Cruise ship leaves passengers stranded on African island

[Rainger99]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

[ThirdOfFive]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)
SOP for most cruise lines as I understand it. If the ship sells shore tours and you're on one of them the ship will wait if you're late returning. Private tours--you're s___ out of luck. Happens frequently. No sympathy here. They knew the rules.

The other end side of that coin--if the cruise line sells you transportation anywhere along the line the ship will wait for you even if you're late. We were departing Miami on an RCCL ship (Can't remember which one...Navigator, maybe?) and two passengers flying in from somewhere on the east coast on a flight arranged by RCCL were delayed because of weather. The ship waited nearly two hours in port for them. They finally showed up, leaving port at about 7 PM rather than 5 PM.

[retiredguy123]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

[frayedends]

Curiously few details on the coast guard trying to get them back. It says they weren’t allowed to board. Was the ship already moving? If it was still docked the cruise ship should have let them board. If not it was likely a safety issue. Personally I think the ship should wait a reasonable time for latecomers if it doesn’t interfere with timing of the next port. But still people should know that booking private excursions is risky.

[Arctic Fox]

If the ship sells shore tours and you're on one of them the ship will wait if you're late returning. Private tours--you're out of luck.

I have often wondered about the legality of this. The ship's tour is usually double the cost of doing the exact same tour privately, so they're making a huge profit. By scaremongering ahead of time (at the port presentation they always mention leaving private tours behind) they are coercing a lot of passengers into paying double. Without that leverage they would sell a lot fewer tours.

We avoid ship's tours because getting 50 old people off and on the bus takes considerably longer than getting eight on and off a minibus. Plus, with fifty people there are always a few that get back late and delay the tour even further, resulting in less time spent at the attractions.

We have never had a problem getting back to the ship on time as the third party tour companies know that their survival depends on maintaining a good track record.

[Velvet]

Should the ship have waited? No. The people knew the schedule. If the ship arranges the tour then they are obligated to make it work because it is their own tour. In my opinion, it’s like going to the theatre. They start the play on time whether or not everyone who bought tickets are there.

[mtdjed]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

No, the cruise ship should not wait for them, as long as that was well publicized. Public transportation has to operate on schedules. There are many people who don't listen or don't care and expect tolerance. Let them learn the hardware. Was on a river cruise last year and that happened and cost a couple we knew 100 Euro. They were lucky the River Cruise ship stopped at an interim point to pick them up. Note, they were very prompt for the rest of the cruise.

[fdpaq0580]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

Because they can?
Africa is a marvelous continent full of widely varied cultures, marvelous scenery and adventure.
You might just as well ask, "Why would people money to go anywhere?"

[fdpaq0580]

I have often wondered about the legality of this. The ship's tour is usually double the cost of doing the exact same tour privately, so they're making a huge profit. By scaremongering ahead of time (at the port presentation they always mention leaving private tours behind) they are coercing a lot of passengers into paying double. Without that leverage they would sell a lot fewer tours.

We avoid ship's tours because getting 50 old people off and on the bus takes considerably longer than getting eight on and off a minibus. Plus, with fifty people there are always a few that get back late and delay the tour even further, resulting in less time spent at the attractions.

We have never had a problem getting back to the ship on time as the third party tour companies know that their survival depends on maintaining a good track record.

All true. We also used private tours. We were lucky and never had a problem. Many take the same gamble but are not so lucky. As fore the cruise line raking in extra money, that is the reason they exist. First and foremost, to make as much as they can.

[JerryLBell]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?
My wife and I spent 3 weeks in Namibia and 2 weeks in Rwanda and it was the most amazing experience of our lives. We would go back to either country in a heartbeat but we have only so much time and money and so many other places in the world (including other African countries) we want to experience.

[Kelevision]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

You obviously have never been. Africa is a very big continent. I’ve been 3 times now and would go back in an instant if it were less expensive. The most magical place I’ve been.

[Kelevision]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

All cruise ships will leave you. They wait for nobody. That’s why you always book your excursions through the ship. IF they had booked through the ship, the ship would have to wait. They booked independently and weren’t back on time. Cruise ships leave people all the time.

[RICH1]

the Africa comment stole the spotlight, from the Original post..

[EastCoastDawg]

In my opinion, it’s like going to the theatre. They start the play on time whether or not everyone who bought tickets are there.

You need to add, "Unless the people who are late had bought their tickets direct from the theatre manager, in which case the show will start when they arrive and everyone who bought their tickets through an agency will be kept waiting".

[Ignatz]

Nope!!!

They know the rules…. If you take a private excursion, then you assume the risks of being late.

What little sympathy I would have for these cruisers in their predicament was lost when they acted like total asshats by doubling down and going all over the media trying to paint the cruise line as the bad guy.

[EastCoastDawg]

Cruise ships leave people all the time.

I have been on over 50 cruises and on only four did people get left behind. The captain will usually go out of his way to get everyone back on board or else the cruise line risks bad publicity.

If you are likely to be late you should call the emergency number and give an estimate of your arrival time. Often, the itinerary will have enough slack built in to allow the captain to delay departure for an hour, although tides etc. can negate this.

With the amount of money I have saved by going private rather on ship's tours I could easily finance getting to the next port of call many times over.

[ThirdOfFive]

No, the cruise ship should not wait for them, as long as that was well publicized. Public transportation has to operate on schedules. There are many people who don't listen or don't care and expect tolerance. Let them learn the hardware. Was on a river cruise last year and that happened and cost a couple we knew 100 Euro. They were lucky the River Cruise ship stopped at an interim point to pick them up. Note, they were very prompt for the rest of the cruise.
Good point. Some folks seem to think that the world revolves around them. A good dose of reality can be a healthy thing.

[ThirdOfFive]

Lost so far in the discussion is the fact that cruise ships are often on a pretty tight schedule getting from one port of call to another, scheduled docking times and fees, etc., and delays can mean not only lost time but added expenses for the line. RCCL has provisions (as I assume do most if not all of the other cruise lines) for passengers delayed through no fault of their own when using RCCL - arranged transportation. This, from their web page:

Guests who miss their cruise due to travel delays can contact the Emergency Travel Team (ETT) to discuss their options going forward. In specific situations, when the guest has the proper documentation, it is possible to join the cruise at the next port of call, but all options must be discussed with ETT.

If you miss the departure of your trip due to carrier-caused delays or other covered reasons, Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program package of benefits reimburses you for additional accommodations, meals and "catch-up" transportation expenses. Otherwise, you are responsible for any expense incurred to meet the ship at its next port of call. For this reason, many guests find it is easiest to arrive a day prior to sailing and stay in a hotel the night before to avoid any possible delays.

In other words, if you pay for some part of your travel through RCCL and a delay causes you to miss your departure (no ship will wait forever) and depending on the circumstances they'll get you to the next port of call where you can meet the ship.

[jacksonla]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

I was so lucky to have lived in South Africa for 5 years and getting to travel to 16 other African nations multiple times working for our government at the US embassies. If you have the funds try to go and experience the people, animals and majesty of this mighty continent.

[Kenswing]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

Because it’s a lot more interesting than spending one’s entire day on TOTV.

[Kelevision]

I have been on over 50 cruises and on only four did people get left behind. The captain will usually go out of his way to get everyone back on board or else the cruise line risks bad publicity.

If you are likely to be late you should call the emergency number and give an estimate of your arrival time. Often, the itinerary will have enough slack built in to allow the captain to delay departure for an hour, although tides etc. can negate this.

With the amount of money I have saved by going private rather on ship's tours I could easily finance getting to the next port of call many times over.

I’m glad you expect the captain to go out of their way to upset the passengers who would like to depart and were back at the time scheduled. Entitled people are the worst. And in the the past 3 years alone I’ve been on 26 cruises. I also book private excursions but would never expect the ship to wait on me if I were late.

[dtennent]

Many years ago, we were on a bus following the gold rush trail in Alaska. As we pulled into the first rest stop, we saw a man chasing a departing bus yelling and waving his arms. Our bus driver came on the PA and asked “What do you call someone who is 5 minutes late for the bus?” Answer : A hitch hiker. No one was ever getting back to the bus on that trip!

[fdpaq0580]

My wife and I spent 3 weeks in Namibia and 2 weeks in Rwanda and it was the most amazing experience of our lives. We would go back to either country in a heartbeat but we have only so much time and money and so many other places in the world (including other African countries) we want to experience.

Explore!

[jimdecastro]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

The ship should not have waited. It is well publicized by when the ship leaves. I was on a Mediterranean cruise and the same couple was late three ports in a row. On the fourth port, we left on time. Curiosity got the better of me. I asked a crew member if the couple made it aboard and I was told they were not.

[Lyarham]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

No, they shouldn’t wait. The world does not stop for people that are late.

[Normal]

Africa is a resounding yes, but visiting via cruise line would be a resounding NO! I couldn’t imagine the number of cruise line controlled port of calls.

[merrymini]

Private excursions will do whatever they want, take them at your own risk. By the way, two of my most spectacular vacations were in Africa, photo safari in Kenya and Egypt, thirty years apart. Fantastic.

[NoMo50]

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."

[crash]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

Really maybe the big 5 maybe Victoria falls or experiencing other cultures. My guess most people don’t just want to stay in Florida. There is a world outside the U. S. Get out and experience it.

[crash]

I have been on over 50 cruises and on only four did people get left behind. The captain will usually go out of his way to get everyone back on board or else the cruise line risks bad publicity.

If you are likely to be late you should call the emergency number and give an estimate of your arrival time. Often, the itinerary will have enough slack built in to allow the captain to delay departure for an hour, although tides etc. can negate this.

With the amount of money I have saved by going private rather on ship's tours I could easily finance getting to the next port of call many times over.

I asked our private guide what would happen if we missed the ship and he said he would drive us to the next port. Now given this was in Rome and our next port was Milan it would have meant driving through Tuscany I sort of wished he would have missed the ship. He also said he had never missed a ship in his 10 years as a guide.

What is not mentioned here is the people were over an hour and 30 minutes late.

[bowlingal]

stupid question ,retiredguy.

[Nova Filtration]

What is not mentioned here is the people were over an hour and 30 minutes late.

Best point of the thread

[DPWM21]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

I learned in Kenya, according to Masai Tribe guides, that all Kenyans were required to mask during Covid. Kenya’s Covid death and illness rate was much lower than our nation’s rate. They had previously experienced pandemics and were cautious understanding that Covid was new and unknown at the time. And that it could mutate. They wondered why our nation didn’t require masks (when one medically could of course) and were amazed at how we decided to go such a dangerous route when we could afford to take care of one another. Basically, ‘why we didn’t care for one another by choosing to mask for the good of all’.
I learned in Africa that migrants are leaving ancestral homelands because weather patterns have changed and they no longer can live the simple lifestyle that farming afforded.
I learned in Africa, that entrepreneurial small farmers, use their animals droppings to create energy with a simple barrel and pipe system and have self-sufficient energy.
I learned in Africa how cultures, religions, beliefs can co-exist. I saw feet-on-the-ground examples of belief where neighbor helped neighbor and kids lived simple happy lives, wearing school uniforms, with gratitude and without media and electronics. Still spinning a wheel down the road with a stick…these kids were lean and athletic.
A close relative, deployed, in eastern Africa learned from a man around a fire, sharing a meal, that sometimes basic humanity and want of peace, a reasonable possibility of education and to be able to make a living are shared desires all around the world.
I learned that westerners can be seen as ‘walking ATMs’ and we are considered to be from the land of abundance. Some of the Africans learned that we have poverty and ignorance in the United States and this country has kids who don’t have enough to eat here too.
Plus of course incredible wildlife and beauty and the opportunity to measure what is happiness, true wealth and observe how many of us here, with so much, fail to understand our privileges.

[miharris]

If you decide to save money on a local tour, that is the risk you take, and the cruise makes that risk abundantly clear. I find it very irritating when people try to blame someone else for their decisions. You took the risk, so accept the consequences.

[Shipping up to Boston]

You obviously have never been. Africa is a very big continent. I’ve been 3 times now and would go back in an instant if it were less expensive. The most magical place I’ve been.

Agree
Went on a safari with family and the whole trip was surreal. I was reluctant at first to go but it's definitely a major checkmark off of my travel bucket list. The people were amazing

[Footer]

Evidently the local coast guard took the passengers to the ship well before it needed to leave, yet after the 3 PM all aboard time. And the ship ignored all communication attempts from the coast guard. It likely would have been easier to board the passengers than go through the hassle of collecting and delivering their passports, then handling all the communication that followed. No disruption to the cruise either. I guess they wanted to make a point. But do you really want to be in the news for this reason? I guess if they figured it would encourage more people to take the ship's excursions it was a good business decision. I'm a platinum Latitudes member but will start cruising on Royal Caribbean instead of NCL from now on because personally I think it was a bad decision. And next time I am contacted by sales I will let them know.

[LuvNH]

Evidently the local coast guard took the passengers to the ship well before it needed to leave, yet after the 3 PM all aboard time. And the ship ignored all communication attempts from the coast guard. It likely would have been easier to board the passengers than go through the hassle of collecting and delivering their passports, then handling all the communication that followed. No disruption to the cruise either. I guess they wanted to make a point. But do you really want to be in the news for this reason? I guess if they figured it would encourage more people to take the ship's excursions it was a good business decision. I'm a platinum Latitudes member but will start cruising on Royal Caribbean instead of NCL from now on because personally I think it was a bad decision. And next time I am contacted by sales I will let them know.

You obviously have no idea why a cruise ship has to leave and arrive at a certain time, and you should definitely let the Sales people know why you will not be using them again, I am sure they will be really impressed.

[PurePeach]

SOP for most cruise lines as I understand it. If the ship sells shore tours and you're on one of them the ship will wait if you're late returning. Private tours--you're s___ out of luck. Happens frequently. No sympathy here. They knew the rules.

The other end side of that coin--if the cruise line sells you transportation anywhere along the line the ship will wait for you even if you're late. We were departing Miami on an RCCL ship (Can't remember which one...Navigator, maybe?) and two passengers flying in from somewhere on the east coast on a flight arranged by RCCL were delayed because of weather. The ship waited nearly two hours in port for them. They finally showed up, leaving port at about 7 PM rather than 5 PM.

:agree: Agree with the tour statement. No sympathy from me either. And on another note, the ships pay port fees for a designated time, thus determine the time to deport. So if a passenger is late, there may/could be a substantial penalty for not leaving on time. :spoken:

[DPWM21]

Allowing an exception starts a precedent. Something to consider.

[oldtimes]

I'm a platinum Latitudes member but will start cruising on Royal Caribbean instead of NCL from now on because personally I think it was a bad decision. And next time I am contacted by sales I will let them know.

We have been on Royal Caribbean cruises where we waved to people on the pier because they arrived after the ship had started out.

[jojoturf]

NO — move on! Norwegian was spot on leaving passengers behind who were over 1 hour late. If NCL conceded, a precedent would be set & all entitled passengers would expect ships to wait for them. I’ve seen pier runners — those minutes late to board, chasing the ship as it sails out of port — and only once did a Captain stop, dropping a tender to get them. Bottom line — be on time! Pay for the cruise offered tours. Yes, sometimes pricey but missing a ship is VERY costly.

[Shipping up to Boston]

We have been on Royal Caribbean cruises where we waved to people on the pier because they arrived after the ship had started out.

I'd probably do that too....if I was a teenager!

[Girlcopper]

All cruise ships will leave you. They wait for nobody. That’s why you always book your excursions through the ship. IF they had booked through the ship, the ship would have to wait. They booked independently and weren’t back on time. Cruise ships leave people all the time.
They know the rules and time to return. If they want to be one of the “entitled” who expect the ship to wait well………that’s a lesson learned very quickly.

[Haggar]

Allowing an exception starts a precedent. Something to consider.

Having been the president of a cruise line I will tell you that leaving on time from a port - any port - is critical. If a ship leaves late, there can be extra port taxes, extra expenses for the port crew - (sometimes at overtime rates) - extra fuel if the ship has to sail faster to it's next port, etc.

If it's a busy port you can lose your slot and have to wait until other ships leave the port.

And I might add shops and gambling cannot start until the legal limit is reached.
It throws the whole schedule off

And don't pull the greed crap on me. Running a cruise ship is like any business. It is about keeping to budgeted expenses.

How long should a ship wait? 15 minutes, 1 half hour, an hour, 1/2 hours, 2 hours?
The only one on the ship with this authority is the captain. And frankly his job is to make sure the ship runs smoothly and stick to the schedule.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Allowing an exception starts a precedent. Something to consider.

True
This statement could/should be used on other active threads on TOTV!

[Donvan]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

Guess you haven’t been there! You have no idea what you’re missing! Wild life parks are unbelievable!

[Shipping up to Boston]

A passage attributed to Abraham Lincoln (or Mark Twain) comes to mind on occasion here..." Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt"

[MrFlorida]

We are all adults, and i'm sure they had a smart phone with a clock on it. Why does everybody want to bend the rules ?

[Rodneysblue]

I have often wondered about the legality of this. The ship's tour is usually double the cost of doing the exact same tour privately, so they're making a huge profit. By scaremongering ahead of time (at the port presentation they always mention leaving private tours behind) they are coercing a lot of passengers into paying double. Without that leverage they would sell a lot fewer tours.

We avoid ship's tours because getting 50 old people off and on the bus takes considerably longer than getting eight on and off a minibus. Plus, with fifty people there are always a few that get back late and delay the tour even further, resulting in less time spent at the attractions.

We have never had a problem getting back to the ship on time as the third party tour companies know that their survival depends on maintaining a good track record.

What if the bus breaks down or God forbid there’s an accident or medical emergency?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

I'd wonder why anyone would ask such a question?

[Shipping up to Boston]

I'd wonder why anyone would ask such a question?

See post #49 ;)

[Indydealmaker]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

They were an hour late.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I'd wonder why anyone would ask such a question?

My bad...post #47

[Normal]

They were an hour late.

Brilliant response.

The following inferences are now apparent:

An hour late is only determined after the departure had actually happened. The captain would never know exactly how late they would be whether it was 10 minutes or 10 years.

Also, if the ship had waited, they would be an hour late to their next “scheduled” port.

Inconvenience thousands and drive up costs, or charge the late arrivals their own penance for poor time management or unforeseen circumstance?

Why should thousands be late for a few? What about scheduled appointments, flights , departures for those working on being punctual?

[Joe C.]

The important issue here that nobody is looking at is this:
When this group of people were "no shows" at departure time, the captain had their passports delivered ashore to the authorities. If he had allowed them to board well after the scheduled departure time, they would have proceeded to their next destination without their passports. And withour their documents, how would they be allowed to get home?

[Indydealmaker]

Brilliant response.

The following inferences are now apparent:

An hour late is only determined after the departure had actually happened. The captain would never know exactly how late they would be whether it was 10 minutes or 10 years.

Also, if the ship had waited, they would be an hour late to their next “scheduled” port.

Inconvenience thousands and drive up costs, or charge the late arrivals their own penance for poor time management or unforeseen circumstance?

Why should thousands be late for a few? What about scheduled appointments, flights , departures for those working on being punctual?

The point being that they were not just a few minutes late. Late is determined by the scheduled departure time. It was not even close. If the captain delays departure, how long should he wait? Any grace time allowed will only be abused.

[retiredguy123]

I'd wonder why anyone would ask such a question?
My main concern would be safety. I just read a story about a women who was killed by an elephant in Africa this week. There have also been kidnappings. I once went to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and the bus ride from the airport to the hotel was on a winding ocean road with no guardrail. The tires on the bus had no tread. The beach had signs to stay off the beach at night because of muggers. Every time I have travelled outside the U.S., I have experienced substandard facilities and unsafe conditions, and I was always happy to get home. And, I don't trust cruise lines to be transparent about safety issues. I plan to stay in this country.

[Shipping up to Boston]

My main concern would be safety. I just read a story about a women who was killed by an elephant in Africa this week. There have also been kidnappings. I once went to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and the bus ride from the airport to the hotel was on a winding ocean road with no guardrail. The tires on the bus had no tread. The beach had signs to stay off the beach at night because of muggers. Every time I have travelled outside the U.S., I have experienced substandard facilities and unsafe conditions, and I was always happy to get home. And, I don't trust cruise lines to be transparent about safety issues. I plan to stay in this country.

Ok...but you just named several other countries in different continents in this response. Your original comment was about one. If this one is your point, you might not want to go to Orlando, NYC or other US destinations either....crime is going on in those places as well and across the nation daily. Nobody questioned your choice to restrict your travels to TV proper so I don’t see the need for you to ask why others would want to do otherwise

[retiredguy123]

Ok...but you just named several other countries in different continents in this response. Your original comment was about one. If this one is your point, you might not want to go to Orlando, NYC or other US destinations either....crime is going on in those places as well and across the nation daily. Nobody questioned your choice to restrict your travels to TV proper so I don’t see the need for you to ask why others would want to do otherwise
I would not travel to high crime areas in the U.S. either. I didn't intend to create any controversy with my initial question.

[Marathon Man]

I would not travel to high crime areas in the U.S. either. I didn't intend to create any controversy with my initial question.

Kinda seemed like it.

[keepsake]

I've seen many a time that all excursions are sold out a month before the sailing. Only looked cause the offering price included $50 credit for any ship excursion. But none available.
So do the cruise lines make enough available to passengers or do many travelers have to go outside of what isn't there from a ship desk?

[Kelevision]

I've seen many a time that all excursions are sold out a month before the sailing. Only looked cause the offering price included $50 credit for any ship excursion. But none available.
So do the cruise lines make enough available to passengers or do many travelers have to go outside of what isn't there from a ship desk?

They sell out online because they’re refundable up to 24 or 48 hours before the date of the excursion. They have waitlist and if nobody cancels and the wait list is full too, they’ll usually hire another bus to fill. They also cost about 30% more for the exact same excursion you could book on your own BUT and it’s a big one, if you book with them and your late, they’ll wait because it’s on them and it’s a bus full of people. This particular port was a tender port. They weren’t even close to the time of last tender. I would never book an independent excursion where I’m traveling more than 30 minutes. If I can’t get an Uber back to the ship, I’m paying the extra and going with the cruise excursion. People get left all the time. These particular people weren’t even close to the time.

[Rainger99]

I have never seen an explanation of what actually happened. None of the articles state why they were late.

It appears that it happened on the island of Principe. That is a very small island. It is about 10 miles north to south and about 6 miles wide. I assume the roads are not great but if you can drive 10 mph, it shouldn’t take more than an 2 hours to go anywhere on the island. Using google maps, it appears that there are few roads but that most places are much less than an hour away from the main port.

Did the tour van have a flat tire or did they linger over lunch?
What time were they supposed to be back according to the ship?
Did they call the ship?
What time was the tour supposed to be back?
What time was the ship supposed to sail?
What time did it sail?

I saw that they have rejoined the cruise. I bet they will never be late again for a cruise!

Although most people agree with the ship’s decision, for those that don’t, do you feel that airlines and Amtrak should also wait for passengers?

[Kelevision]

I have never seen an explanation of what actually happened. None of the articles state why they were late.

It appears that it happened on the island of Principe. That is a very small island. It is about 10 miles north to south and about 6 miles wide. I assume the roads are not great but if you can drive 10 mph, it shouldn’t take more than an 2 hours to go anywhere on the island. Using google maps, it appears that there are few roads but that most places are much less than an hour away from the main port.

Did the tour van have a flat tire or did they linger over lunch?
What time were they supposed to be back according to the ship?
Did they call the ship?
What time was the tour supposed to be back?
What time was the ship supposed to sail?
What time did it sail?

I saw that they have rejoined the cruise. I bet they will never be late again for a cruise!

Although most people agree with the ship’s decision, for those that don’t, do you feel that airlines and Amtrak should also wait for passengers?

I saw a girl who was on the ship post a video. She said the last tender was 3pm. Not only did the last tender full of guests get back to the ship, they realized the 8 passengers weren’t on board and sent a tender boat back to shore with their passports. Then the tender boat was loaded back on the ship, which was already in preparation to sail when they finally showed up. Also, it doesn’t matter. Book through the cruise line and pay the extra money, it’s called insurance.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I have never seen an explanation of what actually happened. None of the articles state why they were late.

It appears that it happened on the island of Principe. That is a very small island. It is about 10 miles north to south and about 6 miles wide. I assume the roads are not great but if you can drive 10 mph, it shouldn’t take more than an 2 hours to go anywhere on the island. Using google maps, it appears that there are few roads but that most places are much less than an hour away from the main port.

Did the tour van have a flat tire or did they linger over lunch?
What time were they supposed to be back according to the ship?
Did they call the ship?
What time was the tour supposed to be back?
What time was the ship supposed to sail?
What time did it sail?

I saw that they have rejoined the cruise. I bet they will never be late again for a cruise!

Although most people agree with the ship’s decision, for those that don’t, do you feel that airlines and Amtrak should also wait for passengers?

Different beast.....if you haven't noticed in recent years, the airlines, not all....dont give a s*it!

[Rainger99]

I saw a girl who was on the ship post a video.

Do you have the link?

[Kelevision]

Do you have the link?

It’s on TikTok so not sure if you need an account or not but here’s a clip. TikTok - Make Your Day (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLSjt4SQ/)

[Velvet]

I would reword the title to “Passengers left themselves stranded on an African Island”. The ship, in my opinion, is a transportation vehicle, not a baby-sitter.

They charge extra for their own excursions, partly because they include a warranty to wait for you. People who book their own are not paying for this “extra” warranty but somehow expect it.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I would reword the title to “Passengers left themselves stranded on an African Island”. The ship, in my opinion, is a transportation vehicle, not a baby-sitter.

They charge extra for their own excursions, partly because they include a warranty to wait for you. People who book their own are not paying for this “extra” warranty but somehow expect it.

Hmmm....so the Fram oil filter people were on to something ...
Pay me now or pay me later! ;)

[JoMar]

Should the cruise ship have waited for them??


Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-153209876.html)

As I understand it the cruise ship delayed departure for one hour. The 8 people did not have their passports with them so the crew gave them to the shore person that would help them catch up to the ship. Ships usually sail at high tide which varies by port. We have also used both private and cruise ship tours and have never had a problem with either. We select private tours through the recommendations on Cruise Critic or an international tour company. Normany in 2025 and related places :)

[Rainger99]

It’s on TikTok so not sure if you need an account or not but here’s a clip. TikTok - Make Your Day (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLSjt4SQ/)

I don’t have a TikTok account but I was able to see the video. Thanks for posting!

[ThirdOfFive]

I would reword the title to “Passengers left themselves stranded on an African Island”. The ship, in my opinion, is a transportation vehicle, not a baby-sitter.

They charge extra for their own excursions, partly because they include a warranty to wait for you. People who book their own are not paying for this “extra” warranty but somehow expect it.
Bingo!

[cjrjck]

Getting left behind has its challenges no doubt. On a typical Caribbean cruise out of the U.S. for instance, chances are the ship is heading for another port on another island, likely a different country. You may not have your passport with you, if you brought one at all, since they are not required for Caribbean cruises. Trying to join another cruise ship going back to the U.S. port you departed from is not normally an option since they are closed loop cruises. Most likely you are flying back on your own dime, probably coordinating with the U.S. consulate to overcome any document deficiencies. Not fun or cheap I imagine.

[PugMom]

My question would be, why would people pay money to go to Africa?

other than going to see the animals, there's not much for me, unless of course my vehicle is overturned by an angry elephant. i would need a selfie with him in that case, :laugh:

[PugMom]

My main concern would be safety. I just read a story about a women who was killed by an elephant in Africa this week. There have also been kidnappings. I once went to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and the bus ride from the airport to the hotel was on a winding ocean road with no guardrail. The tires on the bus had no tread. The beach had signs to stay off the beach at night because of muggers. Every time I have travelled outside the U.S., I have experienced substandard facilities and unsafe conditions, and I was always happy to get home. And, I don't trust cruise lines to be transparent about safety issues. I plan to stay in this country.

Dittos here. not until i left the US did i appreciate all we have, & couldn't wait to get back home

[Shipping up to Boston]

Dittos here. not until i left the US did i appreciate all we have, & couldn't wait to get back home

Trying to go to Amalfi Coast.....can I buy your ‘miles’! ;)

[Kelevision]

other than going to see the animals, there's not much for me, unless of course my vehicle is overturned by an angry elephant. i would need a selfie with him in that case, :laugh:

I’ve been nearly all over the world and Africa 3 times. It’s without a doubt the most amazing place I’ve been. The animals were great but the people are who made my trips the most memorable. I feel sad for people who don’t travel.