Gem Lost luggage update ( 3/30/22)

[JGmf]

4 hours ago, complawyer said:

try a 2 week cruise with no change of clothes and see if  you'd care about the overall costs.  if the system doesn't work, do something to fix it.

 

Does the system work now or not?  I'd say it does.

 

Absolute perfection is 100% of bags safely delivered to our cabins on time.  How far off is NCL (and the other cruise lines) from being perfect?  I'd hazard a guess that they are 98+% with us getting our bags.

 

I'm just guessing based on various cruises that I've been on where I'd receive a "lost bag" flyer. 

 

That's on par with the best airlines who do have that technology and baggage systems that some are talking about upgrading at the ports.

 

 

 

 

[electro]

A few years back I ended up on a back 2 back on MSC in Europe with no luggage. Long story but it had nothing to do with the cruise line, I arrived in Rome without my luggage. 

When MSC found out we didn't have luggage they gave us a 100 Euro OBC to get some stuff in the gift shops, gave us each (DH and me) toiletry kits and MSC t-shirts, and gave us free expedited laundry service for the entire 2 weeks - would send out laundry in the evening and have it back the next afternoon.

Seems to me that NCL could have done a lot more for the OP with little or no cost to them. 

Lois

[Ottawa Lynne]

Wow. You have my sympathies. That's a truly sucky thing to have happened. I'd be angry too.

[complawyer]

jgmf,, that's all well and good, unless the lost luggage happens to be yours!

[JGmf]

Just now, complawyer said:

jgmf,, that's all well and good, unless the lost luggage happens to be yours!

 

Amen.  I agree. 

 

Just trying to inject some pragmatism and prevent over-engineering a solution in search of a problem.

[GeezerCouple]

12 minutes ago, electro said:

A few years back I ended up on a back 2 back on MSC in Europe with no luggage. Long story but it had nothing to do with the cruise line, I arrived in Rome without my luggage. 

When MSC found out we didn't have luggage they gave us a 100 Euro OBC to get some stuff in the gift shops, gave us each (DH and me) toiletry kits and MSC t-shirts, and gave us free expedited laundry service for the entire 2 weeks - would send out laundry in the evening and have it back the next afternoon.

Seems to me that NCL could have done a lot more for the OP with little or no cost to them. 

Lois

 

Yes, something like this would be VERY appropriate.

Also, as mentioned, given that this type of thing does happen, unfortunately, the suggestion above about a minimal assortment of sweatpants and sweatshirts, plus those logo'd tee shirts, and some socks or flip flops would be really thoughtful...  Those wouldn't take up too, too much room to store (this is a big ship, not an airplane).  And that's not enough to have people "lose" their luggage on purpose, etc.  It's still not going to be anything like the trip planned! 

 

Hopefully at the first port, there would be at least a few clothing type stores, even if mostly souvenir style.  That's when travel insurance would also come in handy, although the limits probably wouldn't cover even cover the luggage.

But it's not just the cost of the lost items.  It's recovering enough at the time to have a semblance of a relaxing vacation.

 

It wouldn't cost NCL much to do "a more generous minimum like this", and it's certainly not enough to incentivize fraudsters.  NCL could have done a lot more, at little cost or inconvenience.

 

GC

 

 

[Oakman58]

Having your luggage lost really sucks and dealing with insurance companies sucks too.  Sorry this happened to you.  I am Platinum level also but I wouldn't put up with NCL's uncaring attitude.  If you have a personal cruise consultant with NCL I would call them and cancel the future cruise and let them know why.  There are other cruise lines that are as good or better than NCL.

[susiesan]

Never ever give your luggage to a porter to check in and bring to your cabin. Always carry/roll your own luggage on and go straight to your cabin with it. If your suitcase is too big or heavy for you to take onboard yourself then you have overpacked. I have been on over 50 cruises and have never checked luggage in. Same goes for leaving the ship, take your luggage with you when you disembark.

[shanefm3]

1 hour ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

Here's the problem with any significant "fix", in my opinion:

 

Because of the old-fashioned (or insert descriptor term of choice) way the bags are dropped off without any attempt at a receipt or any record at all, there is no proof that one ever dropped off a bag at all.  So if everyone is honest, that's not a problem.  But alas, not everyone is honest.  There would be those who game the system, so to speak, and claim lost luggage that never existed.

 

Unfortunately, I don't see a fix, given the total lack of any sort of tracking or accountability the way cruise bags are loaded.  It's just not a good situation, and I'm sort of surprised there aren't more problems re-uniting the bags and owners that first day, just from mix-ups of various sorts.

 

GC

NCL “lost” three suitcases in two cruises . The previous people had no insurance according to the posts . So absolutely no benefit to them lying . I’ve luckily traveled and insured with the same company for the last 20 vacations without a claim being made. I think it’s likely down to dwindling tips due to half full cruises and there are now thieves in their employment .

 

The entire post is about the lack of engagement from NCL to a customer who has spent close to 100k in past cruises , with another 10k coming in July . Offering two t shirts and toothpaste is insufficient. Yes, i have insurance but that is irrelevant to how NCL handle lost cases . I’m 50 years old with another 100k most likely to spend on cruises in the coming years . It’ll be spent elsewhere 

 

I am well aware of the guest contract and what they are entitled to do . It’s not about what they have to do , it’s about what they should do and to this point , Not one person has said “ we are sorry”. “Regretting that I am still disappointed” is NOT an apology 

[kochleffel]

This causes me to think about using a larger boarding bag, the one that I keep with me on the flight and at boarding the ship. Usually I have one that airlines class as a "personal item" (up to 36 inches, L+W+H), but I could take an international-size carry-on bag. I always have some clean clothing in whatever bag I'm not checking, but I think I might want to be sure of having more.

 

Barcodes on the luggage tags would be feasible and the porters could scan them with handheld devices. Then they could be scanned again as they're unloaded aboard the ship.

 

[WYB!]

If I remember correctly, the OP had their laptop in the bag that was lost. Please confirm.

 

Have you turned on the lost/stolen tracking software for the device so that you receive a notification if the laptop is connected to the internet?

 

Safe travels,

 

- WYB

[BirdTravels]

11 hours ago, shanefm3 said:

It’s unsure where it was lost/stolen . Two suitcases on the prior cruise also had been misplaced . Port were unable to help . I think you’re missing the point . I am disappointed in the response to the suitcase being lost / stolen . The flippancy towards a guest is what’s stinging the most  and making me hesitant in giving them more money

So what response would you like???? I am not sure what more the cruise line can say. 
 

While the OP is a good person who lost luggage, you can stand in line at GS any day and hear people trying to scam the cruise line. 

[Laszlo]

12 hours ago, shanefm3 said:

As some of you will remember from my “Live from The Gem” for the 10day out of NY, one of my cases didn’t arrive . Background, Platinum guest , solo traveler mostly .

After daily visits to GS , I had no luck in finding my suitcase which had disappeared after curbside check in. I’d two small cases, tipped $10 at port and only received one to cabin.

GS were nice but ultimately did very little for me apart from giving me two t shirts and a mini kit with toothpaste etc . I was advised to contact Guest Relations upon return. I did this and it’s been particularly annoying . I received two emails , none with an apology . They “regretted” that i was still upset but stated they are not doing anything further . Nowhere along this interaction have I been offered an apology and that is bugging the hell out of me . I do have insurance and have submitted a claim ( warning , two weeks in and no reply from AON either). 
 

I have just booked two spa balcony cabins for a cruise in July costing close to 9k and I am strongly considering canceling. I in good heart can’t continue to give good money to a business who doesn’t appreciate their guests . Numerous times , I have requested a manager to call me ( both on board and since returning) and have never received a call or email .

 

Attaching the letter below. My advice is to try carry anything of importance onboard but mostly to be aware that NCL will do nothing for you should THEY lose YOUR case . Not even an “I’m sorry”

That really sucks...... Did you talk to anyone at the port when you returned?

[Laszlo]

Tile or Apple Air Tags are the way to go.

 

Tile has saved found my bags Twice....   https://amzn.to/3Kc68PE

[ClevelandCruisin]

I always pack a few outfits in my carry on for this exact reason. Did you go to the place where bags with illegal items go? How about cruise tags, still attached to the bags and easy to read?

I just can't see them not loading a bag that was placed with the other ship bags.

[shanefm3]

4 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

So what response would you like???? I am not sure what more the cruise line can say. 
 

While the OP is a good person who lost luggage, you can stand in line at GS any day and hear people trying to scam the cruise line. 

I’d have liked them to say sorry . I didn’t get that once . I never asked for anything from GS. I accepted two t shirts that they offered along with an amenity kit. I have insurance . Not sure what’s so hard to understand about this as it’s been the subject of the entire post 

[geleisen]

Kind of interesting. I was checking the US versus European Ts&Cs and it seems like the US terms are significantly more strict than for those who have booked from Europe. Apparently they limit their responsibility generally and then further state that the maximum value that you can carry in your luggage is 100 USD unless you pay 5% of the value of the rest of your luggage. Whereas the European terms state that it is governed under the Athens Convention on carrying Passengers and their Luggage by sea(PAL). Kind of interesting that this would be different based on where you booked rather than where the ship or the cruise line is based. (US is not party to any of the PAL protocols, Bahamas is party to original and the 76 protocol, while EU and UK are party to the 2002 PAL protocol. I would have thought that it would be be based on Bahamas, so I find it interesting that it instead seems to be based on where you book.)

 

[poohdreaming]

12 hours ago, shanefm3 said:

I’d have liked them to say sorry . I didn’t get that once . I never asked for anything from GS. I accepted two t shirts that they offered along with an amenity kit. I have insurance . Not sure what’s so hard to understand about this as it’s been the subject of the entire post 

 

Sorry that you have to go through this.

At least they send you a letter even though you did not like the way it was written.

Things happen.

 

I know that you mentioned that you tried to talk to the manager on board. Should of have called the manager's phone number or send him/her an email. However, this person cannot really do anything much for you. They tried to locate your luggage as they printed a flyer.

 

Perhaps someone else decided to keep your luggage if they are able to open it up.

As someone else mentioned, you should turn on locating/tracking device if the laptop ever turned on.

[tampadee]

17 hours ago, Laszlo said:

Tile or Apple Air Tags are the way to go.

 

Tile has saved found my bags Twice....   https://amzn.to/3Kc68PE

Says only 400 ft range

[mafig]

20 hours ago, WYB! said:

If I remember correctly, the OP had their laptop in the bag that was lost. Please confirm.

 

Have you turned on the lost/stolen tracking software for the device so that you receive a notification if the laptop is connected to the internet?

 

Safe travels,

 

- WYB

 

I remember that, tool

[KBYUCougar]

On 4/23/2022 at 7:57 AM, phillygwm said:

I've taken to putting an Airtag in each bag I travel with, including my carry-on.  I've never had a bag lost but I'd think it would be easier (though not a sure thing; it relies on Bluetooth) to find something misplaced.

Did you see the news story about the guy traveling on Aer Lingus who lost a bag on a layover in Frankfurt? He had an airtag in his luggage and tracked it for days trying to tell the airline where his bag was located. The airline finally found his bag but he is mute on the details of the recovery pending a criminal investigation.

 

I have airtags on my wallet, keys, airpods and my check-in luggage. The airtags ping off of the Find My network, not just the owners phone, allowing it to have a better range than tile. 

 

After Christmas I was able to see right away that my bag was not on the plane with me when I had a last minute flight change. I knew there was an issue before the airline did. I was able to see it move around the airport and see it travel to meet up with me at home. Best money spent so I can track things down. I'm planning to get a few more before an upcoming cruise.

[snorklinbarb]

22 hours ago, shanefm3 said:

I’d have liked them to say sorry . I didn’t get that once . I never asked for anything from GS. I accepted two t shirts that they offered along with an amenity kit. I have insurance . Not sure what’s so hard to understand about this as it’s been the subject of the entire post 

Guests were talking about this on Gem when we all got the photo and description of what appeared to be a black bag, urging us to look under the bed, in closet, etc.  Sorry it was not found.    

 

Tomorrow getting on a long TA and it would not be pleasant without the suitcase with no shops in sight.  Were you at least able to find a few things on our first stop in SJ?  

 

I remember back in the day when Shorex would have "Dive In" tee shirts and Casino had some as well - which could have at least tied you over.  Doesn't sound like that's an option even.  

 

On one mid winter sailing when Gem and Jewel were both at Pier 88, there were a few bags from our ship that teleported over to the other.  Bags were found.  I forget how it worked out but seem to recall we were going to be in port together so got sorted out.  So that's not even a possibility in this case.   

 

Hope the insurance comes through for you but filing claims is never fun.

 

 

 

 

 

[Turtles06]

15 hours ago, KBYUCougar said:

I have airtags on my wallet, keys, airpods and my check-in luggage. The airtags ping off of the Find My network, not just the owners phone, allowing it to have a better range than tile. 

 

After Christmas I was able to see right away that my bag was not on the plane with me when I had a last minute flight change. I knew there was an issue before the airline did. I was able to see it move around the airport and see it travel to meet up with me at home. Best money spent so I can track things down. I'm planning to get a few more before an upcoming cruise.

 

Thanks for this feedback.  

 

For your checked luggage: are you putting the AirTag inside, or do you have it secured outside your bag and, if so, with what "accessory."  Thanks for any info.

[Laszlo]

22 hours ago, tampadee said:

Says only 400 ft range

And still found my "Lost" luggage twice in an airport

[Laszlo]

18 hours ago, KBYUCougar said:

Did you see the news story about the guy traveling on Aer Lingus who lost a bag on a layover in Frankfurt? He had an airtag in his luggage and tracked it for days trying to tell the airline where his bag was located. The airline finally found his bag but he is mute on the details of the recovery pending a criminal investigation.

 

I have airtags on my wallet, keys, airpods and my check-in luggage. The airtags ping off of the Find My network, not just the owners phone, allowing it to have a better range than tile. 

 

After Christmas I was able to see right away that my bag was not on the plane with me when I had a last minute flight change. I knew there was an issue before the airline did. I was able to see it move around the airport and see it travel to meet up with me at home. Best money spent so I can track things down. I'm planning to get a few more before an upcoming cruise.

Bingo.... Love my Tile an AirTags. Its easy to see when your bag has made it on the same plane as you