What am I going to do ?

[Dishbaby]

Our cruise leaves on February 9 and needless to say, we are paid in full. Last night, my daughter was taken from her basketball game to the ER for a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain. She is only 15. Her pediatrician wants to send her to a specialist in Pittsburgh and of course, his first available date is while we are due to be on a cruise. Not to mention, I don't know how comfortable I am heading out on a ship until I know her health is stable.

 

I called RCCI to inquire about postpoing 4 to 6 weeks and was told that they would take 1/2 of our fare as penalty. That is so unfair on so many levels, but I guess besides the point. I was told I could be switched to the resolution department to see if they can make an exception, and I've been on hold waiting for them to answer for over an hour. I sure didn't wait this long when I called to book a cruise.

 

Anyhow, does anyone else have experience with this ? Do I stand a chance at them cutting me a break with medical documentation ?

[amybear912]

Our cruise leaves on February 9 and needless to say, we are paid in full. Last night, my daughter was taken from her basketball game to the ER for a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain. She is only 15. Her pediatrician wants to send her to a specialist in Pittsburgh and of course, his first available date is while we are due to be on a cruise. Not to mention, I don't know how comfortable I am heading out on a ship until I know her health is stable.

 

I called RCCI to inquire about postpoing 4 to 6 weeks and was told that they would take 1/2 of our fare as penalty. That is so unfair on so many levels, but I guess besides the point. I was told I could be switched to the resolution department to see if they can make an exception, and I've been on hold waiting for them to answer for over an hour. I sure didn't wait this long when I called to book a cruise.

 

Anyhow, does anyone else have experience with this ? Do I stand a chance at them cutting me a break with medical documentation ?

 

Do you have travel insurance??? This would probably be one of those things that it covers you for...

[Dishbaby]

No. No insurance. :(

[Sue L]

There is not much they will likely do without insurance. Could you pediatrician call the specialist to see if you can get in earlier?

[Dishbaby]

Already did that. That is how we are able to get in on the day that we are - because there was a cancellation.

[FLCruiseGirl]

Pittsburgh must have more than one heart specialist. Why not look for another one that can see her sooner? Not just because of the cruise - that's a long time to have to wait to see if she's okay.

[PhoenixCruiser]

No. No insurance. :(

 

Yikes!!

 

Sending positive vibes for your daughter...

 

With that said, what is so unfair, that is why travel insurance is offered.

 

###

[rubrrick]

Unfortunately...........that is what insurance is all about.

 

I feel so sad that you are faced with this dilemma. Hopefully all can be worked out with both the timing of seeing a specialist, and getting on the cruise that you have booked.

 

Rick

[cb at sea]

If you have to miss this cruise, then so be it! You certainly don't want her on a ship, if there may be a problem. The ship's doctor is NOT adequate for that sort of thing.

[dakota503]

I would try to get her in to see another heart specialist before the cruise. Good luck!

[glgolfer]

I'm sorry your daughter is having a problem. I hope you find out there is nothing serious wrong.

 

All cruiselines have about the same cancellation policies. There is nothing unfair about them on any level. The cancellation policies and penalties are clearly stated in the contract.

They and many other companies offer insurance to cover just this kind of circumstance.

Check www.insuremytrip.com for a varity of policies and prices and see what's best for you the next time you cruise.

[klfhngr]

I'd get a 'second' opinion before the cruise then see the specialist in Pitt. after.

[cruisin_bear]

I think that just for knowing she is okay I would try and see someone sooner adn worry about the cruise later. Health is important a cruise is a cruise...

[Sea Island Lady]

Let me just say that waiting to see a specialist about your daughters possible heart problem, sounds to me like your pediatrician doesn't seem to think it is that big of a deal, but wants to have another physician take a look. If your DD has a heart problem, she should be seeing someone NOW. :eek:

 

I know this, because I have two daughters that had the same symptoms. Both started having trouble in their late teens. One daughter has been diagnosed with a heart problem. The other daughter was diagnosed with anxiety, brought on with hormonal changes. Both were diagnosed on their first visit to the ER.

 

Daughter #1 went through many hospital test that night and then was referred to a cardiologist the very next day (do you not have these in your hometown?) She is now on medication and has bi-yearly check-ups. The condition is not too serious.

 

DD #2 was told nothing was wrong and her test were fine. After a second visit to the ER a few weeks later, she was told all test were fine, but referred her to a cardiologist. The Dr. agreed on the ER's diagnosis and started her on anxiety meds, which she rarely has to take now. ;)

 

Did the ER do an EKG and actually see evidence that your daughters heart was racing? If so, I would get on the phone and call around myself. A racing heart can throw off clots that can cause serious consequences. Your daughter should not have to wait two weeks before being seen.

 

I hope you will get some answers and be able to go on your cruise.

 

If you need to cancel, go ahead and take what you can get in compensation while you can. IF you paid by credit card, you may be covered for trip cancellation. Not all companies have this, however.

 

Good luck and I do hope your daughters condition is nothing serious.

 

BTW - I am not a doctor and the above is only an opinion.

[brn2crz]

First of all,very sorry about your problem.I sail Sunday,and am experiencing issues with kids as well (not as serious)...

Just as an FYI....We have had 2 13 yo girls in the past 2 weeks,in the Houston area,die on the BB court due to undiagnosed heart conditions.Not try to be an alarmist...Just stating that it is a concern..

I know you are not asking for medical advice,and not trying to be harsh...I am sure you are aware of the risks..

You will most likely not get any where with a re-book...but who knows...All you can do is call,beg ask to speak to superiors..beg more write letters etc..I do know of one person who was granted a re-book...But know of hundreds more who have not.

I think some of the best advice is that of others...Put your energies towards finding someone who will take her...Now....Good luck and please let us know the results...

take care

[RADICALBURN]

Just had to postpone our cruise in December. Provided doctors report stating that because of medical condition i was unable to travel. We however did have insurance. The only problem we did have was American Airlines Wouldn't defer the fee for transferring the flight to another date. Only one of our party had them so we lose a few hundred. The rest of us had Continental and they waved the fees. Thank you Continental.............................RADICAL

[funfamilyfun]

I hope your daughter is ok.

 

I'd first try to get in with another doctor who can run the appropriate tests ASAP. When my husband had a "scare" we saw a doctor the next day.

 

OR...the next time she has symptoms, take her to the ER...the tests will be run right then!

[KelJ]

Our cruise leaves on February 9 and needless to say, we are paid in full. Last night, my daughter was taken from her basketball game to the ER for a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain. She is only 15. Her pediatrician wants to send her to a specialist in Pittsburgh and of course, his first available date is while we are due to be on a cruise. Not to mention, I don't know how comfortable I am heading out on a ship until I know her health is stable.

 

I called RCCI to inquire about postpoing 4 to 6 weeks and was told that they would take 1/2 of our fare as penalty. That is so unfair on so many levels, but I guess besides the point. I was told I could be switched to the resolution department to see if they can make an exception, and I've been on hold waiting for them to answer for over an hour. I sure didn't wait this long when I called to book a cruise.

 

Anyhow, does anyone else have experience with this ? Do I stand a chance at them cutting me a break with medical documentation ?

 

There is nothing unfair about the cruiseline's response. It is surprising how many people won't spend the money on insurance and then want the cruiseline to make an exception when something occurs. If they cut everybody a break, who would buy insurance? The cruiseline is in the business of making money. Many people seem to forget that.

That being said, I send my best wishes out to your daughter and you. I hope it turns out to be nothing serious and that she has a speedy recovery.:)

[Lynnees]

Our cruise leaves on February 9 and needless to say, we are paid in full. Last night, my daughter was taken from her basketball game to the ER for a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain. She is only 15. Her pediatrician wants to send her to a specialist in Pittsburgh and of course, his first available date is while we are due to be on a cruise. Not to mention, I don't know how comfortable I am heading out on a ship until I know her health is stable.

 

I called RCCI to inquire about postpoing 4 to 6 weeks and was told that they would take 1/2 of our fare as penalty. That is so unfair on so many levels, but I guess besides the point. I was told I could be switched to the resolution department to see if they can make an exception, and I've been on hold waiting for them to answer for over an hour. I sure didn't wait this long when I called to book a cruise.

 

Anyhow, does anyone else have experience with this ? Do I stand a chance at them cutting me a break with medical documentation ?

 

I'm sure you having a hard time thinking straight right now. There is nothing so scary as a child being ill.

 

However I can't but ask what is so unfair and what levels of unfairness are you referring to? As so many have already said that is the purpose of insurance and what would be unfair is to refund/transfer your booking without insurance when so many others buy insurance.

[FLCruiseGirl]

How many times does the OP need to get the same lecture and be asked the same questions? I think she got the point.

[curley23]

Unfortunately RCI will probably stand their ground, as they hear these kinds of excuses time after time, and they cannot be made to figure out which ones are legit.(and I am not saying yours is not legit).

This is just another lesson to be learned as to why insurance may be important to have.

I had to go to the ER for some chest pains a while back, and they would not let me out, until they knew what was going on, meaning a specialist was called in, and every type of test was done right away. Unless you live in a small town, and no one is available, I can't imagine them letting your daughter leave without knowing something, or running every test they can. I hope things work out for your daughter, maybe you can find another DR. to take her to, or maybe you can get RCI to let you change your booking to a later date, but that may even be asking alot.

Good Luck!

[vermonter16]

I hope you get this resolved and that your daughter is ok....and that you also get to go on the cruise!!!!

[shirleygr]

I see you are in (or near) Pittsburgh as that is where the cardiologist is. I would think there should be a number of doctors available to pick from in that large a city that you shouldn't have to wait 2 weeks to get an appt. I know, if it were my child, I would want her seen NOW. Ask your pediatrician for another referral. Regardless of the cruise situation, I would want some answers from a dr sooner rather than later. Wishing you good thoughts and hoping it all works out for you and your daughter.

[Ocean Boy]

I'll tell you what really bothers me about this thread is the fact that the specialist is so unresponsive. He should be more understanding of the stress involved with having that happen to a child. I'd find another doctor.

 

And... people around here know that I usually come to the defense of the medical system when it is slammed on these boards.

[Sea Island Lady]

The specialist may not even be aware of the situation! Normally, he doesn't even know who his patient is going to be until a few minutes before see them. To me, it's the pediatrician who needs to step up and get the girl seen. However, we really don't know all the issues involved, or how serious this is or isn't, and the pediatrician obviously has an idea. ;)

 

To the OP, do you know any physicians personally, that could help you out? Please post back a let us know how it is going. :)