I Left My Bag on a Royal Caribbean Cruise – What To Do Next (2025 Guide)

Few things are more stressful than realizing you’ve left a bag behind on your cruise. Maybe you disembarked in a hurry, got distracted during customs, or simply forgot something in your cabin. The good news? Royal Caribbean has a dedicated system to help passengers recover lost items — even after disembarking.

This 2025 guide walks you through exactly what to do if you left your bag or personal belongings on a Royal Caribbean cruise, from immediate steps to contact information and what to expect during the recovery process.

1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly

The first few hours after disembarkation are crucial. Once the ship is cleared, cleaning and restocking begin immediately, and items can easily be moved or stored. Acting fast increases your chances of recovery.

Here’s what to do as soon as you notice your bag is missing:

Note your ship name and sailing date.
Royal Caribbean operates over two dozen ships — this information helps them track which vessel to contact.

Write down your cabin number.
Lost and found teams use this to pinpoint cleaning crews or security reports.

List all items inside the bag.
Include identifiers like color, brand, or tags — these details help confirm ownership.

2. Contact Royal Caribbean Lost and Found

Royal Caribbean’s lost and found service is handled centrally through Chargerback, their global recovery partner.

How to Report Your Lost Bag

Visit the official Royal Caribbean Lost and Found form:
👉 https://www.chargerback.com/royalcaribbean

Fill in details like:

Ship name (e.g., Wonder of the Seas)

Sail date and itinerary

Cabin number

Description of the bag and contents

Your contact details and mailing address

You’ll receive a confirmation email and a case number for tracking.

3. What Happens After You File

Once your report is submitted:

The onboard security team searches your cabin, hallways, and storage areas.

If found, the item is logged, photographed, and tagged with your case number.

Royal Caribbean will email you updates within a few business days.

If your cruise has ended recently, the bag may still be onboard, in port storage, or shipped to the Miami headquarters.

4. Contact the Port Lost and Found (If You Just Disembarked)

If you realized your bag was missing on the same day you disembarked, it might still be at the terminal.

Try These Options:

Port Lost & Found Desk: Every terminal (Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, etc.) has a dedicated lost items counter.

Ask for the Terminal Operator: They can radio the cleaning crew or security.

Keep your cruise card or boarding pass handy — it confirms your identity and ship.

If your ship has already left port, you’ll need to rely on the Chargerback online system for all follow-ups.

5. What If Your Bag Contained Passports or Valuables?

Royal Caribbean treats lost travel documents, jewelry, and electronics with extra priority.

If you lost:

Passport: Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately to report it.

Electronics: Provide model numbers or serial codes in your report.

Jewelry or cash: Expect additional verification questions before shipment.

Security holds high-value items in a separate vault until they’re matched with an owner claim.

6. What If You’re Already Home?

If you’ve returned home and realized your bag is missing, don’t panic — Royal Caribbean routinely ships recovered items worldwide.

Steps:

Submit your report online through Chargerback.

Check your email for updates (response time: typically 3–7 business days).

If your item is found, you’ll receive shipping options and cost details.

Shipping is usually done via FedEx or DHL, and you’ll receive a tracking number once dispatched.

7. How Long Does It Take to Get Your Bag Back?

Timelines vary based on where the ship is and how soon the item is found:

Situation Estimated Recovery Time
Item found onboard while still docked 1–3 days
Item sent to Royal Caribbean HQ 7–14 days
International shipping 2–3 weeks

If you haven’t heard back within 10 business days, use your case number to follow up via email at lostandfound@rccl.com
.

8. Tips to Prevent Lost Bags in the Future

Even seasoned travelers forget items in cabins — here’s how to avoid it next time:

Do a final “sweep” of your room. Check drawers, closets, under the bed, and the bathroom.

Pack the night before. Early preparation avoids last-minute chaos.

Use AirTags or tracking devices. They can help locate bags quickly.

Keep essentials in your carry-on. Always separate valuables, documents, and medications.

Take photos of your bag and contents. This helps with claims and proof of ownership.

9. What If Your Bag Is Never Found?

If your item isn’t recovered, Royal Caribbean unfortunately cannot provide direct compensation for personal belongings left behind, as stated in their cruise contract.

However, if you purchased travel insurance, check if your policy includes baggage loss coverage. Many plans cover misplaced or forgotten items under certain conditions.

10. Royal Caribbean Contact Summary
Contact Type Method Details
Lost & Found Report Online https://www.chargerback.com/royalcaribbean

Follow-Up Email Direct lostandfound@rccl.com

General Guest Services Phone +1 (866) 562-7625 (U.S.)
Royal Caribbean HQ Address Mail 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132, USA
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will Royal Caribbean ship my lost bag internationally?

Yes, Royal Caribbean works with DHL and FedEx to ship items globally. Shipping fees apply based on destination.

Q: What if I left my bag on a shore excursion?

Contact the tour operator directly — many excursions are independent contractors. They often turn in found items to the ship’s guest services.

Q: How long does Royal Caribbean keep lost items?

Typically, items are held for 90 days before being donated or discarded.

Q: Can I call the ship directly?

No, guests can’t contact ships while at sea. All communication must go through Chargerback or corporate guest services.

Q: Are crew members allowed to mail found items privately?

No. For safety and documentation, all items go through the official lost and found system only.

Conclusion

Leaving your bag on a Royal Caribbean cruise is stressful, but most passengers who act quickly recover their belongings. The company’s partnership with Chargerback makes it easier than ever to file claims, track cases, and arrange return shipping.

To recap:

Report immediately at chargerback.com/royalcaribbean

Provide ship name, cabin number, and item description

Follow up via email if you don’t hear back within 10 business days

With prompt action, clear communication, and patience, you have an excellent chance of getting your bag back safely — even after your vacation ends.