My bag is here!

Give a cheer; my bag is here!

Until you lose a bag, you don't focus on what an incredible hassle it is ... especially if you're heading out on a cruise.

For the past 36 hours, I've had visions of boarding without my bag...without clothes (carefully chosen over years of sale shopping), without the three pairs of shoes to pamper my aching feet, and scariest, without the various chargers for computer, two cameras and phone. I priced a camera battery charge replacement....over $100. And lucky that I could find one; in many places I travel, it would be impossible.

Yes, I have followed my own advice and bought travel insurance. But turns out that when I chose my policy, I was focused on medical and trip cancellation...but not much focused on bag delay. My coverage came to only $200 ... just enough to cover that charger replacement, a handful of underwear and the many phone calls I've made with my cell phone to track my bag.

Lesson of the moment: Look for a policy that would legitimately cover you if your ship sailed and your bag didn't.

As for the wisdom about cross-packing with your partner so you each have some clothing in case a bag is lost: Obviously whoever wrote that doesn't have a strong-willed partner (or isn't so strong-willed themselves.) Joint packing would entail intense negotiation in my household. Fuggetaboutit.