From the now I know why my bag didn't get there department:

These days, it always a risky proposition to check your luggage when you're flying to a cruise port. Lots of travelers end up sailing without their luggage. (Of course, not to be an alarmist, we should point out that the vast majority of people do arrive with their luggage just as they should.) But if you're flying to (or connecting through) Rome, it seems your chances of not having your luggage might be a bit higher than normal. There's a Reuters article on the wire today that quotes airport officials in Romes as blaming baggage handlers at the airport for sabotaging the equipment to move slower so they won't have to work so hard. According to the report, this results in many bags being delayed. (Of course, the article doesn't mention the other side and say that many more are still delivered in a timely manner where they are supposed to go despite the slower equipment.)

Since this is the height of the summer cruise season in the Mediterranean, there will be lots of cruisers traveling to or through Rome to board their ships. If your itinerary includes a flight to Rome, you might want to consider a couple of common-sense ideas just in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you.

• Carry a few clothes in your carry-on bag. If you are without your luggage for a couple of days, just a change of a shirt or underwear might not make you look ready for formal night, but at least you'll feel better (and have something else to put on while what you already wore is in the laundry). It will also save you from having to spend your time (and money) buying stuff for a couple of days.
• If two people are traveling together taking two bags, cross pack. Each person should have a couple of complete changes of clothes in each of the bags. This way if only one bag doesn't show up, both people will have a several changes of clothes to wear. Resist the temptation to put all the shoes in one bag or such, because that will be the bag that does get delivered on time.
• Above all else, if there's something you absolutely have to have, such as medication, put that in your carry-on bag.

Note: Links were valid at time of posting.