Stranded: Americans Abandoned By Cruise Line In Africa
Eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers, including six Americans, were stranded on the African island of São Tomé. Those left behind include a pregnant woman, a paraplegic and an elderly man with a heart condition. The passengers were left without money or essential medications after the cruise ship they were vacationing on departed without them.
The group, which included Jill and Jay Campbell from South Carolina, had ventured off the ship on March 27 for a tour of the island. While on São Tomé, it became apparent they would miss the ship’s departure time because of unforeseen delays in their tour. Their onshore tour guide sent word of their situation to the ship’s captain. Nevertheless, they were denied reboarding and left stranded.
Norwegian Cruise Line has firmly stated that passengers must return to the ship at the specified time. The line deflected responsibility by claiming that the strict policy is posted in various forms on board its ships. Unfortunately, that still left the stranded passengers facing the daunting task of catching up with the cruise ship on their own, even as their financial resources and essential personal items had been left on board.
The plight of these passengers is underscored by a distressing account involving an 80-year-old woman, Julie Lenkoff, who was medically disembarked on the same island under dire circumstances. As Lenkoff faced a medical emergency, the Campbells stepped in to assist, helping her with personal care and making contact with her family in America.
6 Americans, Including Pregnant Passenger, Abandoned by Cruise Ship on African Island; It Refused to Let Them On https://t.co/MwuqhXnwu9 #Trump2024
— JPNWMN (@JPNWMN) April 3, 2024
After the end of COVID-19 pandemic, international tourism has seen a robust comeback, especially in the cruise industry. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourism is expected to nearly return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023.
The incident involving the Norwegian Cruise Line passengers stranded in São Tomé reflects not only the operational complexities faced by cruise operators in this new era but also highlights the increased consumer expectations for safety, flexibility, and support. As the industry continues to rebound, these narratives underscore the delicate balance between enforcing travel policies and ensuring passenger welfare, all within the rapidly evolving landscape of global tourism recovery.