Eight individuals have accused Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) of leaving them stranded on a small island in Africa after a delayed private tour caused them to miss the boarding cut-off time.
Among the eight are four elderly individuals and a pregnant person who, despite the ship still being anchored, were denied boarding.
The Norwegian Dawn ship set sail without them—a decision deemed appropriate.
US couple Jay and Jill Campbell, alongside Australians, were among those on the challenging journey with Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Eight cruise passengers, including two Australians, reportedly found themselves marooned on an African island after their vessel departed without them.
As someone in the aviation industry, it's a common sight to see passengers rushing late for flights or check-ins. They hustle out of taxis, making their way to the counter (a challenging task with luggage in tow), only to arrive breathless and ready to explain. However, before they can share their story, with hearts pounding and lungs gasping for air, the attendant at the counter steps in with a polite shake of the head. In the most considerate manner, she kindly says, "Unfortunately, not this time." (Or something to that effect.)
Indeed, the aircraft was still within reach at the airport, just a few hundred meters away. However, the luggage had already been stowed, the passenger list finalized, and boarding had commenced. It was clear that boarding flexibility was not an option, nor should it have been.
Some agree that the ship acted appropriately by denying boarding to the passengers. This policy is explicitly outlined in cruise contracts and various other documents, clearly stating that the ship will not delay departure for passengers on private tours. By signing the cruise contract and agreeing to abide by its terms, passengers acknowledge and accept this condition.
Missing your ship or flight is undoubtedly disappointing. But consider the ripple effect of delaying the departure for the other 158-or-so passengers waiting for their Boeing 737, the strain on the crew to extend their shifts, or the chaos at the airport if the plane were held for 1 or 2 latecomers who still need to drop off bags, rush through security, and find their gate.
Imagine the awkwardness of stepping onto that plane. What could you possibly say? "Sorry, folks, my bad, haha."
The Norwegian Dawn's departure was well-timed and for good reason.
This barely touches the surface of a cruise ship's intricate operations. The Norwegian Dawn can accommodate 3372 individuals—2340 passengers and 1032 crew members—yet this group of eight expected it to wait?
A ship's departure time isn't a mystery.
The departure time for NCL's port calls is clearly outlined in NCL's Freestyle Daily newsletter the night before and reiterated over the ship's loudspeaker multiple times in the morning. Additionally, signs displaying the departure time were posted at the disembarkation points.
The golden rule is clear: Make sure you return on time, or the ship may set sail
without you.
So, what options remain if you're left behind by Norwegian or another cruise line?
Typically, there are two avenues: either catch up with the ship at a subsequent port or arrange for a return home. Ideally, you would have essential items—passport, phone, credit card, and medications—as personal belongings remain onboard until the journey's end.
Please understand, I sympathise with the distress faced by those stranded in a foreign land without the safety of the ship. The predicament of figuring out the next steps, especially for those with heightened needs within the group, and the missed holiday opportunities are undoubtedly disheartening.
However, the harsh reality is that ships cannot always delay departure.
The group reportedly embarked on a private tour not organised by the cruise line.
While many have criticised the cruise liner, others argue that the responsibility lies with the passengers.
Private tours present a separate concern, as while the ship waits for the return of officially organised tours, there are no guarantees for passengers on independent shore excursions. Unofficial tours may offer slightly lower costs and increased availability, making them appealing. However, once passengers board these tours, schedules become unpredictable.
Think of it like booking multiple flights with different airlines. They operate independently, owe nothing to each other, and cannot ensure timely connections. Should the tour bus encounter delays, individuals wander off, or a leisurely lunch extends, the repercussions are inevitable. Traffic jams, necessary pit stops, or simply a mesmerising sight that demands a pause—any of these scenarios could arise.
And so, eight passengers found themselves stranded in São Tomé and PrÃncipe, Africa's second-smallest nation.
"While this situation is regrettable, guests are responsible for adhering to the published return times," stated NCL in a release, noting ongoing communication with the affected guests. It may seem strict, yet considering the correct actions taken by the other 3364 (approximately) individuals onboard, it is a fair stance.