I believe that in accordance with Homeland Security regulations, luggage will
be opened even in the cruise terminals IF there is a suspected illegal item or
substance. Cruise terminals will rely on x-rays and dogs to do the job and if
those measures get a "hit" then the luggage will be opened by force if necessary.
This will take place at embarkation and disembarkation.
Use cable ties- that is what those plastic items are called- for your luggage and
bring plenty of extra ones with you. You can find these cable ties at the hardware
and automotive sections of K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe's.
Buy them in bulk- they are pretty cheap to purchase, and a handful of them in
your handcarried bags do not take a lot of space.
JanGail
