Andrea Zelinski
Aboard Norwegian Prima – When two executives and their wives arrived in Reykjavik, Iceland last week for the maiden voyage of Norwegian Prima, something was missing.
load.
With so many problems caused by lost bags plaguing airlines and wreaking havoc with travel agencies, not to mention flight delays and cancellations, cruise lines have resorted to reuniting guests with their belongings during cruises. is in a unique position to Being anchored, there is limited time to tie suitcases to passengers and passengers to ships before logistical problems grow and guest satisfaction suffers.
Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer said what he calls a “summer of lost luggage” “had one thing we didn’t expect.” It never happened to us.”
Amid soaring travel demand and airport staff shortages, claims for lost luggage have surged 30% this year compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Spanish insurer Mapfre.
When NCL planned the challenges it would face this sailing season, tracking down guests’ lost bags wasn’t one of them, Sommer said during the Norwegian Prima’s first sail this weekend. .
However, resolving flight and baggage issues proved to be a major challenge for the brand, leading to an increase in the airline team from around 30 to 150 staff to deal with the disruption.
Several cruise lines, including Holland America Line and Seabourn, have expanded their travel service teams to help guests with delayed flights, cancellations and lost luggage. Meanwhile, airlines such as Princess Cruises are encouraging guests to book with their airline programs to minimize the impact of airport meltdowns and gain more time, allowing guests to arrive a day early. We encourage you to
Cruise lines work with airlines to transport these bags further down the cruise itinerary, Sommer said. However, depending on the location and timing of the luggage, returning the bag to its owner is not always successful.
Sommer said airline executives are confident the problem will ease after the summer travel season is over, and are rescheduling for late September or early October to minimize further disruption. It will be readjusted.
