missed port for medical emergency/credit?

[eepellet]

Just back from a 5 night cruise on the Paradise. We left our first port, Grand Cayman, on time. About 5 hours later they announced that due to a medical emergency we had to turn back. About 2 1/2 hours later they announce that we aren't going to the next port, which was Cozumel. We just spent another day in Grand Cayman.

 

The next day we heard from a couple we met on board that an assistant cruise director told them that the woman who had a heart attack unfortunately passed away on the tender going back ashore. While my heart goes out to the woman and her family, what they were told next is what bothers me. According to them the assistant said that the only reason we didn't go on to Cozumel was because Carnival was not willing to pay the airfare for the woman's family and her casket to go home. Obviously I have no way of knowing if this is true or not. They also said they were told that each person would receive a $60 credit.

We got our excursion fee refunded, but did not see any other credits.

 

I don't mean to sound callous because obviously they did the right thing getting this woman care as fast as possible, but we had to save for several years for this trip and the only reason we chose the Paradise was because of the Cozumel stop. Both my husband and I and our two teenage boys were really looking forward to the Tulum/snorkeling excursion.

 

I saw on another posting on this site that another Carnival cruise earlier this year got into port late due to an emergency and each person received a $25 credit and 20% off on a future cruise.

 

If we manage to save money for another vacation in a few years I don't see why Carnival wouldn't do something to something to encourage us to cruise with them again as opposed to just going somewhere and staying at a resort, or going on another cruise line.

 

Has anyone had experience communicating with Carnival for issues like this? Any success?

 

Thanks in advance.

[BeachChik]

The cruise contract basically states they can skip a port or rearrange the stops for any reason. I wouldn't expect any type of compensation or discount off a future cruise. A missed port for whatever reason happens often enough that it would cost them a fortune to do that every time.

 

We missed GC on our last cruise. Didn't expect or receive any additional compensation outside of port fees returned.

 

And I highly doubt that an employee told them they skipped the port to save money.

Edited June 26, 2016 by BeachChik

[klfrodo]

I don't mean to sound callous .

 

:eek:

Failed miserably

[MommaBear55]

Carnival does not pay for the deceased and family to fly home. The burden of that cost falls on the family. Insurance will cover this cost.

[katiel53]

If Carnival advised you that you will get $60 credit, I'm sure they will give it to you. I know I am going to sound snarky, but if getting to a particular port is that important to me, you need to fly there for your vacation as there are many times the cruise ports are changed for medical reasons or weather as examples.

 

I don't know the circumstances of the other cruise where people may or may not have gotten what was posted, but I feel a medical emergency is far more important than getting to a port. I know if it were my family, I'd want to have everything done for the person. I think those feeling otherwise definitely lack compassion and to me, are selfish.

 

I am not trying to put you down as there are many posts where people feel entitled to something, when in fact, the dreaded cruise contract states that ports can be changed without any compensation.

 

I'm sorry that you don't feel you got what you paid for, but that's one of the disadvantages of cruising. I have cruised several times and have missed ports too, but since the reasons for doing so are beyond my control, I just go with the flow. Most of us save for a cruise and I can understand your disappointment, but I think you just have to move on.

[SadieN]

In a way you got lucky....Grand Cayman is usually missed.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Kevin308]

Just back from a 5 night cruise on the Paradise. We left our first port, Grand Cayman, on time. About 5 hours later they announced that due to a medical emergency we had to turn back. About 2 1/2 hours later they announce that we aren't going to the next port, which was Cozumel. We just spent another day in Grand Cayman.

 

The next day we heard from a couple we met on board that an assistant cruise director told them that the woman who had a heart attack unfortunately passed away on the tender going back ashore. While my heart goes out to the woman and her family, what they were told next is what bothers me. According to them the assistant said that the only reason we didn't go on to Cozumel was because Carnival was not willing to pay the airfare for the woman's family and her casket to go home. Obviously I have no way of knowing if this is true or not. They also said they were told that each person would receive a $60 credit.

We got our excursion fee refunded, but did not see any other credits.

 

I don't mean to sound callous because obviously they did the right thing getting this woman care as fast as possible, but we had to save for several years for this trip and the only reason we chose the Paradise was because of the Cozumel stop. Both my husband and I and our two teenage boys were really looking forward to the Tulum/snorkeling excursion.

 

I saw on another posting on this site that another Carnival cruise earlier this year got into port late due to an emergency and each person received a $25 credit and 20% off on a future cruise.

 

If we manage to save money for another vacation in a few years I don't see why Carnival wouldn't do something to something to encourage us to cruise with them again as opposed to just going somewhere and staying at a resort, or going on another cruise line.

 

Has anyone had experience communicating with Carnival for issues like this? Any success?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I don't think the story you were given is true. One there would have been no casket on the ship to take back because the person died on the Tender. Two even if she died on the ship I don't think they keep Caskets on the ship. Three based on what you stated they skiped a port. It doesn't sound like Carnival rushed the family back to the home port.

[Roz]

The only thing you're entitled to is a refund of port charges.

 

The insurance I buy pays for repatriation of remains, which means transporting my dead body back to the US and the associated paperwork involved with that. The cruise line isn't responsible for getting the dead passenger's body back to their home country, or for flying family members home who wish to accompany the body.

 

Sorry you had to miss a port you were looking forward to, but these things happen. There is a morgue on the ship so they can keep the body "on ice" until they can get back to homeport.

 

Roz

Edited June 26, 2016 by Roz

[luv2trvlnow]

First I do not understand how not willing to fly the deceased and their family home prevented Carnival from going to Cozumel. What most likely prevented them from going to Cozumel was the 5 hours spent returning to Grand Cayman and then the 5 hours to return back to where they were when they turned around. 10 hours lost. Just not enough time to get to Cozumel.

 

Also Carnival had to pay something to Grand Cayman to spend another day there. It may have even been more than what they were paying to Cozumel. Maybe they should have charged everyone extra if it cost them more. But they didn't.

 

That other incident you mentioned I believe was about the Liberty. They had to skip a port and returned early to Galveston for repairs. That was Carnival's responsibility. Not even close to the same circumstances as this.

[Budget Queen]

You do not have accurate information. The cruise line, does NOT pick up any of those costs. So you are accepting wrong information from a random source.

 

I'll speculate you have gotten everything you are entitled to. A different type of vacation may be a better plan in the future if destinations are your priority.

[chengkp75]

Yeah, third hand information that isn't even close to true. Not only does the cruise line not pay for repatriation for any medical debarkation, whether death or not, but if the death violates the PVSA, they will pass the fine on to the deceased's family.

 

So, no, you are only entitled to a refund of the port costs. If Carnival has kicked in a further $60 (not clear on that), then consider yourself lucky.

 

As for the morgue, they will not keep the body "on ice" until the homeport. The body must be disembarked at the first port of call for a coroner's inquest.

 

Perhaps the OP should have read the ticket contract terms a little closer (if at all), to see what changes the cruise line is entitled to make without compensation to the passenger.

[cruisinpips]

Ok, so you feel like you are entitled to something else? We were on Magic last year and missed Roatan because of high wind. I overheard a woman tell an officer in front of GS that she had saved for years to go on a cruise that went to that port, my opinion is if you saved for years to go to ANY ONE port, you better fly there, because there are many circumstances that can prevent a port call. The cruise contract states they can change at any time and owe you nothing! Sorry for the change, but sounds like there was a more important situation than a call at Cozumel! :D:D

[Roz]

Cheng,

 

Thank you for the clarification on the morgue re: offloading the body. Someone died on one of my cruises, and the body was taken off when we got back to Ft. Lauderdale, but I'm sure it was because the person died while we were en route back to the homeport.

 

Roz

[Elaine5715]

Just back from a 5 night cruise on the Paradise. We left our first port, Grand Cayman, on time. About 5 hours later they announced that due to a medical emergency we had to turn back. About 2 1/2 hours later they announce that we aren't going to the next port, which was Cozumel. We just spent another day in Grand Cayman.

 

The next day we heard from a couple we met on board that an assistant cruise director told them that the woman who had a heart attack unfortunately passed away on the tender going back ashore. While my heart goes out to the woman and her family, what they were told next is what bothers me. According to them the assistant said that the only reason we didn't go on to Cozumel was because Carnival was not willing to pay the airfare for the woman's family and her casket to go home. Obviously I have no way of knowing if this is true or not. They also said they were told that each person would receive a $60 credit.

We got our excursion fee refunded, but did not see any other credits.

 

I don't mean to sound callous because obviously they did the right thing getting this woman care as fast as possible, but we had to save for several years for this trip and the only reason we chose the Paradise was because of the Cozumel stop. Both my husband and I and our two teenage boys were really looking forward to the Tulum/snorkeling excursion.

 

I saw on another posting on this site that another Carnival cruise earlier this year got into port late due to an emergency and each person received a $25 credit and 20% off on a future cruise.

 

If we manage to save money for another vacation in a few years I don't see why Carnival wouldn't do something to something to encourage us to cruise with them again as opposed to just going somewhere and staying at a resort, or going on another cruise line.

 

Has anyone had experience communicating with Carnival for issues like this? Any success?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

The compensation you get is your good health and the ability to go home to hug your loved ones.

[cruzeluver]

If the reason for missing a port is due to negligence on the part of the cruise line, some form of compensation is reasonable. If the reason is not within their control, why should they compensate anyone? No logic there.

 

And never, ever choose a cruise based solely on an itinerary that if altered will have a serious impact to your enjoyment. Ports are missed for various reasons all the time.

[ledelstein]

If Carnival advised you that you will get $60 credit, I'm sure they will give it to you. I know I am going to sound snarky, but if getting to a particular port is that important to me, you need to fly there for your vacation as there are many times the cruise ports are changed for medical reasons or weather as examples.

 

I don't know the circumstances of the other cruise where people may or may not have gotten what was posted, but I feel a medical emergency is far more important than getting to a port. I know if it were my family, I'd want to have everything done for the person. I think those feeling otherwise definitely lack compassion and to me, are selfish.

 

I am not trying to put you down as there are many posts where people feel entitled to something, when in fact, the dreaded cruise contract states that ports can be changed without any compensation.

 

I'm sorry that you don't feel you got what you paid for, but that's one of the disadvantages of cruising. I have cruised several times and have missed ports too, but since the reasons for doing so are beyond my control, I just go with the flow. Most of us save for a cruise and I can understand your disappointment, but I think you just have to move on.

 

 

Well said!!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[kctwinmommy]

While I don't know how they will handle compensation, it sounds like others have shared info on that. I can't imagine they will give you any more than what they already did.

 

We missed our stop in St. Thomas last year due to a tropical storm. We went to Amber Cove instead. There was some people on the ship though who were supposed to meet a wedding party in St. Thomas for their wedding. I just didn't understand why someone would leave such an important event up to such chances.

 

It's unfortunate that you missed a stop, but as others also said, not sure I would choose a cruise just for 1 stop. It sounds like cruises can often have to cancel stopping in certain places. I'm sorry that you missed the place you really wanted to go to, hopefully you enjoyed the rest of it.

[Micahs Grandad]

All you are entitled to is refund of port charges.

 

That family lost their loved one. That is the sad part of the story.

[MtnDweller]

The next day we heard from a couple we met on board that an assistant cruise director told them that the woman who had a heart attack unfortunately passed away on the tender going back ashore. While my heart goes out to the woman and her family, what they were told next is what bothers me. According to them the assistant said that the only reason we didn't go on to Cozumel was because Carnival was not willing to pay the airfare for the woman's family and her casket to go home. Obviously I have no way of knowing if this is true or not. They also said they were told that each person would receive a $60 credit.

We got our excursion fee refunded, but did not see any other credits.

 

 

There's the whole problem right there. It's hearsay since you didn't hear it from the horse's mouth.

 

 

I don't mean to sound callous because obviously they did the right thing getting this woman care as fast as possible, but we had to save for several years for this trip and the only reason we chose the Paradise was because of the Cozumel stop. Both my husband and I and our two teenage boys were really looking forward to the Tulum/snorkeling excursion.

 

Such a selfish remark.

[GUT2407]

:eek:

Failed miserably

 

Isn't that the truth.

[bluejay555]

I'm sorry you missed Cozumel! I would have been disappointed too. If it makes you feel any better, I think GC has nicer beaches though :) Were you able to find an excursion last-minute?

 

If I was in your position I would hope for a small credit, but not really expect one, just from what I've learned on this site. On our first cruise ever, there was a medical emergency, we were told we would divert to Key West instead of GC but then the coast guard met us at sea, airlifted the passenger, and we were able to turn around and make it to GC afterall. Well we ended up having engine trouble and a rough ride, and were told we'd be 12 hrs late getting back to New Orleans, but we ended up only a couple hours late. So really we were not affected negatively at all. But we STILL got a credit on our sail and sign for I want to say $100, maybe even more. It was shocking to us because we didn't even miss our ports! We felt they didn't owe us a dime.

[sgttami]

I've missed scheduled ports a few times and when it's due to a medical emergency I can only feel sorry for the people involved. Truly sad when that happens.

 

Missed St. Kitts once due to high winds and was bummed out but went to the casino and won $2000...that wouldn't have happened had we docked there.

 

I would never expect compensation of any kind no matter what the reason. It's all in the Cruise Contract (that few people read) and if the cruise line offers something, it's a perk!

[BlazinSunsets]

While I do understand weather issues can affect ports and would not expect any compensation for that. I would expect something, even 50-60$ obc, for non weather issues, that in includes other passenger health issues.

 

That being said it would never really bother me anymore if I missed a port. I cruise for the ship part of the cruise and can find something to do at any port or even stay on the ship and I would be happy.

[chengkp75]

While I do understand weather issues can affect ports and would not expect any compensation for that. I would expect something, even 50-60$ obc, for non weather issues, that in includes other passenger health issues.

 

That being said it would never really bother me anymore if I missed a port. I cruise for the ship part of the cruise and can find something to do at any port or even stay on the ship and I would be happy.

 

In the US, the airlines are not required to compensate you for a delayed or cancelled domestic flight, and the Warsaw convention covering international flights protects the airline from "unforeseen" delays, so why would you expect the cruise line, which is defined under international law as a "common carrier" just like an airline, to offer compensation for something that they had no control over?

[erinmarie424]

I'm guessing Tulum will be around for a while. I'd highly recommend a land based vacation if you really want to see it vs a cruise line excursion. You need more than a couple hours to really experience it and spend time on the beach. Then snorkel on a different day (or days.). That's what we did a couple years ago and it was a wonderful vacation.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk