A couple, Jay and Jill Campbell, found themselves stranded on a small African island after missing the boarding deadline for their Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The incident occurred during an excursion to São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off West Africa.
Denied Boarding
Despite being able to see the ship anchored from the shore, the Campbells and several other passengers were refused entry upon their return. Despite efforts by the São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard to facilitate their return to the ship, they were unsuccessful.
Unfortunate Circumstances
The group, which included elderly individuals and a paraplegic, faced challenges as they were not allowed back on board. One passenger, an 80-year-old woman who suffered a concussion on the island, was hospitalized there.
Stranded Situation
Without access to medication or functional credit cards, the stranded passengers relied on the Campbells, who covered $5,000 worth of expenses for food, toiletries, and hotel bills.
Cruise Line Response
Norwegian Cruise Line stated that eight guests missed the last tender back to the vessel, emphasizing the importance of passengers being punctual. Efforts were made to communicate the boarding deadline through various channels.
Efforts for Reunion
The cruise line confirmed efforts to facilitate the guests’ reunion with the ship in Senegal, following unsuccessful attempts in Gambia due to adverse weather conditions.
Reputational Risk
Such incidents pose reputational risks for cruise lines, potentially deterring future passengers. Similar cases of passengers being stranded or facing disruptions highlight the importance of punctuality and effective communication in the cruise industry.
