The couple that was left behind at the African port got exactly what they deserved. Cruise lines make it abundantly clear, multiple times in multiple ways, what the "all aboard" time is. Everyone knows a couple just like those two. Always late for everything, forcing friends and family to bend schedules to accommodate them. In other words, entitled brats. The only way they learn their lesson is to teach them a hard lesson, and an expensive one to boot.
Also, what many may not realize is that cruise lines pay a LOT of money to tie up at these ports of call. Docking fees are charged based on many factors, not the least of which is the number of hours the ship is tied up alongside. Any delay in departure means significant additional expenses paid to the local port authority.
We had a Norwegian captain on a Royal Caribbean cruise many years ago with a great sense of humor. I can still hear him at one of our ports of call, in his thick accent, remindinding guests of the all aboard time. He said, "If you plan on being late back to the ship be sure you have your camera with you. That way, you can take a picture of the Serenade of the Seas as she sails away."
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