Here's What To Do If A Cruise Damages Or Loses Your Luggage

Starting your journey with missing or damaged luggage can be quite stressful, especially if you're taking a cruise and don't know when you'll be able to replace your necessities. Before traveling, make sure you have an idea of the necessary steps to take if your bags are lost, delayed, or damaged, and know what you're entitled to. While each cruise line will have a different process and policy, knowing your rights is essential and filing a claim promptly will help secure your rights. It's also useful to get travel insurance before you head on a cruise as it will cover any luggage mishaps and offer better compensation than what you'll receive from cruise lines.

Generally, both processes will involve reporting the loss or damage sooner rather than later, and particularly in the case of damaged bags, providing all necessary evidence (including before and after photos). Remember to keep any documents or written communication safe, including reports, emails, or receipts for any purchases made during the duration of the delayed or lost luggage. Read on to find all the info you need and the steps you need to take if a cruise line damages or loses your luggage.

While each cruise line will have different policies and procedures in place for lost luggage, knowing what to do can help speed up the process and ensure your rights are not lost. The first step to take is reporting the loss immediately. Depending on where your luggage was lost, you should either notify a staff member at the terminal or visit guest services on the cruise ship — don't leave the terminal before reporting the loss, as then it becomes difficult to prove that the loss occurred while the cruise line or port staff had duty of care over your luggage. It's always best to take a photo of your luggage in advance, but if you don't have one, then provide a detailed description of your bags, including size, color, and any other features that stand out. Don't forget to request a tracking number or reference for your report.

If your luggage went missing before boarding the ship, you'll need to head to the airline's baggage customer service desk. Most of the time, airlines have different policies regarding what they owe you when it comes to lost luggage. However, if your bags went missing after disembarkation, be sure to check the baggage claim area once you arrive at your home port just in case it ends up there.

Most importantly, ask about the cruise line's policy for compensation as it differs from one line to another. While some cruise lines might offer daily allowances to purchase daily essentials if your luggage is delayed, other policies might only offer compensation if your bag is not recovered.

Sometimes, luggage can be damaged in the form of broken wheels, missing items or torn fabric. If this happens to you, you should respond the same way you would if an airline damages your luggage: Take immediate action to get it repaired or receive compensation. If your bags were damaged during embarkation, it's necessary to head to guest services on the ship to file a complaint. While it might take some time, the cruise line might try to fix it during your stay or provide a replacement. Just be sure to inspect your bags before leaving the terminal and document any visible damage. For damages that are found during debarkation, again be sure to file a complaint before leaving the terminal, or else the claim will not be considered . Don't forget to include photos of the damages along with your luggage tag details.

Keep in mind that many cruise line policies offer limited liability for damaged luggage. If the damage is caused by crew handling, some lines might offer reimbursement or repairs. Carnival, for example, offers compensation of a maximum limit of $250 per damaged or lost bag for every guest. However, it is only possible to file a claim for two bags per passenger for those on a cruise of 14 days or less, or three bags per guest for those who have been on the ship for 15 days or longer. Just remember to submit any forms and receipts within 30 days after the cruise. If the damage was caused by the airline, you'll also need to file a claim with them separately.