How to File a Complaint with Royal Caribbean (Step-by-Step Guide)

Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s largest cruise lines, operating dozens of ships worldwide. While cruises promise luxury and relaxation, luggage can easily go missing during embarkation, disembarkation, or transfers, and resolving these issues with Royal Caribbean can be frustrating.

This guide explains how to file a complaint with Royal Caribbean, what to do if luggage is lost or damaged, and how to escalate when communication stalls.

When You Should File a Complaint with Royal Caribbean

You should file a complaint if you experienced:

Lost, delayed, or damaged luggage

Baggage misplaced during embarkation or disembarkation

Damage to personal items in hotel-style cabins

Poor customer service during luggage handling

Refused reimbursement or delayed claims

Royal Caribbean handles millions of passengers annually, so persistence and documentation are critical.

Step 1: Confirm the Issue and Gather Documentation

Before filing a complaint:

Take photos of luggage and contents

Note exactly when and where the issue occurred (port, ship, cabin)

Keep luggage tags and claim receipts

Record staff names and timestamps of interactions

Retain receipts for lost or damaged items

Complete documentation is essential to strengthen your claim.

Step 2: Report the Loss Immediately

Report issues as soon as possible:

Contact the guest services desk on board

Request a written incident report and case number

Get names of staff handling your issue

Prompt reporting improves the likelihood of a favorable resolution.

Step 3: Contact Royal Caribbean Customer Support

If the issue isn’t resolved on board:

Visit the Royal Caribbean website and navigate to the Customer Support/Complaints section

Submit a detailed complaint including:

Cruise name and dates

Cabin number

Description of lost/damaged items

All supporting documentation (photos, receipts, PIRs if available)

Keep your message factual, chronological, and concise.

Step 4: Write a Complaint That Gets Results

Structure your complaint like this:

Cruise and cabin details

What happened and when

How it impacted you

Requested resolution

Example:

“During my Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas cruise from July 15–22, 2025, my luggage was lost during embarkation. Despite contacting guest services multiple times, I have not received an update. I am requesting reimbursement for the lost luggage and guidance on next steps.”

Clear, precise language increases response rates.

Step 5: Understand Royal Caribbean’s Responsibility

Royal Caribbean may be responsible if:

Luggage was handled directly by cruise staff

A claim tag or receipt was issued

The luggage was lost in controlled storage areas

Royal Caribbean may deny responsibility if:

Luggage was left unattended

Guests failed to report promptly

Loss occurred outside the cruise line’s control (e.g., airport, transfer service)

Documentation strengthens claims in disputed situations.

Step 6: Escalate If Necessary

If the cruise line fails to respond:

Follow up via email or the online complaint portal

Ask to escalate to the corporate support or guest relations team

Maintain a timeline of communications

When escalations stall, PublicMinute can help organize documentation, track unresolved claims, and maintain accountability.

Tips to Prevent Luggage Issues on Cruises

Take photos of your luggage before boarding

Label bags clearly with contact information

Keep receipts of checked baggage

Avoid storing valuables in checked luggage

Document timestamps and interactions with staff

Summary: How to Resolve Issues with Royal Caribbean

Confirm the issue

Gather documentation

Report immediately on board

Submit a structured complaint to customer support

Escalate when necessary

Track everything with PublicMinute

Most unresolved cruise luggage complaints fail due to incomplete documentation or unclear communication.

Related Guides on PublicMinute

How to File a Complaint with Carnival Cruise Line

How to File a Complaint with Marriott

How to File a Complaint with Hilton

What to Do If an Airline Loses Your Luggage

Final Thoughts

Cruises involve multiple handoffs and touchpoints. Travelers who document thoroughly and escalate strategically get the best results.

PublicMinute helps ensure travelers stay organized, visible, and ready to escalate when cruise line systems fail to respond.