We were on the AmaVioLa, boarding August 5 in Budapest. Our cruise manager was Matija Markusic. Our itinerary was northwards, disembarking in Vilsohven then the post cruise extension in Prague.
On August 9 we were on the “Highlights of Durnstein and Melk Abby” regular walking tour, when I slipped on an incline such that my left leg bent backwards towards my butt causing extreme pain. An ambulance was called and we were taken to hospital in Krems where, after X-ray and ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a torn petela tendon. They immobilized my knee with a cast. Since the ship had moved to Grien we were taken there in a patient transport type of ambulance.
Note that my wife was with me through all this and we both found it challenging to be in the situation where virtually no one spoke English. Use of Google translate abounds! In addition, we were fortunate to have copies of our passports on my phone. The doctor’s report we were given was in German and we did not know we would need a ‘Fit to Fly’ from the doctor at that time.
The ship had a wheelchair we were given to use. After reboarding the dinner menu was delivered to our stateroom and subsequently dinner.
Upon our return to the dining room we were welcomed and the wait staff pushed the wheelchair. I’m not a little guy so it was a struggle for my wife on the carpet.
About this time fellow passengers told us we would need the “Fit to Fly” mentioned above. Mateja arranged for the tour manager on the AMA ship that was trailing the AmaViola to pick up the needed documentation from the hospital. This document from the hospital stated, in English, that a stretcher or first class seat was necessary. Debarking in Vilshoven, Matija our cruise manager made arrangements for a wheelchair at the hotel and a handicap accessible room.
The next day for the Prague walking tour he had a private car with a tour guide for us.
Meanwhile we were in touch with Lufthansa to arrange a first class seat cause I couldn’t bend my leg plus special wheelchair assistance for our return to Canada. Our thinking was to appear with our “Fit to Fly” letter and be on our way.
We had to stay over an extra day because that was the first day a first class seat was available. Enroute to the airport Mateja called saying that Lufthansa needed the “Fit to Fly” in advance. Note that this was the day after the post extension and he was still working on our arrangements! Through his efforts we were able to continue, we were met by an AMA rep at the Prague airport and a nice young man with a wheelchair.
The reason for this story is to show a live demonstration of the services that Mateja Markusic and AMA provided. The onboard experience was something we will never forget - waiters, pursers, hotel manager, bar tender, everyone went above and beyond to help and attempt to make our situation better. Our fellow passengers were also fabulous. Of course they now all knew our story and wanted to comfort us and make comments - “wheels is back”. Not a good way to become a celebrity.
In conclusion, if your cruise manager happens to be Matija Markusic he is wonderful. His arrangements, his genuine concern, his assistance supporting us during a stressful time. It was appreciated, and he has our ongoing gratitude.
We couldn’t have gotten home without the assistance from AMA and Matija.
