my fare to be reimbursed. Every penny, and more. you cannot get that vacation time back ever again.

 

You don't have to be sorry, it's normal that people don't always agree, we are here to express our views, aren't we?

 

My carry-on is always packed with what I find to be the very minimum I can survive with, without being too incomodated (and I also cross-pack with the person I travel with), maybe it's why I don't see it as big an issue as you see it (and, as I said, it's ok to disagree). But, even with my carry-on, I agree that not having your suitcase show up IS an issue I would prefer not having to deal with and it would put a damper on my cruise experience but I would not let it ruin my cruise, although it would mean more shopping on ship and in one of the port (the first one if any good shopping is available).

 

Here is a list of what I bring in my carry-on, if it may help anyone:

- Travel documents-ID-money-credit cards

- 2'' comfy casual sandals

- Flip Flops

- Bathing suit

- Capri

- skirt (knee-lenght) that I can dress up or down

- Evening top

- Short sleeves twin set

- Cute t-shirt

- Jewellery

- 2 pairs of underwear

- Minimum toiletteries (lip balm, hand/body lotion, lipstick, mascara, anti-bacterial gel)

 

(all tops can go either with the skirt or the capris. The flip flops fit with the bathing suit and t-shirt while the sandals fit with the skirt, capris, twin set and evening top). As you can see, with only 6 piece of clothing, 2 pairs of sandals and one bathing suit, I can go a long way).

[MEcruzr]

If you bought travel insurance you would also be able to submit a claim for "delayed luggage".