couple miss cruise ship

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Couple who missed Royal Caribbean cruise in viral video was celebrating honeymoon

The couple, who went viral after footage emerged of them missing the Symphony of the Seas, has been revealed as Costa Rican actress Maria Gonzalez Roesch and her new hubby Alessandro Di Palma. (iStock)

The luckless couple caught on camera frantically missing their cruise ship after turning up 45 minutes late to the dock have been revealed as a newlywed TV star and her husband.

Costa Rican actress Maria Gonzalez Roesch and her new hubby Alessandro Di Palma made headlines around the world when they were seen helplessly watching their Royal Caribbean ship sail off without them.

The honeymooners now say they were caught out when the ship departed Nassau, in the Bahamas, earlier than they expected.

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Maria, 26, claimed on Instagram that the cruise on the trip normally left the dock at 5.30 p.m. but that day the ship departed "early." She shared several screenshots of articles about the video, joking they were "vacay goals" while moaning that the video had gone globally viral.

It later emerged the honeymooners had been given a new itinerary but didn't read it, and assumed the ship would leave the same time as it did from other ports.

Maria also claimed they were not the only passengers stranded at Nassau with six others also missed the boat in Nassau, the ship's last port before returning to Miami on the sixth day of a seven-day cruise.

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Maria is a household name in her home country and found fame as a 12-year-old or the TV show "Recreo Grande." The star — who is also a top model and social media star — is best known for the weekly show "RG Elementos." And in 2017, she co-starred in the movie "Buscando a Marcos Ramirezm," a box office success in her home country.

The video of her holiday mishap was filmed from the deck of the nearby Norwegian Bliss, and the call to depart came at 3.30 p.m. local time. Workers began removing the gangway and closing the door, with the ship ultimately leaving at 4.15 p.m.

The hapless couple showed up five minutes later with shopping bags from their excursion. Frantically waving, they tried to get the attention of people on the dock and on the ship.

Other passengers on the cruise ship can be seen looking at the couple from their balconies as the propellers start to churn in the water.

As Sun Online  previously explained , there are steps to take if a passenger misses their cruise departure time, to rejoin at the next port: If passengers were late due to an excursion booked through the cruise line, then they can possibly be offered assistance to the next stop. However, if a tour or excursion was booked independently of Royal Caribbean, passengers would need to find their own way home.

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A group of cruise ship passengers were stranded on an African island. What happened?

An American couple who endured traveling through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up to a cruise ship that left them at a previous port said they may not re-board the boat.

A 21-day dream cruise along the coast of Africa turned into an international ordeal for couple Jill and Jay Campbell and a group of six other passengers after they said they were left behind during a tour stop on an African island off the coast of Nigeria.

What happened to the cruise ship passengers?

Six Americans and two Australians were on a privately-run excursion on the island of Sao Tome on March 30 and were supposed to be back by 3 p.m. local time, according to the couple.

When they didn't make it back in time due to what they said were issues with the tour, their Norwegian Cruise Line ship left without them.

The Campbells, who are from Garden City, South Carolina, told NBC News their tour operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late rejoining the ship, but the vessel left anyway. They added that the island's coast guard tried to get them and several others to the cruise ship, but they said they weren't allowed to board.

The stranded guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the vessel could not safely dock there due to "adverse weather conditions," Norwegian said.

The couple then had to make their way from Sao Tome to Dakar, Senegal, where the cruise ship was docked on April 2.

“It’s one of those, ‘You can’t get there from here,’” Jay Campbell said on TODAY on April 2. “I think we flew through six countries just to get to Gambia yesterday.”

When will the passengers return home?

The couple traveled through seven countries in a 48-hour period to reach Senegal, according to Jill Campbell.

Following that ordeal, they said they aren’t sure if they’re going to board the ship again to rejoin the cruise.

“After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly,” Jill Campbell said.

“I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and the well-being of the customers should be their first priority, and that should be placed first," she said.

“We believe there was a basic duty of care that they’ve forgotten about so it does concern us.”

What has Norwegian cruises said?

Norwegian Cruise Line told NBC News in a statement that the Campbells’ situation was unfortunate, saying “guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time” and noting the group was on a privately-run tour.

The Campbells were thankful for the people of Sao Tome as they tried to navigate how they were going to catch up to the ship.

"It’s a very difficult process," Jay Campbell said. "You’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers.

"You’re dealing with different currencies, currency exchanges, finding someone that even has dollars, taking dollars, the minimum amount that we had, trying to convert them to local currency, (and) trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to."

Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should subscribe to here! ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else. 

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Watch: couple beg captain to stop after missing cruise ship

A couple has been filmed yelling out and pleading to the captain of MSC Splendida after missing their cruise ship departure.

The couple were on a nine-day cruise on MSC Splendida and were late getting back to the ship in the port town of Bari in Italy. The pair of them were yelling “Captain, wait for us please. You can do it if you want to.” However, their efforts were in vain and the cruise ship left without them. 

Watch the TikTok video here.

A woman who was on the cruise told Mail Online she thought the efforts to help the couple were lacklustre.

“’I was on that cruise with my family when it happened. We were at lunch when they made only one announcement for two Italian-sounding names and then nothing further.

“The cruise didn’t leave even a minute over time. We felt there was little to no effort to find those people whether they were there or not.”

However, Ugo Patroni Griffi, president of the Port System Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea told La Repubblica he had a different opinion.

“They tried to ask the ship to turn back, or at least to stop operations,” he said. 

“Obviously it is impossible for cruise ships that have limited times and are also very expensive operations.”

Reportedly the couple had spent around $16,000 for the cruise, adding to their desperation to get onboard. 

The cruise was set to visit destinations like Mykonos, Istanbul and Corfu.

Watch as other examples of the harsh reality of passengers missing their cruise ships below.

No more cruises for us after Cunard changed our Cruise from New Zealand and the Fiords to Melbourne Brisbane Cairns, Port Douglas,Sydney, Melbourne 12 days. The day before we were to go and we were in transit with no email working I got a text and I rang them to learn the bad news.

We live in Brisbane and wanted to get away from the heat . We were offered a refund but we were in Melbourne already so thought what choice do we have as we would have had to buy another flight home . On boarding we were handed a letter that said No Port Douglas now no explanation. They offered us 50% off our next cruise but that is 50% of full price. So no more cruises for me with Cunard Lines. I am going to book a cruise to the Fiords New Zealand on a small ship next year. We have done a lot of cruises and never had any problems. It was the way or lack of care that I really did not like. I hear that maybe a New Prime Minister of New Zealand may improve things.

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Watch this couple miss their cruise ship by mere seconds

Post date: Feb 25 2019

Date: Feb 25 2019

By: Travelweek Group

THE BAHAMAS — Stop that boat! A new video of a couple missing their cruise ship by mere seconds in The Bahamas has gone viral and it’s almost too heartbreaking to watch.

The YouTube channel Reel Focus recently posted the six-minute video, which was shot by an onlooker from the top deck of the neighbouring Norwegian Bliss. According to Reel Focus, the Symphony of the Seas, which the down-on-their-luck couple was sailing with, waited approximately 20 minutes before shutting down the gangway.

While dock workers are pulling the ropes off the boat, the tardy couple arrives and is seen attempting to wave down the ship as it sails away from the harbor. “Nooooo!” the woman can be heard yelling while onlookers laugh.

The couple then walks towards the stern of the ship where they start pleading with a cruise line representative standing onboard. But all hope is lost when the ship’s thrusters are turned on, leaving the couple in the dust.

To add insult to injury, the ship’s horn happily blasts three times while the couple stands forlornly on the dock.

With the ship long gone, the man can still be seen pacing along the dock, yelling at crew members onboard. We doubt he was wishing them all bon voyage.

Let this be a lesson to all cruisers – always arrive early or risk missing the boat!

Tags: Royal Caribbean International, Wired

Missing Cruise Ship Couple: Search Called Off

Police continue to question the couple's family and study CCTV to find out whether they jumped or fell overboard accidentally.

Friday 10 May 2013 15:52, UK

The search for a couple seen going overboard during a South Pacific cruise has been called off, according to authorities.

Paramedic Paul Rossington, 30, and his 26-year-old girlfriend Kristen Schroder fell more than 20m (65ft) from the mid-deck of the cruise ship Carnival Spirit on Wednesday night.

The couple were both from Barraba, New South Wales, and had been on the cruise with seven family and friends.

Surveillance video shows the couple outside their cabin as the ship was about 120km (65 miles) off the coast of Forster, before they went over the railings almost at the same time, said New South Wales Police Superintendent Mark Hutchings.

Police were questioning family, friends and passengers to try to find out what happened. "

The footage alone won't tell the whole story," Supt Hutchings said.

It was not clear from the video if Mr Rossington or Ms Schroder went over the railings first.

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Investigators are enhancing the video to try to learn if they jumped or fell by accident.

Ms Schroder's family issued a statement requesting "privacy and understanding while we come to terms with our beautiful girl's tragic accident".

Stephen Leahy, head of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters, said that if the couple fell accidentally, they could have survived until Friday, noting that the ocean was calm and fairly warm.

He described Mr Rossington, a paramedic for the state ambulance service, as very fit.

The railing over which the couple fell was 5cm (2in) higher than industry safety regulations require, said Ann Sherry, chief executive of Carnival Australia and Carnival Corp's representative in the South Pacific region.

"It's designed really to prevent accidental tripping," she said.

"We want to make sure that it's not possible for people to fall overboard or to trip and fall overboard."

She added: "I think it would be highly unlikely, but again, in this case, the police are conducting a full investigation."

The ship has around 600 surveillance cameras that are constantly monitored, although no one reported seeing the fall at the time.

Ms Sherry defended the level of monitoring of passengers aboard the ship that allowed the couple's fall to go unnoticed.

At least four crew members were monitoring the ship's surveillance cameras at any time, she said.

"It was the last night of a cruise," Ms Sherry said. "Virtually everybody else was in the public spaces on the ship, and they're the areas that we focus on in those times."

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What Happened to the Couple Who Missed Their Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

A couple from South Wales, UK, were devastated when they realized they had missed their cruise ship. After a long day of travel and excitement for the upcoming journey, they arrived at the pier to find out that their ship had left earlier than expected.

The couple had purchased the tickets months in advance and had made all necessary arrangements for their trip. They were looking forward to relaxing on a luxurious cruise ship with stops at various exotic destinations. Unfortunately, the couple arrived at the dock two hours late due to heavy traffic and bad weather conditions.

When they realized that the ship was gone, they were absolutely devastated and felt completely helpless. The couple was distraught as all of their plans and dreams of a wonderful vacation had been ruined.

The cruise line did not offer any assistance or compensation for their mistake as it was considered an “act of God” according to the company’s policy. The couple was forced to stay in a hotel near the pier until they could find alternate means of transportation back home.

Luckily, after some research, the couple found a charter flight that would take them back home in time for their next scheduled engagements. Although it cost them significantly more money than what they initially planned on spending for their vacation, at least it was something to get them back on track with their lives again.

The couple eventually made it safely back home with no major issues or delays. Although this experience left them feeling frustrated and disappointed, it taught them an important lesson about always being prepared for unexpected events while traveling.

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How these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded in Africa

Both Americans and Australians were left at port after an excursion ran long.

After what seemed like a dream trip, several American travelers were left stranded at port in West Africa mid-cruise while traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain.

Jay and Jill Campbell told ABC News Myrtle Beach affiliate WPDE that they were in the first week of a three week voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa.

The couple and others opted to tour the nearby island of São Tomé and Príncipe on the afternoon of March 27, and when the excursion ran late, they said they brought it to the guides' attention.

"We were like, 'our time is getting short,'" Jay Campbell recalled, at which point he said the guide let them know, "'No problem we can get you back in an hour.'"

Upon their return, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored vessel.

"The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number," Jay Campbell said. "They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. They're not responding to our emails."

The Campbells say they were left stranded along with four other Americans and two Australians -- of whom one is a paraplegic, one has a heart condition and one is pregnant. Some did not have credit cards or medication that was left on board.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as The Cruise Guy, told ABC News that "the bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go."

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip

"More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving," he said.

He continued, "Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern."

In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said, "On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

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They continued, "While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel."

The spokesperson added that the passports for the passengers who did not return at the all aboard time "were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol."

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call," they said.

The Campbells said that their eight person group spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn ship in Banjul, Gambia, on April 1. However, the ship couldn't dock due to low tide, so they are now trying to get to Senegal where the ship is meant to dock on Tuesday.

The Norwegian spokesperson said, "Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests' disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority."

The cruise line contacted the guests "regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024."

In light of the "series of unfortunate events outside of our control," the spokesperson said Norwegian Cruise Lines "will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal" and are still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available.

MORE: Meet the cruise couple who have spent over 450 days at sea so far

In a separate, unrelated situation that took place coincidentally on the same day of the voyage, the spokesperson said, "An 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent," the spokesperson added, saying they worked with the port agent to receive updates.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return," they said.

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Elderly couple left at Spanish port after Norwegian Cruise sails off

A couple in their 80s say they were left in Spain by Norweigan Cruise Line a month after the same cruise company sailed off from an African island, leaving eight passengers behind.

Richard and Claudene Gordon, ages 84 and 81, had left their home in Salt Lake City , Utah, to embark on a vacation around the Mediterranean aboard the Norweigan Viva cruise ship, along with their family and friends to celebrate Mr Gordon’s 85th birthday, this week.

However, their trip took a drastic turn on Monday when the couple booked an independent excursion, not organised by the cruise line, while docked in Motril, Spain, to the historic city of Granada, the pair told CNN.

On their return back, their bus was delayed for an hour while a rain storm hit the region, meaning the couple missed the ship’s all-aboard time of 5.30pm to sail away at around 6pm.

“I am a very experienced traveller and have probably been on as many as 30 cruises during my lifetime,” Mr Gordon told the outlet. “Never before have we ever missed catching a ship on time at a port . So we are not someone who abuses the system.”

Along with the rest of their party, the ship sailed away to its next destination with Ms Gordon’s medication, Mr Gordon’s eyeglasses and both their spare hearing aid batteries and phone chargers.

The incident occured almost a month after eight passengers with Norweigan Cruise Line were left on the island nation of São Tomé and Principe after a private tour overran.

While the passengers claim they had to spend thousands in attempts to catch up with the ship, the cruise line said the passengers were “responsible” for returning to the vessel at the designated all-aboard time.

The Gordons told the outlet that they eventually made it to the dock by taxi at 6.10pm, but their cruise ship had already started to set sail.

At around 5.45pm, Mr Gordon said he phoned a relative on board, who told the cruise staff that they were nearby but running late; however, the staff allegedly replied that the ship needed to sail on time and nothing could be done.

“Our cruise began in Lisbon and we departed from Lisbon about one and a half hours after the scheduled departure at 4pm,” Mr Gordon told CNN. “Then the next night or two, at least a half-hour late from the dock, so it is clear that they do not always leave on the exact moment scheduled.”

Stranded on the Spanish dock, the couple tried to talk to local police, but they said they could not do anything, so they took a bus up to Granada and stayed in a little B&B since they had not heard from Norweigan Cruise Line at that point.

The couple’s daughter then booked them on a flight to Palma de Mallorca, where the ship would be docking at 8am on Wednesday.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the couple said that Norweigan Cruise Line had made contact with them for the first time since they were left on the port, and offered them a taxi from their Palma hotel to reunite them with the vessel, the outlet reported.

The couple said they said that they received “royal treatment” when a BMW limousine turned up and took them to the ship where they were met by senior cruise staff who escorted them to breakfast.

“We simply told them that we were abandoned at the dock with no one to meet us or tell us where to go, and they said they have already complained about the harbor master who was supposed to take care of things for them. But of course, the ship had not contacted us directly for two days so that doesn’t speak so well for them,” Ms Gordon told the outlet.

Norwegian Cruise Line, however, disputed the couple’s arrival time at the pier. It said they were “approximately an hour late,” in a statement to CNN.

“A cruise ship follows a set itinerary with designated arrival and departure times. Itineraries are carefully coordinated and planned out well in advance of each voyage to ensure that all of our guests have the experience they are expecting.” It added that while they keep a small window for late guests to be accommodated, the Gordons arrived outside of this.

“After several attempts to contact these guests with the phone numbers provided, as well as trying to phone their emergency contact, we were unable to speak to them directly. However, we worked closely with the local port agents to make arrangements for the guests to rejoin the vessel.”

The cruise spokesperson added that prior to their hotel pick-up on Wednesday morning, the ship had coordaited an airport pickup for them at Palma de Mallorca the evening prior, but were still unreachable by phone.

The Independent has contacted Norweigan Cruise Line for comment.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

We Missed our cruise ship in port... here is our story!

By Bebop1088 , March 21, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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We missed our ship in the Bahamas… Here is the story.

            My boyfriend and I started dating just a few months ago. He is unable to take off of work from April-September while on call and was able to get a week off last second. Luckily I was able to take a last second vacation week too. Although we explored other options for the short time frame and the convenience of the all inclusive feel we opted for a great deal on a cruise. Neither of us had passports. His had expired during COVID and I have never had one only traveling outside the US with the military and on past cruises. We booked 9 days before sailing.

            I have cruised at least 15 times in my life and him just twice. Neither of us since the start of covid. We are amazed at the ease during Embarkation. The total process from being dropped off at the door to walking on the ship was less than an hour. We secured our COVID tests before arriving, and were surprised to hear our ship was sailing at less than 50% capacity. We were told there were 1600 crew aboard and 1400 passengers.

            The cruise itself is quiet for our liking, the parties and events are small. Not many activities as with past cruises. On the positive side we never waited long for a drink and were able to secure dining reservations whenever we wanted to. There was no music or entertainment on sea days by the pool but there was always someone with a speaker playing their own music.

            We are notified a few hours prior to arrival at our first port (Port Canaveral) that the ship would not arrive on time. Instead we would spend an overnight there and not be able to stop at the private island the next day. Although disappointing we understand the change. The cruise line stated weather as the reasoning. I learned after the fact that another Norwegian cruise ship did in fact go to the private island the next day but that is neither here nor there.

            We arrive in Nassau Bahamas with two other cruise ships already in port. We try to log into the Norwegian app to verify the sail time for the day but you can only do so on the ships Wifi which anyone who has cruised knows is not the easiest task. We are among the first to leave as we had an early morning excursion deep sea fishing. We have with us just a small backpack, I put our birth certificates, sun tan lotion, our cruise cards and IDs, my camera and phones in the bag. The excursion is decent, although we did not catch any fish we spent 4 hours on the water. We are dropped off back at the pier around 12:30PM. This excursion is listed on our tickets as a ½ day excursion. When we get back to the pier we elect to go for a quick lunch at Senor Frogs.

            We are still unable to login to check the departure time, we know in retrospect we should have asked before leaving the ship that morning however we assume as with my past sailing history and other cruise ship passengers at senor frogs that it is most likely a 4:00PM sail away time. We decide to eat quickly and head back to the ship by 3:00PM to be on the safe side.

            As we are sitting there about to finish out lunch we hear the notable Honk of a cruise ship horn signaling one of the 4 ships in port was ready to leave. Jokingly I say “How funny would it be if that was out ship?” and we laugh as we wait for our check to pay. Within two minutes I look over my shoulder and realize OUR CRUISE SHIP IS MOVING! I signal to him to look and he laughs until he realizes I am not joking.

            I throw $300 cash on the table and we take off running towards the boat. Also in retrospect realizing this is unnecessary as the ship is not going to come back for us. We continue our sprint arriving at the customs area to the pier where we not so graciously cut in front of the lines of people and tell them we have missed our boat. The staff contacts the Port agent who pulls us to the side. He immediately gets on the phone with the cruise ship, who does not answer. He takes us into a small office. In conversation with him he tells us that usually the ship will notify him if they are aware of anyone who did not make the boat, which they did not do this time. He also says that no one from the ship has given him anything for us. From what I gathered it is customary for the cruise to go into your stateroom and leave anything immediately necessary (Medication, important documents, wallets) with the port agent.

            He takes us in his personal vehicle and advises we will need to check into a hotel, and visit the US Embassy tomorrow. At this point it is 2:30PM. While driving past the Embassy we notice that there are still security agents outside, so we ask the port agent what time they close, he rolls the window down and yells to a security guard who tells him 3:00PM. We thank him and jump out of the car hoping to catch someone at the embassy before they close.

            Although no one at the embassy will see us they allow us to talk on the phone to a representative. They send out the necessary paperwork to apply for an emergency passport, as well as tell us where to go to get our passport photos taken. We scurry through Nassau using my phone as GPS to find the passport photo center. We arrive just before they close and they advise me that they cannot take my passport photo. See we were deep sea fishing all day, all I had on was a bikini, shorts and a tank top. Passport photos need to meet certain requirements. I tell my travel companion to take off his shirt…. And that is how we both end up taking passport photos in an “Only fish” shirt.

            We walk back towards the tourist section of Nassau, find a bench and start working on securing what to do next. We take an inventory of what money and resources we have. Between us we have $700 cash, I move money to my Cash app card knowing my bank card wont work internationally. He has credit cards where I do not. We go online and find a hotel within walking distance that has a room available for the night.

            We check into the hotel, complete the paperwork from the Embassy. I contact Norwegian cruise line to explore our options. Norwegian tells me that because of the ‘Jones Act’ we are unable to meet up with the cruise at the next port (this turns out to be a blessing since the cruise did not even stop at the next port) they tell me that I need to fill out a lost item claim for our luggage online and that’s all we can do theres no phone number just an online form. We Let our families know the situation and purchase bare necessitates to get through the day. We spend $90 for phone chargers, get a T-shirt either of us can wear, two toothbrushes and deodorant. We decide to take a walk through the resorts nearby, we settle on Margaritaville and head to the bar for a drink and a quick bite to eat.

            While at the bar we explain the situation to the bar tender, he is amazing. He offers us local information on where to purchase some clothing and basics if we need and even offers to take us the following day after his shift if we need him to. While we are there we start considering our options. We are unsure how long it will take to get our passports the next day, so we cannot immediately book flights home. I start exploring some ideas for hotels should we need to stay another night, our hotel has already informed us they have no vacancies the following night. I am a recreational gambler and I regularly receive offers for Atlantis Paradise island but when I call to see if they can accommodate us I am advised to call back during regular business hours.

            We head back to the hotel, we shower and wash all our clothes in the sink and hang them to dry. We wake up bright and early to be the first in line at the Embassy. We quickly realize none of our clothes dried overnight and proceed to use the hair dryer to get them to a wearable level of dampness. We pack everything we own into my small backpack. We arrive at the embassy 15 minutes before they open… they advise we cannot bring my bag into the embassy. The only things we can have are our wallets and car keys. We explain we have no place to store the bag and they can provide no options for storage. We run back to our hotel who agrees to hold the bag for us (thankfully!) and its back to the embassy we go!

            We wait for a few minuets after passing through security. Since we have completed the paperwork we are able to get through the process relatively quickly. We are interviewed and we pay for out emergency passports ($165 each) they tell us to come back at noon to pick them up. They tell us its acceptable for one of us to come inside with both IDs and the other can wait outside with our bag. The only thing we need to do in the interim is to book out travel plans to return to the US and email them. The whole process is less than 2 hours.

            We get a cup of coffee and discuss out options. We are torn between getting the first flight home and trying to make the best of the situation and enjoying Nassau for the day. We elect that if my casino offer is viable at the Atlantis we will stay the night, if not we will book a flight as early as possible and fly home in our swimsuits. I am lucky enough to get a casino host who is sympathetic to our situation. I am able to book two nights at the Atlantis for a whopping $10 a night. We secure the room for two nights however, we book an early evening flight for the next day. We figure this will allow us plenty of time to enjoy the atlantis and still be back in the USA around the same time we would arrive from our cruise had we stayed on the ship.

            We find an amazing Taxi driver who takes us to the local Nassau mall, and even walks with us through the mall to ensure we are not taken advantage of as tourists. We buy basics, we each get a pair of jeans, a shirt and a sweatshirt, and underwear (living in a bikini is not for the weak). And our taxi driver takes us to the Atlantis. We walk in and are in awe of the situation. How in 24 short hours we went from not knowing how we would get back to the US to checking into a gorgeous resort, passports in hand and travel arrangements made. We enjoy all the resort has to offer, we try all the water slides see the animals and even realize we have a shark enclosure in our backyard!

            The following day we head to the airport, because of the nature of our trip I decide not to check out of the hotel room until we are on our flight on the way home. My intuition proves to be on point when after 6 hours in the airport our flight is cancelled. Airlines are used to this, they are trying to make arrangements with local hotels for lodging….except its spring break in the Bahamas and vacancies are few and far between. We are able to rebook our flight for the next day and head back to our waiting room at the Atlantis. So many flights were cancelled that evening that people actually had to sleep in the airport! The airline finds our situation almost comical, they give us vouchers for the taxi ride to and from the hotel and directions on how to get reimbursed for food.

            Eventually we are able to board a flight (that was delayed again) and get back to the states. We land late on Sunday, sun burned, exhausted but able to laugh at ourselves.

So what did we learn from this….

Even if you think you wont need it- Take your passport, birth certificate, ID, credit cards, and some cash with you when you are in port.

Check (and double check!) your itinerary and all aboard time for the ship

The ship will leave without you, but if you’re a responsible cruiser you don’t have to stress over it.

Travel with someone you can stand! We were lucky enough to work together well, I know personally I know some people I would never want to go through that experience with.

Positive attitude makes all the difference. As much as the situation was scary we were not the first people to miss the ship, and we wont be the last either!

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As you leave the ship, next to the gangway there is always a sign with the all onboard time. did you not see this sign? The all onboard time is also listed in the freestyle daily. did you not read it? 

So that was you. It was a very early return. 13:00 for guests. 

We departed the ship first in line and did not see any signs that morning, although if we are being honest we were not specifically looking either. The night before we went to a late dinner and the 80's party, we did not look at our freestyle daily. We know in retrospect we should have and in no way am I implying the cruiseline is to blame, it was a string of events that led to it and we accept responsibility fully as adults!

7 minutes ago, shof515 said: As you leave the ship, next to the gangway there is always a sign with the all onboard time. did you not see this sign? The all onboard time is also listed in the freestyle daily. did you not read it? 

6 minutes ago, Yinster said: So that was you. It was a very early return. 13:00 for guests. 

Yes, It was us! That threw us for a curve only being in port for 6 hours. We accept responsibility for missing the ship, was certainly a learning experience! Just hoping others can learn from our mistakes. I have always heard the calls before the ship departs on the ship looking for those who have not made it back, I never wanted to be one of them, yet here we are!

Oh my gosh! Thanks for sharing and being candid. I always still debate about bringing my passport ashore, but alas, I just bring a photocopy in my wallet and hope it will help expedite things at the embassy if there's an issue. I'm a bit baffled why you didn't just ask the crew upon leaving the ship, but hey, I've done baffling things before, so who am I to cast stones? Glad you took things in stride, had excellent local help and scored a good lodging deal!

Just now, weltek said: Oh my gosh! Thanks for sharing and being candid. I always still debate about bringing my passport ashore, but alas, I just bring a photocopy in my wallet and hope it will help expedite things at the embassy if there's an issue. I'm a bit baffled why you didn't just ask the crew upon leaving the ship, but hey, I've done baffling things before, so who am I to cast stones? Glad you took things in stride, had excellent local help and scored a good lodging deal!

I highly recommend when possible keeping your important documents with you. I have read on countless threads that the ship will leave those items with the port agent but that is clearly not always the case since the ship did not even tell the port agent to anticipate us. The embassy really was great and helpful with the process. I can only imagine the difficulty had I not grabbed the birth certificates that morning. Neither of us had a copy anywhere at home that could have been sent if we needed. 

In our minds we thought the ship left at 4, we booked so close to the ship and some how rationalized this time and accepted it as true. We certainly learned from it for the future!

Thanks for sharing your experience and your great attitude! I, too, have been on a ship and heard the names being called prior to the ship leaving and have thought, how does that even happen?  But I can definitely see it now, having read your story.  Glad you are back safe and sound, and thanks again for sharing.  I will admit that I have said, oh that could never happen to me, but now I'm not so sure.  It's a good cautionary tale for all of us!  🙂

Iluvmykindle

How did you get your luggage back?

1 minute ago, kfnesq said: Thanks for sharing your experience and your great attitude! I, too, have been on a ship and heard the names being called prior to the ship leaving and have thought, how does that even happen?  But I can definitely see it now, having read your story.  Glad you are back safe and sound, and thanks again for sharing.  I will admit that I have said, oh that could never happen to me, but now I'm not so sure.  It's a good cautionary tale for all of us!  🙂

Thank you, I appreciate that. I can admit when it occurred I scoured the internet seeking someones story to know it was going to be okay and was unsuccessful so I am hoping this can help! 

1 minute ago, Iluvmykindle said: How did you get your luggage back?    

Ironically enough we have yet to receive our personal items, luggage (and decent amount of cash) from our stateroom! The "lost and found" contacted me on Tuesday (our ship docked on sunday) and advised they would be mailing them to me but I have not received any tracking nor our items. There is no phone contact for this department of NCL... I called the standard line 5 times over the course of missing the ship and receiving a call back and they all advised the only option was to wait for them to call me. 

I am hoping the items arrive soon as I had medication, and money in the stateroom!

Markanddonna

Senor Frogs must have lots of experience with passengers who miss the ship. What a hard lesson to learn.

One suggestion is to always carry the daily planner while in port. It has the all board time and the number of the port agent.  Your experience hopefully taught others.

Good times! My advice to you is to get a credit card before traveling again. What if you get sick or injured and need medical attention? My oldest did a mini semester in Greece her sophomore year of college, I asked her if she had a credit card, nope, just debit. I put her on ours and she applied for one when she got back home.

What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it so others may learn.

And what a remarkable job you did of making "lemonade out of lemons". If you and your boyfriend become something more permanent, I am sure that this will be a story you look back on, and with time can laugh about it.

I guess a passport photo in a bikini would be too distracting for those whose job it is to scan your passport. LOL

3 minutes ago, mjkacmom said: Good times! My advice to you is to get a credit card before traveling again. What if you get sick or injured and need medical attention? My oldest did a mini semester in Greece her sophomore year of college, I asked her if she had a credit card, nope, just debit. I put her on ours and she applied for one when she got back home.

I have not had a credit card since I was very young and someone close to me stole my identity and opened many lines of credit in my name. I am able to transfer money to my cash app card instantly from my bank account which allows me access to my money quickly. Since I dont use credit cards I have no credit history proving it difficult at this point to get credit. Im the event of an emergency I would be able to secure funds quickly or contact my bank to notify them of the international travel. In this case it was not necessary as I just moved money to my cash app card that works the same as a secured credit card and is accepted anywhere VISA is allowed. 

I am also fortunate enough to have a government job, My health insurance is in most cases useable internationally as well!

Two Wheels Only

52 minutes ago, Bebop1088 said: We accept responsibility for missing the ship, was certainly a learning experience!

Hopefully, others will feel the same and everyone can learn before it happens to them.

I generally laugh at pier runners because...

1 hour ago, Bebop1088 said: ...this is unnecessary as the ship is not going to come back for us.

...but after reading your post, I'll laugh with you and not at you.

1 minute ago, ontheweb said: What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it so others may learn.   And what a remarkable job you did of making "lemonade out of lemons". If you and your boyfriend become something more permanent, I am sure that this will be a story you look back on, and with time can laugh about it.   I guess a passport photo in a bikini would be too distracting for those whose job it is to scan your passport. LOL

Thank you, That is the hope! Once we hit US soil we certainly started seeing the humor in our first time traveling together being such a debacle but it made us closer and showed us we are a good team!

There is limited and mostly incorrect information on what happens in these situations on the internet. I was hoping to shed some real life knowledge on the subject.

Although in actuality missing our ship was our own negligence it is not always the case, sometimes other things happen be it injury or illness and some of this can be applied in those situations as well. 

The stigma associated with being in a foreign country with no passport is scary but I wanted people to know that with the right mentality you can get through it. 

Just now, Two Wheels Only said:   Hopefully, others will feel the same and everyone can learn before it happens to them.   I generally laugh at pier runners because... ...but after reading your post, I'll laugh with you and not at you.

Ironically enough I told him in the morning when we got back on the ship we should get some drinks and sit on our balcony and watch the pier runners! Karma bit me for that one  😆

Thank you for sharing! I love your positive attitude! 

Glad everything worked out for you and you made the best out of the situation. I had one scary situation in port when I realized halfway through my day that I didn't know when the ship left. Luckily it was a 4pm or later departure so we made it back in time. But it's a terrible feeling that I won't repeat. 

Great attitude and appreciate you sharing your story!!!  

Thank you for sharing your story and not blaming anyone for what happened.  Also I like the fact that you just rolled with it and made the best of everything, something I would like to say I could do.  Maybe after my initial panic I could.

I'll travel with you anytime!!  Your great attitude will serve you well in many situations throughout life.  Hope you get your luggage & $$ returned to you....

You're a gutsy, resourceful lady with a long tonne of integrity.  You not only stood up to take responsibility for making an avoidable mistake, you were willing to publicly declare that error and its consequences to help others who might find themselves in the same plight.

My respects.

puppycanducruise

Thanks for sharing your adventure.

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Welcome to Consumer Rescue

Fiascos and Fixes

Surprise! You just missed your cruise ship home. Now what?

Michelle Couch-Friedman

Consumer reporter and ombudsman

February 2, 2023

What happens when you miss your cruise ship home? Kevin Rohrer knows the answer to that question: many costly and unpleasant things.

During a Norwegian cruise aboard the Sky , Rohrer and his girlfriend missed the deadline for reboarding the ship by two hours. The boat sailed home without the couple, and they suddenly found themselves stranded on the island.

Rohrer says NCL changed the cruise’s departure time with no prior warning, abandoning them in Cuba to fend for themselves. He wants Norwegian Cruise Line to refund the cruise and pay all of the couple’s costs to return home. But is that a reasonable request?

This case highlights the importance of understanding the fluid nature of cruise itineraries. All cruise lines can and do change departure times and even ports of call in some circumstances. Anytime you step off your ship for a shore excursion, it’s imperative to reconfirm the reboarding time. Or you, too, could miss your cruise home.

Editors note : I originally reported on Rohrer’s case and published this article on July 3, 2018. Despite the cautionary warning that this story offers, our team continues to receive similar requests for help from cruise ship passengers in 2024 and the guidance remains relevant. (This column has been updated and checked for accuracy and republished on Feb. 2, 2023.)

Taking a Caribbean cruise on NCL’s Sky

I received Rohrer’s plea for help soon after he made his way home from this cruise fiasco.

“Can you help me? On day three of our cruise, the ship left us behind in Cuba,” Rohrer lamented. “Without any warning, Norwegian Cruise Line changed the published scheduled departure time from 5 p.m. to 2 p.m. NCL made no effort to inform passengers of this change.”

On the day the couple missed their cruise back home, they enjoyed a full-day private tour of Havana. The excursion was not one that the cruise line arranged. Their guide returned them to the port at 3:30 p.m. in plenty of time for their expected 5 p.m. departure.

Suddenly, a shocking sight confronted the two: an empty dock. The giant cruise ship was nowhere to be found. The couple soon learned that they had missed the departure of the Sky by two hours.

In his complaint to NCL, Rohrer conveyed the resulting chaos that he and his girlfriend faced in the unfamiliar country.

It was a frightening situation. We were devastated. We exchanged money, and we took a taxi to the airport. American Airlines told us they wouldn’t take a credit card and quoted us 472 pesos. We didn’t have that much money. They told us that Southwest Airlines in a different terminal could take credit cards. We took a taxi to the Southwest terminal, but there, we found no flights leaving Cuba. So we took another taxi back to American Airlines and purchased two seats home. At no time did staff from the Norwegian Sky remind travelers what time to be back on board for departure from Cuba. Kevin R.

Did other passengers miss this cruise ship?

Sometimes the stories that troubled travelers relate to me are difficult to imagine. Rohrer’s tale was one of them.

Could NCL really weigh anchor and take off — leaving passengers behind, deviating wildly from the scheduled departure time? If true, I assumed that an onslaught of complaints from other abandoned passengers aboard this cruise ship would hit my inbox.

I asked Rohrer for his paper trail to fill in the blanks to many questions. I wanted to know what kind of explanation NCL gave for this desertion of its passengers.

While I waited for Rohrer to send his paper trail, I set about investigating.

Combing through various cruise message boards turned up nothing that would be helpful to Rohrer’s case. I could not find even one other complaint about Norwegian Cruise Line stranding any other passengers in Cuba. I began to suspect that this may be a case of passenger error.

And then Rohrer sent his evidence.

What does the evidence prove about this missed cruise?

Rohrer’s evidence consisted of two documents. He provided his original itinerary of the cruise that NCL sent two months before the journey. On that document, there is a 5 p.m. departure time from Havana on the day in question.

Ok, so far so good.

But wait. There was more. Unfortunately, Rohrer’s second document that he had in his possession on the day of his abandonment showed the schedule change. It read “All Aboard: 1:30 P.M .”

Still trying to figure out how this document from NCL helped his case, I asked Rohrer about his second piece of evidence, which shows 1:30 p.m. departure time. This information appeared to be substantial proof that the departure of the cruise ship at 3 p.m. was not, in fact, a spontaneous event.

I provided that figure showing the time of “all aboard” news flyer that was sent to our cabin while we ate breakfast on the boat the third day (second day for Cuba). But I didn’t get to read it at the time of discovery (we had a tight schedule with the Cuban Tour Agency). I had folded that flyer and put it in my pocket during our disembarkment from the ship. I read that flyer while waiting for a flight out of Cuba. Kevin R.

Rohrer also provided the official response to his complaint from NCL. The cruise line pointed out that it’s always the responsibility of the passenger to be on board one hour prior to departure. That information can be found in NCL’s terms and conditions under Boarding Times in Ports of Call:

In all ports of call, it is also the guest’s responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest’s responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest’s responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line

What about the announcements onboard the cruise ship?

This case had me torn. Should I try to advocate or not? Norwegian Cruise Line did change the itinerary of the cruise. But NCL had provided the new departure time on the cruise’s daily newsletter. Rohrer failed to read that schedule — until it was too late.

I wondered if it was possible that this paper could have been the only alert that passengers received about the significant schedule change. Having never taken even one cruise myself, I’m unfamiliar with onboard cruise communications. So I consulted with my fellow consumer advocate Dwayne Coward about this case. He has taken many NCL cruises, so I assumed he could shed some light. He explained:

NCL announces any changes on the overhead announcements. Also, there are frequent reminders to review the Freestyle Daily for changes. Unfortunately, you can’t hear it in the rooms except through the tv on the ship channel. Also, they have a sign at the exit with the ‘all aboard times’ for both the crew and passengers.  I looked on the NCL cruise critic page and didn’t see anything about others left behind. Dwayne Coward, consumer advocate

Rohrer’s case was looking grim. But I decided to check with our executive contacts at Norwegian Cruise Line for further clarification about this case.

NCL: Miss your cruise home, you’re not getting a refund

The resolution team at Norwegian Cruise Line investigated Rohrer’s complaint. And provided this statement:

Michelle, As you know, from time to time in our industry, there is a need to modify embarkation times. When this happens, we communicate the change extensively and often. This is exactly what happened in this instance. On March 12th, we issued a letter to our travel partners and guests notifying them of the time change for Norwegian Sky’s April 23rd four-day Cuba and Bahamas cruise. We also communicated the change on their E-document and in the daily Freestyle newsletter, which is left each night in every guest’s cabin. Additionally, the day before calling into Havana, the Cruise Director announced the new time repeatedly throughout the day and additional signage was placed on the gangway for all those disembarking to see. We hope this helps clear the situation up. Thank you for giving us a chance to explain. Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson to Michelle

Rohrer continues to maintain that he never received (or heard) any notice of the schedule change. And since he made reference to a lawyer in his last correspondence with the cruise line, his case likely rests in the NCL legal department now.

Cruise schedules can change

Unfortunately for Rohrer’s case, all evidence points to the fact that he wasn’t aware that cruise itineraries can change. But a quick look at  Norwegian Cruise Line’s contract of carriage  will make it clear that when you book a cruise, there’s never a guarantee that you will end up with the itinerary you booked.

In the event of strikes, lockouts, stoppages of labor, riots, weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, or any other reason whatsoever, Norwegian Cruise Line has the right to cancel, advance, postpone or substitute any scheduled sailing or itinerary without prior notice.  Norwegian Cruise Line shall not be responsible for failure to adhere to published arrival and departure times for any of its ports of call.

The bottom line

Our advocacy team receives many requests for help from cruise ship passengers who are  surprised by cruise schedule changes . Regular readers of Consumer Rescue may remember the case of Natalie Durflinger, who was  left behind in Mexico by MSC  when she also missed alerts about the change in her cruise’s departure from Cozumel. Her case ended similarly to Rohrer’s: a ruined vacation and no refund. 

It’s essential that all passengers maintain awareness of the possibility of cruise schedule changes. This is especially important if you have booked your own shore excursion. It may cost a bit more money to book the excursion through the cruise line, but you can be confident that the boat won’t sail away without you during your adventure.

In the end, it’s the traveler’s responsibility to know when to be back onboard that ship. If you  miss your cruise ship, before  or during the sailing, unfortunately, you’ll have no one to turn to for a refund or reimbursement. (Michelle Couch-Friedman, Consumer Rescue)

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Teenager Leaves Parents on Caribbean Island to Get Back to Cruise on Time: 'They Missed the Departure. By a Lot'

The teen writes that their parents were "busy shopping and bargaining with the locals" while their cruise ship was getting ready to leave port

David Sacks/Getty

A recent high school graduate is going viral after sharing that they left their parents on a Caribbean island so they could get back to a cruise on time — and the parents missed the boat.

In a post shared to Reddit , the teenager says that their parents recently gifted them a family cruise in honor of turning 18 and graduating high school.

Anticipating that their parents might not be able to stick to the planned nature of a cruise, they write that they told them "that if we went on excursions we had to follow the schedule no matter what."

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"Well it was a week-long cruise and they would not head back to the ship when I said it was time to go," the teen writes. "They were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. I finally said that I was heading back to the ship. My mom waved me off."

Ultimately, the teen adds, "The missed the departure. By a lot. Like 45 minutes."

"They got ahold of me through WhatsApp. They wanted to know why I didn't get the boat to wait for them," the teen writes.

The teen adds that they "wanted to scream" at their parents "that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was."

"They ended up having to fly to the next port from there and it was expensive," the teen writes. "They are pissed at me for leaving them behind."

Adding that their parents are now "making me miserable because I left without them," the teen pleads with the internet to ask if they were in the wrong.

By and large, commenters on Reddit side with the teen.

As one person wrote, cruise ships adhere to a strict schedule, and they won't remain at the dock for people to spend more time shopping.

"The docks and ship have a schedule to keep," the commenter wrote. "They are adults and need to be responsible for getting back on time. Which is something you have figured out in less than six months of being an adult. At least you don’t have to go on any more vacations with them after this."

Other commenters chided the parents for expecting the ship to wait for them, with one writing, "Do they think if they arrive late to the airport the plane will wait around for a couple hours? This is not rocket science. It's a mode of transport, you get there on time."

Still others offered a more straightforward assessment of the parents' behavior, writing, "Sounds like [the original poster] is the adult and the parents are the two kids."

Related Articles

7 Little-Known Secrets to Getting the Most Out of Your Cruise Experience

T here are some things that newer cruisers tend to not be familiar with, but that could greatly enhance their on-board experience. Here are seven things I always make sure to do when taking a cruise that you can use to make sure you have the best time possible.

1. Know what room locations to avoid

Years ago, I booked a balcony room on a cruise, and was excited that it was only one deck away from the casino and specialty restaurants. But it was also directly on top of the theater, which essentially turned into a nightclub after the last performance was over.

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Cruise lines make deck plans available online (try a Google search for "'SHIP NAME' deck plans" if you can't find them). One tip is to choose a room with nothing but other cabins directly above or below it, and away from high-traffic public areas.

2. Familiarize yourself with the ship ahead of time

Speaking of deck plans, they can be a great tool to get to know the layout of your ship ahead of time. Another thing I always do before I cruise on a ship I've never been on is to watch a ship tour on YouTube. There are usually 10-15-minute walkthroughs that are easy to find, and these can be an excellent planning tool.

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3. Maximize your space

If you've never cruised before, you might be surprised at how much smaller the typical cruise ship cabin is, compared with the average hotel room. To be fair, cruise lines do a great job of maximizing the storage area (tip: beds are usually designed to fit at least two full-size suitcases underneath). But anything you can bring to maximize your space can make a big difference, especially if you're traveling with kids, like I usually do.

Just to name a few things, we never leave for a cruise without a pop-up clothes hamper, over-the-door shoe rack, magnetic hooks to put on the walls, and a few other organizational items.

4. Fly the day before

This tip is more about avoiding potential disasters in your travel plans. One rookie mistake cruisers often make is to book flights for the day of the trip, only to encounter weather delays or find out that it takes longer to get from the airport to the cruise terminal than anticipated.

If it's possible, plan to fly to the cruise port the night before. It's worth paying for a night at a hotel to make sure you get there on time. And if you live close enough and are driving to the cruise port, be sure to add some wiggle room into your schedule in case you run into unexpected delays.

5. Book all you can ahead of time

There is likely to be some excellent free entertainment on your cruise -- but you might need to have a reservation to get a seat. Top specialty restaurants and shore excursions tend to fill up as well. By booking ahead of time , you can avoid disappointment and make sure you do all the things you want to do. Different cruise lines have different booking timetables (shows might open for booking 30 days before the sailing, for example).

It's also worth noting that booking shore excursions, specialty dining, and drink packages ahead of time can also be a good personal finance move. As an example, I'm booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise in a couple months and the drink package is 30% cheaper if I buy it ahead of time, as are many of the shore excursions.

6. Check in as soon as you can

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines have done a great job of minimizing wait times at the terminal by offering online check-in. You can upload your passport information, register for kids' activities, and more before you ever arrive. Cruise lines open online check-in well before the sailing, but the exact timetable depends on the particular company.

One other thing you can do in the online check-in process is reserve a boarding time. To reduce overcrowding, there are typically half-hour arrival windows, and as you might expect, the earliest ones fill up quickly. By checking in as soon as you can, you can get an early boarding time and enjoy a few extra hours on the ship.

7. Find out what you can bring

Many first-timers don't realize this, but there is usually some sort of beverage allowance. One unopened bottle of wine per adult is standard, and you may be able to bring some other beverages as well. You are also allowed to bring some snacks to keep in your room. I get it -- there's free food in many places on a cruise ship. But it can be a long walk to the nearest food, and sometimes your kids (or you) just want a little snack.

The bottom line is that by knowing these tips, you can maximize the value you're getting from your cruise, avoid any delays or mishaps, and be sure you don't miss out on things you'd like to see.

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Matador Original Series

Eight passengers stranded after breaking the number one rule of cruise travel.

E xperienced cruisers probably know lots of tips and tricks for traveling on cruise ships: make your dining reservations early, do laundry on board instead of overpacking , and don’t fill your days at sea with back-to-back activities.

But even first-time cruisers know one major rule that applies to all cruise lines, all cruises, and all ships, no matter where in the world you are: don’t miss the boat.

Unfortunately for eight travelers on an African cruise stopped in São Tomé and Príncipe, an island just to the east of Equatorial Guinea, they found out the hard way what happens when you break that rule. When they were late returning to their ship after a day on land, it did what it warned would happen — they were left behind by the cruise.

Eight passengers on the Norwegian Dawn were left stranded in Säo Tome, roughly 300 miles off the coast of mainland Africa, when they failed to return to port in time for the ship’s departure. Photo: mbrand85 /Shutterstock

The group of travelers had booked a daytime excursions through an independent company, rather than booking one directly through their ship, the Norwegian Dawn. While independent tours can be a great way to save money and have a more unique adventure, they come with one major downside, which is that ships won’t wait for passengers who are late. If you book an excursion through your cruise company, the ship is guaranteed to wait for you — but no such offer is made if you book an independent tour.

In various interviews with media outlets, the group recounted that they claimed they told their guide they were running late, causing the guide to call the ship to inform it that passengers would miss the “return to ship” time. By the time the guests finally returned to the port, the ship had finished boarding, though it was still anchored in the harbor. Harbor employees called the ship, and when they got no response, decided to ferry the passengers to the Norwegian Dawn. But the captain did not let them on board, the Daily Mail reports. Per various media sources, the ship did give the passengers their passports, which they had not taken with them.

Two Americans in the group told reporters that they thought the ship should have made an exception, seemingly implying that the following day at sea without a stop meant that it could leave late without consequence. “The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us and then go on the way,” passenger Jay Campbell said. “They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea.”

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Per Norwegian Cruises’ online documents , it’s the guest’s responsibility to be back to the ship on time. “In all ports of call, it is also the guest’s responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest’s responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest’s responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship,” reads the company’s “Frequent Asked Questions” page.

The travelers are now having to do just that, with the American couple claiming they’ve spent more than $6,000 to cover the group’s time on the island and travel to rejoin the ship in Gambia or Senegal, depending on logistics. Per People Magazine , four of the travelers are older individuals, and one has an unspecified heart condition.

Matador Network recently asked a cruise line exec what happens if passengers miss their ships , and the answer is pretty straightforward across all lines and sailings: they have to pay their way to the next port.

Why ships can’t wait on late passengers

The Norwegian Dawn carries more than 2,000 guests and 1,000 passengers, all of whom need to be accounted for before the ship can leave a port. Photo: Dennis MacDonald /Shutterstock

I sailed on the Norwegian Dawn in February 2024, and while it had its ups and downs , the ship does make it very, very clear that it will leave without you if you’re late. It holds about 2,000 people, each of whom has to be accounted before prior to the ship’s departure — which is why the “ return to ship ” time at various ports is often an hour or two earlier than the actual departure time . That gives the crew and captain time to ready for departure. Large cruises like the Norwegian Dawn have to stick to a strict schedule, and can’t easily make changes.

I know this not because I’m a frequent cruiser — in fact, the Dawn was my first big cruise — but because Norwegian Cruise Lines informs you of this non-stop. The evening before you arrive, there’s a ship-wide announcement with arrival and departure times for the next day. The information is repeated — repeatedly — the morning you arrive in a port. The return to ship time is printed on the daily newsletter handed out in each room, on the free Norwegian phone app, and on all the various message boards around the ship. There’s usually a buffer time built into this window to accommodate guests who are only a few minutes late.

All cruise companies have fixed times by which passengers must return to the ship at each port. Photo: byvalet /Shutterstock

It’s also a fact listed on Norwegian’s excursion’s page. It’s one of the main reasons many cruisers exclusively book official cruise excursions, because they’re the only way to guarantee the ship will wait for you if you’re late. (Third-party and independent activity operators are also unlikely to refund you if the ship makes a last-minute change and skips a port of call).

While I support booking excursions with local operators, it comes with the known risk that you’ll be left behind by the cruise ship if you’re late. That’s exactly what happened in this case, exactly as Norwegian’s website said would happen. While it’s unfortunate and understandably stressful for the travelers, it’s hardly the cruise line’s fault, and I know I’d be a little annoyed if I had made it back in time, only to have the whole ship delayed for a small group people who made a poor decision.

By the way: guests getting left behind at a port is very, very rare — hence why this one occasion is making global headlines.

How to avoid getting left behind by cruise ships

Independent excursions offer plenty of benefits — but come with the downside that the ship won’t wait if you’re late. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The easiest way for travelers to make sure they don’t get left behind at a port is to book an official excursion through the cruise line. However, official excursions are often more expensive, and a much smaller amount of the cost goes directly to local communities. Without knowing what company or excursions the stranded passengers booked, it’s impossible to know if they followed the rules below. But the following guidelines can help ensure you don’t end up waiving your ship goodbye from land.

• Book with a company that does offer a return to ship guarantee : Third-party companies can’t make the ship wait for you, but they can handle all the logistics if you do miss it. ShoreExcursioner.com will pay up to $500 in travel fees if an excursion booked through them causes you to miss your ship, and ToursByLocals will pay for your accommodations and transportation to the next port if you miss your ship. According to their website, it’s only happened twice — ever.
• Read the online reviews : Plenty of independent operators are reputable and responsible, which means they’re very unlikely to play fast and loose with your return time. The best way to determine if an operator seems reputable is to look at online reviews. Feedback from actual past guests can help you gauge how established and professional the company or tour guide is.
• Talk to your operator in advance: Reputable operators will be familiar with hosting cruise guests and understand the ins and outs of cruise ship scheduling. If you’re worried about, message your operator in advance. Ask them if they’ve ever has issues with being back on time, whether they’ve served guests on your cruise before, and how much of a buffer they build in for traffic and other potential delays.

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7 Best Cruises for Singles in 2024

Updated : May 29, 2024

AAA Travel Editors

Table of contents.

• Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand
• Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords
• Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure
• Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury
• Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal
• Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Plan Your Cruise With AAA

With many cruise lines now catering to the single crowd, going on a cruise as a single adult can be a great way to meet interesting people to make new friends, new connections and lifelong memories.

No matter what you envision from your dream singles cruise, you can find a ship and a series of destinations that will create unforgettable memories. There are a lot of options to explore, however and the sheer range of choices can quickly feel overwhelming. To help, we've highlighted several of the best cruises for singles. Keep reading to learn what, exactly, sets these expeditions apart. 

1. Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand

Many singles gravitate towards exciting adventures in exotic destinations such as Bali, Malaysia and Thailand, which hold appeal simply because they provide such distinct scenery and such powerful cultural experiences.

Not all singles are willing or prepared to navigate these destinations on their own, however and this is where the Celebrity Millennium comes into play: an upscale cruise removes the hassle of planning and, instead, encourages you to relax in style.

This particular Celebrity Millennium adventure spans nearly two weeks, incorporating a unique blend of serene island adventures, cosmopolitan exploration and meaningful temple visits. Onboard, globally inspired menus and resort-style lounges are to be expected, along with plenty of adults-only spaces that will appeal to singles. 

2. Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords

If Norway's iconic fjords are on your bucket list, you can't afford to miss this awe-inspiring Celebrity Apex trip . Departing from Southampton, the eight-night cruise meanders along the coast of Norway, hitting pleasant spots such as Geiranger or Kristiansand for spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. Side trips are available and, with up to ten hours docked, there is plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation options abound and, when traveling alone, the staterooms' king-size mattresses feel extra spacious. An adults-only solarium will appeal to relaxation-oriented solo travelers, while abundant dining and entertainment options make it easy to find and connect with new friends. 

3. Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure

If you're struggling to choose between glamorous onboard experiences and outdoorsy experiences on land, you're in luck: Celebrity Summit provides the best of both worlds with its various Cruisetour offerings. There are many excellent options that depart from Vancouver, Anchorage or Fairbanks — but the Grand Heartland Adventure is worth considering if you crave something new.

During the Grand Heartland Cruisetour, you'll explore the stunning Inside Passage by cruise ship, before docking in adventure-oriented destinations such as Juneau and Sitka. From there, you'll continue to observe national treasures such as the Hubbard Glacier. Further exploration takes place aboard a glass-domed railcar and even a riverboat.

There's also a lot to experience onboard. The AquaClass stateroom represents a true oasis for single travelers, but the exclusive cocktail lounge and martini bar also warrant a visit. With nearly two weeks of cruising and exploration, you'll have plenty of time to unwind on your own but can also form fast friendships with similarly adventurous travelers. 

4. Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury

Cruises for singles over 50 often emphasize the finer things in life, like elevated cuisine or exquisite wines. These sophisticated details are in abundant supply aboard the Celebrity Edge, which offers a decidedly elegant experience with its Taste of Luxury tour. Although often frequented by retired couples, Celebrity Edge's trips work well as singles cruises.

Available for three or four nights, this remarkable journey begins in Sydney and primarily emphasizes curated on-board experiences. That being said, there are enticing opportunities to explore while docked in Tasmania. With such glamorous suites, restaurants and clubs on board, however, the best attractions can be enjoyed without ever leaving this luxury cruise ship. 

5. Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Don't assume that Disney cruise adventures are only for kids or families. If you are a proud Disney adult, you can make amazing memories aboard a thematic cruise for singles. This is a popular vacation among theme park enthusiasts, who enjoy a dose of Disney magic while also finding valuable opportunities to indulge and relax.

Disney Wish's three-night Bahamian cruise is also an excellent option for singles who crave a sea-based experience but only have a few days to spare. Yes, young travelers will be around, but there are plenty of adult-only spaces, including sports bars, dance clubs, dedicated pools and even an onboard spa and salon. Musicals, 3D films and fireworks encourage you to embrace your inner child. 

6. Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal

As we've mentioned, smaller ships provide some of the best cruises for singles over 50. Not everyone desires a river-based trip, however and with Oceania Cruises , there is no need to choose between exclusivity and ocean liner grandeur.

A signature experience can be found aboard Oceania Cruises' iconic Nautica ship, which is calming, yet elegant. Echoing the journey of the famed explorer Jacques Cartier, this tour provides a powerful introduction to Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

The land-based excursions are highly educational and, of course, beautiful to behold, but there's also a lot to love on board. Belgian chocolate, Bulgari amenities and turndown service await, with many accommodations also providing spectacular views. Open-seating dining makes it easy to interact with other vacationers while wine-tasting and guest lectures promise plenty of onboard enrichment. 

7. Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Another appealing option for singles who prefer slightly smaller ships, Oceania Cruises' Ancient World Wonders tour provides stops at some of the world's most iconic locations, such as Santorini and Corfu. Adventures in Dubrovnik and Istanbul can also be expected. On board this remarkable vessel, you'll gaze in awe at the Lalique Grand Staircase and, in general, enjoy a refined ambiance.

Be prepared to try new flavors and forms of expression as you explore unique offerings such as the Artist Loft and Culinary Center. Deep relaxation awaits at the Aquamar Spa or within your luxuriously contemporary stateroom or suite. This ten-night voyage provides plenty of time to lose yourself in the grandeur of the ship and the treasures of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Turkey.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your cruise today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets.

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A Kenyan Traveler’s Dream: Exploring the MSC Splendida Cruise Ship in South Africa

South Africa has often been hailed as the star of Africa, offering an unparalleled array of attractions that captivate the heart and soul of any traveler.

I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey through this vibrant country, courtesy of the South African Tourism Board. The experience included sampling its top attractions, indulging in unique experiences, and spending three luxurious nights on a cruise ship—an adventure that became the highlight of my trip and one I would definitely recommend.

I’ll admit, the idea of a cruise had never quite appealed to me. I had always been skeptical about being confined to a ship for an extended period, and the thought of getting seasick terrified me. Yet, there was an undeniable allure to the concept that piqued my curiosity.

When the opportunity arose to spend three nights aboard a cruise ship, I couldn’t resist. It seemed like the perfect chance to set aside my preconceived notions and discover what makes these floating cities so captivating. After all, there’s a first time for everything.

Day One: Embarking on the MSC Splendida

My cruise journey began with an early morning shuttle ride to the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal for check-in. As I stepped onto the gleaming decks of the MSC Splendida, I was greeted by a world of opulence and grandeur that surpassed my expectations.

The ship was enormous, with towering decks stretching towards the sky like skyscrapers on water. I marveled at the intricate details that adorned every corner—from elegant furnishings to dazzling chandeliers casting a soft glow over the atrium.

At full capacity, the MSC Splendida could hold 4,000 passengers and 1,300 crew members, and I was about to become one of them.

Security checks were thorough but efficient: drop bags and collect room numbers at checkpoint one, security search at checkpoint two, rechecking of tickets at checkpoint three, photos at checkpoint four, and finally, a warm welcome onto the cruise.

Once on board, there was a mandatory safety drill for all passengers on the seventeen-deck cruise ship. A clear video explained the emergency process, followed by a practice session. No running was allowed, and we had to take the stairs to our designated checkpoints. Once we swiped our cards to prove completion, we were free to continue exploring.

Settling into my cabin, I was amazed by the level of comfort and luxury surrounding me. Despite my initial concerns, there was no hint of claustrophobia as I gazed out at the endless expanse of the ocean through the panoramic window. The room was a cozy blend of vibrant modern colors with a touch of Italian décor, perfectly suited for a comfortable stay.

Each area of the cruise was adorned with luxurious textures, massive furniture, and a blend of modern and classic designs.

There were seven restaurants, duty-free shops, and a theater, to name a few attractions. Every time I thought I had entered one area; I would emerge into an entirely different one—it was a beautiful playground.

As I began to explore, I met the kindest people, each with their own fascinating story. Some had been taking cruises for decades, some were widows and widowers, and others were on a girl’s trip. Everyone was as much a character as the cruise itself.

The highlight of my first day was meeting the Kenyans working on the cruise. On Deck 14, I heard a distant “uko sawa” and saw a smiling Kenyan bartender, followed by more.

Later, I headed to Deck 14 to catch DJ Zee, the resident DJ. DJ Zee played a mix of local and international music, and South Africans dominated the dancefloor with their effortless moves. I found an arcade room near the dance floor where I played a few games and chatted until bedtime. The experience was surreal, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. My sleep was almost comatose; I couldn’t tell I was on a floating vessel.

Day Two: Swimming, Exploring, and Shopping

After a leisurely morning, I sought out a pool. I love swimming and water activities, so I hoped to find a spot by one of the three swimming pools. The first was fully occupied with early birds doing morning aerobics. Jacuzzis were filled with those grateful for alone time from their children. As I ventured to the next pool, the wind became unbearable, so I continued exploring.

I found places that would make the best golf clubs seem average. There was a spa with a calming aroma, a colorful casino, and a cigar lounge full of stories. More restaurants awaited, with smiling staff ensuring I knew what was next in each area. “Have you tried the golf or a bit of tennis?” I wondered how I would fit all these activities into one day.

Cruise ships, contrary to what I had been told in Florida, were not just for older folks. I had exciting conversations with women in their 60s, watched young couples in their late 20s, and checked out the children’s arcade area. I met a lovely group of people, a mix of British, South African, Indian, and others. They had been friends for over a decade, taking annual trips. They shared stories and tips on places to visit on MSC Splendida.  I also met another Kenyan lady dressed as Ariel, who had been working on the cruise for a year and loved every day.

Of course, I had to take as many photos as possible—if you didn’t post it, did it really happen? Trying to find my room was stressful. I’d press 10 on the elevator, only to find myself back at the start. It was certainly a maze.

The swaying of the boat made it a rough ride I must say. Finding my balance as the waters grew more anxious to reach Cape Town, I settled down and caught up with friends. Offline for a while, enjoying each other’s company, it was time to head to Club33. This watering hole was a favorite for those who loved partying. People would disappear to the balcony to catch their breath and resurface when their favorite song played. The only way to get any beverage was through vouchers, so those with plenty shared theirs, sparking exciting conversations. Though not one to dance in Nairobi, I felt a sense of freedom that overtook me and those around me.

Heading back to the room was another mission in the maze, but a hot shower and pajamas felt like a treat. As I sat on my balcony, alone in silence, I was overcome with gratitude. “Everyone has to experience this at least once in their life!”

Day Three: Bidding Farewell to the Floating Paradise

An extra early breakfast ensured I wouldn’t miss anything. The overexcited dance instructor was already teaching steps, and those finishing their last vouchers were enjoying cocktails. The MSC Splendida’s unique charm and attractions made time feel fleeting, and reality was creeping back in.

The last day was filled with capturing moments, snapping away. Outfit changes in hallways, cameras capturing the magic, and running across every floor to take as many pictures as possible from various vantage points. What a ride, what a journey, what an adventure. These three days were some of the best I’ve ever had in a very long time. MSC Splendida, you served me well, you gorgeous girl.

Getting off the cruise felt like an amicable breakup, leaving only beautiful memories to cherish forever. For Kenyans looking to explore beyond their borders, South Africa stands out as a destination for unforgettable experiences. As I prepared to return to Kenya, I understood why it’s called the rainbow nation—a true testament to the magic of South Africa.

Here are some interesting things about the MSC Splendida

Built at an investment of $550m, it was the second largest cruise ship ever ordered by a European cruise owner.

It is capable of accommodating upto 4000 passengers and 1,332 crew and has 1637 cabins incl. 43 for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility.

MSC Splendida has 18 decks (13 used for passengers). The ship has 25 lifts: 15 for public use and one lift reserved for the MSC Yacht Club.

MSC Splendida has a theatre capable of providing entertainment for 1,650 people. Its well-being centre, AUREA SPA, is housed in an area of 1,615m².

The ship has four restaurants, two buffet areas, 12 hydro massage pools and four pools.

There is a 400m² Children’s and Teenager’s Area. The Yacht Club comprises 99 spacious suites with a 24 hour butler service. Yacht Club suites include 64 Standard Deluxe YC1 Suites, 22 Family Deluxe YC2 Suites, three Executive YC2 suites and ten Royal YC3 Suites. Common features include mini-bars, free laundry and a dry cleaning facility, interactive television, WiFi and free WiFi-enabled notebook computers.

The Yacht Club’s large and open recreation area is furnished with a concierge desk, a sitting area and a small library. The bedroom comes with a king-size bed that can be converted into two single beds.

MSC Splendida provides six dining options, including Italian and Chinese cuisines, prepared by top-class chefs and served in European style. The ship’s L’Olivo, an a la carte speciality restaurant, provides food from all countries located in the Mediterranean region. The buffet options are Tex Mex, Bora Bora and Pago Pago.

The Purple Jazz Bar, decorated with beautiful lighting and purple shades, serves beer, wine, spirits and snacks. The ship’s indoor bars include the Sports bar, a wine bar, piano bar, cigar bar and an aperitif bar.

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