The Realities of Being Left Behind by Your Cruise Ship: What You Need to Know in 2023 !
Onique Campbell
Consumer Notice:
Products mentioned/ listed are reviewed personally and or extensively researched for your benefit and link to the direct product referred for your satisfaction and as a code of conduct and to provide transparency, the contents of this page may or may not contain affiliate links. Read More
Information presented on this post is strictly for educational purposes only. Cruise Snitch reserves the right not to offer any advisory or brokerage services, and or recommend/ advise investors to trade or invest in particular stocks, securities or any other investments.
The Realities of Being Left Behind by Your Cruise Ship: What You Need to Know in 2023
From understanding your rights as a passenger, to knowing what to do in the event of a ship abandonment, we will cover all the important information you need to stay safe and prepared.
Choose Your Topic:
- Contact your travel insurer to cover any additional expenses you may incur.
- Check in with the cruise line to find out what their policy is for refunds and vouchers in cases of abandonment.
- Locate a trustworthy tour operator who will be able to organize accommodation and transport from the port to your accommodation.
- Locate the local port authority to assist with any paperwork or to provide advice and support in attempting to locate your cruise ship.
- Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of transport and accommodation.
- Ensure you also have a means of communication, such as a mobile phone or sat-phone, so you can stay in contact with the cruise line or tour operator.
- Have a plan of action and a timeline of when you need to be back on the port so your journey can continue.
What are the legal protections for passengers who are left behind by their cruise ship?
- Right to refunds: If the cruise line fails to allow a passenger back onto their ship after a shore excursion, the cruise line must provide the passenger with a refund.
- Right to expedited transportation: If a passenger is left behind, the cruise line must make all reasonable efforts to ensure the passenger is provided with expedited transportation to the ship’s next port of call or home if applicable.
- Right to sue: If the cruise line is found to have acted in a negligent or reckless manner that caused the passenger to be left behind, the passenger may be entitled to sue the cruise line for damages.
- Right to healthcare: If a passenger is injured during the time they were left behind, the cruise line must provide them with medical assistance and compensation.
- Right to lodge a complaint: Passengers who have been left behind have the right to make a complaint to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The organization holds cruise lines accountable and will investigate any complaints.
What steps can you take to minimize the risk of being stranded during a cruise?
- Make sure to check: the estimated arrival and departure times for the cruise and plan to arrive at the port early to avoid any delays.
- Check the boarding schedule: and plan accordingly to avoid missing the required deadlines.
- Stick with a companion: or use a porter to ensure that you get on board in time.
- Familiarize yourself: with the ship’s route and make sure you know the closing time for boarding.
- If you're running late: contact the cruise line as soon as possible so they know when to expect you.
- Stay informed: on the ship’s announcements and be mindful of the time to avoid being late.
- If necessary be prepared to pay: a significant fee in order to board the ship at the last minute.
How can you ensure that you are properly compensated if you are left behind by your cruise ship?
- Familiarize Yourself with the Cruise Line’s Refund and Compensation Policies: Read through the cruise line’s terms and conditions and familiarize yourself with their refund and compensation policies for a situation like this.
- Call the Cruise Line Immediately and Document All Conversations: As soon as you realize you’ve been left behind, call the cruise line and document all conversations.
- Bring a Claim to Court if Necessary: If the cruise line is not offering adequate compensation, consider bringing a claim to court.
- Stay in Touch with Your Insurance Provider: Be sure to stay in touch with your insurance provider and have them investigate and look into any losses suffered as a result of being left behind.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in cruise ship-related disputes and who understands the details of the cruise line’s policies.
Disclosure:
This article was extensively researched and arranged to provide benefit to the intended viewer.
The contents of this page may or may not contain affiliate links, in which I may receive a small commission at no absolute cost to you.
These are products I fully recommend as the best options as of current, clicking a product and saving item to cart will allow you to lock in the best deal for that item.
You can read more about my full disclosure here in my
Privacy Policy