I hate when stupid people force me into taking time off from my vacation because I have to clap back on their misguided outcry for fairness.
I’m sure you’ve all read about the American couple “abandoned” by their cruise ship after they failed to report back to the ship on time at its docking in Sao Tome, Africa. While the couple continues a feeble attempt to gain supporters in their newly discovered dislike of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ policies, this could apply to any ship that bravely opts to follow its own well-documented policies.
If you aren’t familiar with the story–first, congratulations and, second–click here.
In simple terms, before you board a cruise ship you sign several documents indicating that you agree to follow its rules and policies. These documents also spell out very clearly what will happen if you opt not to follow those rules and policies. A few extreme examples include not climbing on railings (or allowing your children to), not bringing active illnesses onboard, providing proper identification, and (yes) being on time, both on embarkation day and at each port.
There are more rules/policies, of course, and all are strictly enforced to create a safe, healthy sailing for all on board.
That’s right! Passenger lists are long! You will not be the only one on a dream vacation!
Frankly, I’m a bit tired of idiots who do dumb shit and then procede to blast peripheral, unwilling participants for the results incurred via those stupid decisions. Why should anyone but you be held accountable for your lack of good judgement? Move on quietly, both as an example of what not to do and as a guide on how to admit fault.
Actions have consequences. Period. These people need to get over themselves.
They were sailing on the Norwegian Dawn, not the Norwegian Entitled.
As a travel agent, when interviewing potential cruise clients, I cannot run away fast enough from those who present with instant red flags. “I want a good deal.” Yes, we all do, but just buy a rowboat as I’ll never find one good enough. “I’m afraid I’ll fall overboard.” Um, what? It’s actually quite difficult to fall overboard. Like, it takes intention (and typically loads of alcohol). “I’m worried the ship will leave without me.” Buy a watch, stick to ship-sponsored excursions or, if not, make sure you are always within sight and sprinting distance of that ship.
Ship-sponsored: These are excursions offered by the cruise line for an additional fee (and the promise to handle any delays, incidents, or hiccups). Private: Excursions found via Google, the Yellow Pages, or recommended by the friend of a friend.
As a travel agent, if one of my clients rang me up from a random spot in Africa with a whiny tale of how their ship left without them and demanded that I somehow get them back to it…I’d probably block their number. Well, not immediately, but once they did arrive back home. It’s not that I don’t have empathy for this “abandoned” group, but my sympathy is low.
Travel agents across America are, at this very moment, making mental notes to firmly remind their cruisers to be back onboard at their ship’s required time. That means knowing that time, paying attention to changing time zones, setting watches accordingly, taking the correct identification off the ship, and not wandering too far from it.
It also means understanding what a private tour company will/can or won’t/cannot do if something delays a tour’s return to port.
Here’s a hint: The captain of a cruise ship does not take delay requests from random, local guides that he/she likely does not know.
Travel agents are also preparing for the inevitable and accusatory questions friends, family, and clients as each longs to push back on our thoughts with their own non-industry-but-somehow-an-expert opinions.
I’ll cut to the chase. Here are our thoughts:
- This was unfortunate.
- It was not the fault of the Norwegian Dawn.
- Tough luck.
- The End.
For the sake of both sides of the argument, I will admit that many a travel agent has taken the occasional private tour while cruising. It’s not that we have a problem with our clients doing the same but we definitely do not encourage it. For those who insist, we may provide options for tours of which we have a trusted history (along with a waiver).
What we do have a problem with is those who quietly dismiss their own mistake-of-a-choice while loudly proclaiming a false narrative of unfairness and poor customer relations while also demanding reparations for something that was, in the end, their own doing.
I was not at all surprised to hear that this “abandoned” couple might never step foot on a cruise ship again.
I’ll go ahead and speak for the entire travel industry, each employee of the Norwegian Dawn and the other 2,300+ passengers who did make it back to the ship on time:
What a relief.
How long will a cruise ship actually wait? A personal answer. Several years ago, I was on a cruise that docked in St. Petersburg, Russia. My family chose a ship-sponsored excursion that included a day trip to and from Moscow via a plane. Our return flight was delayed several hours due to inclement weather. By the time our busses carried us from the St. Petersburg airport to the port, all drawbridges across the canal were raised for incoming cargo ships. Our bus was on the wrong side of the canal and there we sat for several more hours. A tour that was meant to have us back on the ship by 11:00pm actually ended at 5:00am when we finally made it back, exhausted. Greeting us were dozens of employees offering cheers, fruit, muffins, and warm washcloths. After dragging ourselves to our cabin, the ship finally revved up to continue its journey, pulling away from the dock just as our heads hit the pillow. So yes, ships do wait. But not on one or two or ten passengers who opt to take unnecessary chances.