Uh, not so fast justme. Keep in mind they were traveling international. The 24 hour limit would be for domestic (and not even then really.) Keep in mind they were on a cruise. I'm not sure about in Italy, but it's not at all unusual for the cruise line to claim your bag and take it to the port for you. You then get your bag delivered to your stateroom. So, they very well may not have even known the bag was missing until they set sail.
I haven't looked at Delta's contract of carriage, but usually there is a provision that the time limits can be extended if the passenger can show go reason for not reporting the claim in time. Being out on a boat for almost 2 weeks is absolutely a good enough reason. I've heard of Delta taking 3 or 4 months to settle a baggage claim.
As to Butch's suggestion about small claims court, if you do try that let me know how that works for you. They may not be able to send a lawyer, but they can certainly send someone from the legal office, including a paralegal.
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