Mardi Gras Great Cruise - but Went Home Without My Luggage

[onlyano]

I was ready to sing the praises of my November 5th Mardi Gras sailing until Carnival lost my luggage.

My inner voice told me to carry off my bag, but my lazy voice overruled.

I left my luggage outside my cabin door at 8:45 pm. The zone 8 tag was filled out and firmly attached. I even used a metal luggage tag ring to secure the Carnival zone tag. My bag also included a cute, fabric luggage tag with my sorority name  (my name and phone number) and a big red and white polka-dot grosgrain bow. 
Off the ship at 8:10 am, at zone 8 at 8:18 am, no bag! Walk the area three times, and nope, it's not there. Try the adjoining zones, but no luck. Ask for help, and receive minimum assistance. I start walking up and down the aisles sobbing, and assistance shows up. Having a crying, elderly woman wandering around the baggage claim area is not a good look.

Two, sometimes three of us look for 30 minutes, but the bag can't be found. 

I will say the cluster surrounding the luggage claim zones, impedes one's ability to locate anything. Trying to look through my ugly crying did not help my situation.
I apologize to anyone that saw my meltdown. I had some clothing items that will be difficult, if not impossible to replace. I also had some gifts (not expensive) from ports I doubt I will be back to any time soon in my bag. Dare I say Amber Cove will be off the list forever if Carnival doesn't fix this.
It soon got to the point where I needed to leave for the airport, so I filled out a claim form and left. Sad and dejected. I've done a lot of travel, and I've never had this happen. Yes, ship happens, and it looks like I was due. 

Twenty minutes into my bus ride, I get a call that my zone 8 luggage was located in zone 3. But, we looked in zone 3. As I said before, the free-for-all that Carnival calls line management, probably caused three sets of eyes to not see my misdirected bag.

The good news, the bag will be shipped on Wednesday. Bad news, I fly out on the following Monday for Thanksgiving. So if my bag doesn't come before then, I'm up yet another tree. 

I live in a "luxury" apartment complex where stealing items from outside your door helps finance rent payments for some of my neighbors. We have a package valet unit, but I don't know if my luggage will fit. Just more to stress about. Receiving and holding packages is a luxury my apartment complex will not provide. About the only luxury they provide is cookies and coffee in the clubhouse at a time when most people are at work.

As I said, I was ready to give the Carnival Mardi Gras a kudo. But despite the wonderful food outlets, my excellent room steward, fabulous entertainment, and an overall beautiful ship, Carnival, for now, is on my "no-go" list.

While I am feeling sorry for myself, I celebrated my birthday while onboard. I got a nice gift from Carnival. Nothing like getting a gift from someone, then having the same person take it back.

Just to make sure my trip had a cherry on top ending, when I went through Orlando security, they told me my license was expired. I checked the date months ago, and it clearly has a 2025 expiration date, so it appears the bar code is incorrect. The TSA agent was perplexed. It was a first for him. Go Texas!

I have my passport and can travel with it if I can't get my license fixed this week. 

Tomorrow, I will be at the DMV at early-thirty, 7:30 am, to get in line. Unfortunately, you can't make a "you screwed up my barcode" appointment online. 

My Mom listened to my tales of woe. She pointed out that my life is usually pretty drama free, and I have it pretty good compared to others. Case in point, at least I could afford to go on a cruise and can afford to replace some of the items I lost. I did point out that one of the things that can't be replaced is something I bought for her. She had no comment on that.

She also remarked that since I am retired, I have time to stand in line at the DMV without missing work.

I feel about 5% better after my Mom's words of wisdom and I typed out my rant. But still, I want my stuff!

If you made it this far, I will update you on my luggage and license situation, once they are resolved. 

If Carnival comes through with my bag, I might even write a somewhat positive review of my cruise, with minimal pictures.

 

Here's a teaser.

 

 

Oh wait, that's from my Royal Caribbean Cruise six weeks ago, where my luggage was in the correct zone at debarkation.

 

[BlerkOne]

I'm thinking luggage not on the ship is outside of Carnival's control. Dock workers are not Carnival employees.

[firstcruise92]

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you.  I hope you will receive your luggage.  Maybe you can work with the shipping company to have it delivered on a day you will be home.  

[pcvtmom]

I can't begin to imagine how upset you are over this snafu!  I sure hope it all is resolved expediently.  Keep us updated.

[onlyano]

28 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

I'm thinking luggage not on the ship is outside of Carnival's control. Dock workers are not Carnival employees.

You are correct, the dock workers and porters are not Carnival employees. The persons that assist you with claims are. I had a very understanding lady named CoCo Turner, with a Carnival name tag, that helped me with my lost luggage claim. She is the one that called me to let me know my bag was finally located.

[onlyano]

13 minutes ago, firstcruise92 said:

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you.  I hope you will receive your luggage.  Maybe you can work with the shipping company to have it delivered on a day you will be home.  

This is the plan, but I don't know if I will have a shipping number. I have signed up for advanced tracking with FedEx. Fingers crossed they can track my bag by name and address. I plan to go to a local FedEx office before I leave for Thanksgiving and see what they can do. 

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, onlyano said:

I was ready to sing the praises of my November 5th Mardi Gras sailing until Carnival lost my luggage.

My inner voice told me to carry off my bag, but my lazy voice overruled.

I left my luggage outside my cabin door at 8:45 pm. The zone 8 tag was filled out and firmly attached. I even used a metal luggage tag ring to secure the Carnival zone tag. My bag also included a cute, fabric luggage tag with my sorority name  (my name and phone number) and a big red and white polka-dot grosgrain bow. 
Off the ship at 8:10 am, at zone 8 at 8:18 am, no bag! Walk the area three times, and nope, it's not there. Try the adjoining zones, but no luck. Ask for help, and receive minimum assistance. I start walking up and down the aisles sobbing, and assistance shows up. Having a crying, elderly woman wandering around the baggage claim area is not a good look.

Two, sometimes three of us look for 30 minutes, but the bag can't be found. 

I will say the cluster surrounding the luggage claim zones, impedes one's ability to locate anything. Trying to look through my ugly crying did not help my situation.
I apologize to anyone that saw my meltdown. I had some clothing items that will be difficult, if not impossible to replace. I also had some gifts (not expensive) from ports I doubt I will be back to any time soon in my bag. Dare I say Amber Cove will be off the list forever if Carnival doesn't fix this.
It soon got to the point where I needed to leave for the airport, so I filled out a claim form and left. Sad and dejected. I've done a lot of travel, and I've never had this happen. Yes, ship happens, and it looks like I was due. 

Twenty minutes into my bus ride, I get a call that my zone 8 luggage was located in zone 3. But, we looked in zone 3. As I said before, the free-for-all that Carnival calls line management, probably caused three sets of eyes to not see my misdirected bag.

The good news, the bag will be shipped on Wednesday. Bad news, I fly out on the following Monday for Thanksgiving. So if my bag doesn't come before then, I'm up yet another tree. 

I live in a "luxury" apartment complex where stealing items from outside your door helps finance rent payments for some of my neighbors. We have a package valet unit, but I don't know if my luggage will fit. Just more to stress about. Receiving and holding packages is a luxury my apartment complex will not provide. About the only luxury they provide is cookies and coffee in the clubhouse at a time when most people are at work.

As I said, I was ready to give the Carnival Mardi Gras a kudo. But despite the wonderful food outlets, my excellent room steward, fabulous entertainment, and an overall beautiful ship, Carnival, for now, is on my "no-go" list.

While I am feeling sorry for myself, I celebrated my birthday while onboard. I got a nice gift from Carnival. Nothing like getting a gift from someone, then having the same person take it back.

Just to make sure my trip had a cherry on top ending, when I went through Orlando security, they told me my license was expired. I checked the date months ago, and it clearly has a 2025 expiration date, so it appears the bar code is incorrect. The TSA agent was perplexed. It was a first for him. Go Texas!

I have my passport and can travel with it if I can't get my license fixed this week. 

Tomorrow, I will be at the DMV at early-thirty, 7:30 am, to get in line. Unfortunately, you can't make a "you screwed up my barcode" appointment online. 

My Mom listened to my tales of woe. She pointed out that my life is usually pretty drama free, and I have it pretty good compared to others. Case in point, at least I could afford to go on a cruise and can afford to replace some of the items I lost. I did point out that one of the things that can't be replaced is something I bought for her. She had no comment on that.

She also remarked that since I am retired, I have time to stand in line at the DMV without missing work.

I feel about 5% better after my Mom's words of wisdom and I typed out my rant. But still, I want my stuff!

If you made it this far, I will update you on my luggage and license situation, once they are resolved. 

If Carnival comes through with my bag, I might even write a somewhat positive review of my cruise, with minimal pictures.

 

Here's a teaser.

 

 

Oh wait, that's from my Royal Caribbean Cruise six weeks ago, where my luggage was in the correct zone at debarkation.

 

I'm so sorry your luggage was lost and ruined what would have been a good cruise. 

 

Hugs

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, onlyano said:

You are correct, the dock workers and porters are not Carnival employees. The persons that assist you with claims are. I had a very understanding lady named CoCo Turner, with a Carnival name tag, that helped me with my lost luggage claim. She is the one that called me to let me know my bag was finally located.

At least they found it. You couldnt wait or get it once it was located.

 

I sure wish you luck. 

[ZoeyVictoria]

Our luggage was missing after a cruise around seven years ago.  My late SO was not happy with the assigned tag number, so he went to Guest Services and obtained new tags with a lower number. He filled out and attached the tag to his bag while I completed my own.
 

We got to the luggage pickup area and my bag was there, but not his.  After searching for over forty-five minutes, it was finally located.  When he got the new luggage tags, the number was not changed in our account. The new tag fell off his bag at some point.  Luckily, his personal luggage tag with his name and address was spotted, our account was checked, and his bag was delivered to the area of the old tag number. Since that number was a lot higher than the new number, it took quite a while for the bag to be brought out and we were able to search that particular area.

 

So, if you ever exchange your assigned tags for a different number and your luggage does not show up, look in the area for the original tag number.  And never, ever allow the person who attached the tags to perform that task again, just do it yourself!

 

[onlyano]

44 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

At least they found it. You couldnt wait or get it once it was located.

 

I sure wish you luck. 

Thanks. I didn't want to cut it too close for my flight. I was already on my way to the airport when my luggage was located. 

[Moviela]

I look at the bright side. Lost luggage on the way home is a Godsend. You don't need to schlep it through the airport to check in, nor wait for it at baggage claim. Simply head for the exit. 

[dolphinsfan246]

Sorry that happened and that sure does suck. But it’s seems childish to swear off Carnival over a mistake that Port Canaveral employees made. Especially when you even admitted everything about your cruise was great. I think your stewards and everybody else who waited on you hand and foot are well deserving of that “great review” you seem to be holding hostage because of the port workers. I was on the same cruise as you and this ship had the best crew I have seen in YEARS. Even prior to Covid. And the little jab about Royal putting your bag in the right zone, once again has nothing to do with the cruise lines and all to do with the porters unloading luggage. I was ready to sympathize with you but that part at the end was so dramatic. 

[Illbcruzn4life]

seems pretty harsh saying you won't sail Carnival anymore because your luggage got displaced.

 

I understand being upset. Oh well it's your money. Hopefully you are just saying this in the heat of the moment and when you calm down you'll change your mind .

[cruisinqt]

Hearing stories like this is the reason we bought our AirTags. They were 4 for $99 and worth every penny. I just slip one inside my suitcase when we travel. I can see exactly where it is on my phone. Seeing it go from the cruise pier to the ship on embarkation day then from the ship to the cruise pier on debarkation day relieves a lot of stress. I’m so paranoid about losing my luggage. I also have one on my key ring because I periodically misplace my keys. I just ordered AirTag collars for all of my pets too. I’m obsessed with these things because they are so inexpensive and give me a lot of peace of mind. 

[windsor26]

7 minutes ago, cruisinqt said:

Hearing stories like this is the reason we bought our AirTags. They were 4 for $99 and worth every penny. I just slip one inside my suitcase when we travel. I can see exactly where it is on my phone. Seeing it go from the cruise pier to the ship on embarkation day then from the ship to the cruise pier on debarkation day relieves a lot of stress. I’m so paranoid about losing my luggage. I also have one on my key ring because I periodically misplace my keys. I just ordered AirTag collars for all of my pets too. I’m obsessed with these things because they are so inexpensive and give me a lot of peace of mind. 

where do you purchase them from please

[Joebucks]

This is why my bag never leaves my sight (when possible). Happened to me through Jetblue. Be thankful that it was at the end of vacation, not the beginning. I'm sure it will be found.

 

Also funny when you praise Royal and hate on Carnival because of a simple mistake, when in reality, it could have been the same employee both times. 

[SDPadreFan]

If you have a newer (not new, but newer) iPhone, then airtags are a fantastic option. Available at places like Costco, Amazon, and other Apple authorized sellers. Costco will typically save you $10 on a set.

 

For android users, Samsung also makes a set. But again - the best features requires the newer phones. The Apple airtag feature set is currently considered the best, but as always, don't play nicely with android phones.

[SDPadreFan]

Further info on the trackers. For the Apple airtags best feature,  you need an iPhone 11 or newer. For the Samsung "Smart Tag +" You need a Galaxy S21 or newer.

 

Important to note that only the Smart tag + has a feature set similar the the Apple airtags.

Edited November 14, 2022 by SDPadreFan

[cruisinqt]

9 hours ago, windsor26 said:

where do you purchase them from please

Amazon has them for $94.98 for a four pack or $27.98 for just one. That’s where I bought mine. 

[cruisinqt]

4 hours ago, SDPadreFan said:

If you have a newer (not new, but newer) iPhone, then airtags are a fantastic option. Available at places like Costco, Amazon, and other Apple authorized sellers. Costco will typically save you $10 on a set.

 

For android users, Samsung also makes a set. But again - the best features requires the newer phones. The Apple airtag feature set is currently considered the best, but as always, don't play nicely with android phones.

You can also use the AirTags if you have other Apple products. My friend doesn’t have an iPhone (he’s an android guy) but he bought a friends older iPad to use for his AirTags and they work great with it. 

[Schoifmom]

15 hours ago, ZoeyVictoria said:

Our luggage was missing after a cruise around seven years ago.  My late SO was not happy with the assigned tag number, so he went to Guest Services and obtained new tags with a lower number. He filled out and attached the tag to his bag while I completed my own.
 

We got to the luggage pickup area and my bag was there, but not his.  After searching for over forty-five minutes, it was finally located.  When he got the new luggage tags, the number was not changed in our account. The new tag fell off his bag at some point.  Luckily, his personal luggage tag with his name and address was spotted, our account was checked, and his bag was delivered to the area of the old tag number. Since that number was a lot higher than the new number, it took quite a while for the bag to be brought out and we were able to search that particular area.

 

So, if you ever exchange your assigned tags for a different number and your luggage does not show up, look in the area for the original tag number.  And never, ever allow the person who attached the tags to perform that task again, just do it yourself!

 

Carnival no longer "assigns" tag numbers.  You pick them up at the designated locations (unless you are P/D or in a suite).  There would be no way for Carnival to "look up" what area your bag was "assigned" to.  

[Sugar67]

Quite possibly not Carnival's fault.  Another passenger could have moved it.  Glad you will be getting it back 

[onlyano]

11 hours ago, dolphinsfan246 said:

Sorry that happened and that sure does suck. But it’s seems childish to swear off Carnival over a mistake that Port Canaveral employees made. Especially when you even admitted everything about your cruise was great. I think your stewards and everybody else who waited on you hand and foot are well deserving of that “great review” you seem to be holding hostage because of the port workers. I was on the same cruise as you and this ship had the best crew I have seen in YEARS. Even prior to Covid. And the little jab about Royal putting your bag in the right zone, once again has nothing to do with the cruise lines and all to do with the porters unloading luggage. I was ready to sympathize with you but that part at the end was so dramatic. 

 

I was waiting for this post. 

It wasn't until I started crying, that someone with Carnival actually assisted me. The first person I went to with a Carnival name tag pretty much blew me off.

So no Carnival didn't misdirect my bag, but the onsite Carnival employees weren't exactly helpful until I was in distress. 

I thought the Royal Caribbean jab was funny, not dramatic. But sarcasm doesn't always translate well on the Internet.

Not everything on that cruise was great (elevator wait times, cash out at the casino, the app not always connecting), but it was not horrible. 

We are all entitled to our opinions. 

[onlyano]

4 minutes ago, Sugar67 said:

Quite possibly not Carnival's fault.  Another passenger could have moved it.  Glad you will be getting it back 

I wondered about that too. Even though it was crowded I'm pretty sure at least two of us checked zone 3, where my bag was located. 

Lesson learned. Pack less and carry my bags off. 

[onlyano]

18 minutes ago, cruisinqt said:

You can also use the AirTags if you have other Apple products. My friend doesn’t have an iPhone (he’s an android guy) but he bought a friends older iPad to use for his AirTags and they work great with it. 

I had a Tile in my bag, but for some reason it isn't working. It did work when I cruised 6 weeks ago.

I will definitely get an AirTag.