What do you think?

I'm sure you saw the news last week about the recent situation involving Norwegian Cruise Line and their decision to leave behind some passengers.

While it may seem surprising, it's important to understand the protocols cruise lines follow, especially when it comes to return times.

Cruise lines communicate return times to the ship very clearly and usually well in advance. Passengers are typically provided with detailed itineraries outlining port arrival and departure times. Additionally, onboard announcements, daily newsletters, and electronic displays throughout the ship serve as reminders of when passengers need to be back on board before the ship departs.

In the case of Norwegian Cruise Line, it appears that the passengers booked an independent excursion or tour rather than one offered by the cruise line. This caused them to be late returning to port in time for the last tender. Tenders are smaller boats used to transport passengers between the cruise ship and ports when the port isn't deep enough for the ship to dock directly.

What this area may have looked like is picture below.

Norwegian opted to send another tender with the passengers' passports, ensuring they'd have as smooth a time as possible returning to their scheduled cruise. While the ship was still in the area, they had secured the boarding area and closed ship access.

While it's unfortunate for those individuals, the cruise line has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew on board.

Incidents like these can raise concerns, but it's essential to recognize that cruise lines prioritize safety above all else. My family had a similar experience while cruising several years ago. On two occasions, our excursion ran late, and our ship waited for us and other guests on the excursion to return.

However, our outcome was different because we had booked our excursion through the cruise line, knowing each cruise line has a guarantee they will wait for all guests who book excursions through them and not leave them behind. 

This is why I always recommend my clients book excursions through the cruise line!

I'm always here to address any questions or worries you may have and to ensure that your future cruise experiences are enjoyable and worry-free.

What do you think Norwegian should have done? Email me here and let me know.