Our luggage was broken into before it was delivered to our cabin and several items were stolen. We had driven to the port and foolishly thought that our luggage wouldn't be out of out possession for very long. However, it was never delivered to our cabin and we retrieved it ourselves from the loading area minutes before the ship sailed. Princess did absolutely nothing for us and really had extremely poor customer relation skills. We will never sail them again.

The things you people come up with. How do you know you bags weren't rifled before they even got to the cruise ship?<BR>Only an idiot puts jewelry, etc. in baggage knowing it's going to be out of their sight.

First, I have been around a long time and have never heard of any piece of luggage that has been stolen from outside anyone's door.<BR>Passengers should not fear this.<BR><BR>Here is a hint. When getting on the ship do not leave your luggage sitting on the curb. Always stay with your luggage from the time you leave the airport until you see it being wheeled onto the ship. You are responsible for your luggage until you see it dissappear into the terminal. Then the ship is responsible. The pier workers should be tipped at least 50 cents to $1.00 a bag and they still could care less about your luggage. They are not employed by the cruise line.<BR><BR>Make sure your baggage tags are affixed and if you have extras affix them also. Also have your name on the handle with another tag.<BR><BR>Paul

When my family cruises, we have at least seven pieces of luggage - all large size. We pick out two of the bags to put our more valuable things in - kids cameras, dvd movies, etc. Not the very valuable like camcorders, portable dvd player, wife's jewelry - alway carry on those items. Anyway, for the two bags we don't want anyone in, we have those multicolored straps with the combination locks on them. We put them on just before we drop the bags off at the ship terminal. I can tell you that if you wait and watch your bags until someone wheels them into the terminal, you won't board the ship until just before it sails most of the time - especially with Celebrity out of FLL!

Can you take your own luggage on and off?

I must confess to being a luggage pilferer, thief,robber and crook.<BR>My method is that I slyly watch all the cabins close to my own all week. I spot the ones the pretty ladies are in, making mental notes .<BR>I specialize in my thievery. Very very late , when the luggage is placed outside and they are snuggled in asleep, I creep out(having already picked my targets)and gently remove their undies!! Oh what a thrill.<BR>No one ever complains, as they are either glad to be rid if it, or are ashamed.

Curious:<BR><BR>You can carry all your luggage on as long as it is less than 11x17 inches in one dimension. Most carry-on-sized wheelie-bags fit the bill. Everything has to fit through the hole in the security scanner. I have seen various postings on various forums that say you can carry on bigger bags and they will just hand-search them, but maneuvering big bags through the line to check in would be difficult, and you will get dirty looks from the folks behind you in the security check line if they have to stop and hand-search your big bags. You will get dirty looks from the porters just for carrying them on. We carried on (among 5 of us):7 21" wheelie-bags, 2 backpacks, a shoulder bag, and a camera bag. No problem mon! (brain STILL in Jamaica)

The above is another reason that it is best to buy the ship's transfers even though I will get an argument from Peter.<BR><BR>Those that take taxis and wish to carry their own bags on have to wait in an awful long line. I would rather spend the time on the ship. It is worth the extra money.<BR><BR>Paul

Naw, came in a day ahead, rented a car from Avis, took Avis bus to ship, waited in line about 15 minutes tops to get on. The only people who wait forever in line are the ones who show up at 10:30 or 11:00 wanting to be the first ones on the ship. We showed up about 30 minutes after they all got on and did not spend hours sitting around waiting.

Paul - do those that come by taxi and do NOT wish to carry their bags on have to wait in a very long line?

No Peter you idiot. There is a ramp on the rear of the ship where the cabs can drive right on and unload their passengers and their bags. Surprised you didn't know that, as you are an expert on everything from azipods to lemon pie.

OK, I concede. The ship that Peter sailed on is different.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul, can you imagine a ship full of Peters?

I was on my honeymoon last year on RCI and my husband's bag was stolen. The last time we saw it was outside our door the night before and hadn't seen it since. We waited until the last person had left the ship and all bags were picked up. <BR><BR>We filed a claim with the cruise line and Miami police. We were reimbursed through our insurance company, the cruise line for what they covered and the optional insurance.

I guess we just heard it from the horse's mouth. Bags can and will be stolen any where, any place and at any time.<BR><BR>Hopefully at the end of the vacation rather than at the beginning.<BR><BR>And for fatso's satatement .... Imagine if Peter posted the ship and date of his next cruise and he was the only one that was on the ship.<BR><BR>Paul

If Peter broadcast his next cruise it<BR>(a) might be his first or<BR>(b) everyone would go just to get a look at a real live nut.

If you have to board with name branded luggage and have the newest and the best, you will be the first to get pinched. I have an old orange suitcase that is the shame of allmy fellow travelers but I have never haveany trouble finding it on thecarousel and I doubt if anyone would pinch that old mess of a thing. Had it since college days. Keep you glasses, pills, a small water bottle, a snack if you sail on Celebrity (ever get onboard on time and no food in the wait area)overnight needs in a lightweight backpack. Keep your money and passport in a front pocket. Don't travel with pants that dont have a closeable front pocket. And use Granny's luggage or draw pictures and letters with red tape on the bags. If you need to be Princes Diane on the trip, you are a target. I have never lost a thing in thirty years of travel and never take along anything that would distress me if lost. My husband and I always have a great time and take an awful ribbing for the crummy luggage. Nobody is interested in our luggage - learn about luggage - keep it light. Pack everything the same color and keep what you value in the back pack. Keep a foldable purse in there, too, and check the pack if needed. Leave your heavy keys at home, use common sense.