The fact that Royal Caribbean stopped sending luggage tags in the mail last week isn't likely to make headlines in the cruise industry, or anywhere else for that matter. But for long-time cruise passengers, it warrants a small explanation.
It's a wonder this hasn't happened before now. More people than ever are booking cruises on line. Consequently, the package of documents that used to show up in the mailbox is now showing up on the computer, as e-Docs. Since it includes information far more critical (like tickets for your cruise) than baggage tags, why wouldn't the cruise line include the tags in eDocs?
Royal Caribbean, for one, is now doing that.
The other part of the explanation is a practical one. If a cruise line is only sending baggage tags in the mail, and they're doing it for 1,000 people (or 1,000 couples), you don't need a calculator to figure out what that costs.
Call it fiscal responsibility. Or just call it unnecessary.
Royal Caribbean Splendour of the Seas
6 nights
November 11, 2012
Bari, Corfu, Santorini, Ephesus, Olympia, Venice
Inside: $276
Cost per day: 46
www.royalcaribbean.com