Scientist with MND denied family cruise holiday

[Hvr]

He and his wife Rachel have faced many challenges since that diagnosis, and had keenly anticipated the seven-night cruise from Sydney to New Caledonia this month along with their daughters and other family members.

They filled in a special needs form and supplied a wealth of information about MND to Royal Caribbean when booking the cruise on Explorer of the Seas last November.

Looks like they did everything correctly but;

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...ed-family-cruise-holiday-20190311-p513c3.html

So when their party of nine - including two carers - turned up for the cruise on Sunday afternoon, they were shocked at the decision to turn him away.

Perhaps people who've done a cruise can comment on whether they believe the actions of the cruise company were appropriate. The story mentions extensive preparation, notification and two carers so it seems to me that the cruise company has dropped the ball in this instance.

 

[VPS]

It's always difficult to know what is completely accurate in any article now but if they contacted the cruise company and they didn't respond then that's not acceptable. I think in this instance I would have used a good TA who you could ensure would get those answers before they left..

 

[drron]

Absolutely wrong.But then it goes to the expertise pf many ship[s doctors.You certainly do take your life in your hands on some cruises.

 

[Mumanddad]

On the surface it looks like the family thought they had all bases covered. It appears there was a breakdown in communication between the RCCL office and the ship. Hopefully RCCL will reimburse their costs fully, including cruise fares, transportation, insurance etc and perhaps something extra thrown in for the embarrassment and distress caused.

 

[Pushka]

It sounds like very poorly handled communication on receipt of medical advice prior to travel. I saw the interview last night. I can imagine that with presentation of the travellers, and if the communications within the cruise line had not been handled properly, that check in staff did the right thing in seeking medical clarification. He certainly does present with challenging medical conditions and if the medical team had not been advised in advance (through their own ship management) then possibly they could not have ensured they could meet such challenges should an emergency arise that can be challenging with someone with independent breathing, let alone someone who requires continuous support for breathing.

To be honest I'm surprised he was able to get overseas Travel Insurance.