dliteu

12 hours ago, teddie said:

My experience as a nurse working in a large rehabilitation hospital included screening patients who were injured overseas while traveling, whether it was a land or cruise-based trip. 

 

What I've learned is to always purchase trip insurance and then spring for the enhanced medical piece that covers your transport to return to your hospital of choice.  Otherwise, you may end up in the nearest state-side hospital, and getting back to the hospital that is desired or the one closest to your home is on your own dime.  

 

For the insurance nay-sayers out there here is just one example I encountered: a 50-ish year old female suffered a dislocated shoulder while snorkeling in the Dominican Republic, and unfortunately sustained a cardiac arrest while under anesthesia and remained in a coma afterwards.  Her family had to shell out $30K for ICU level air evacuation back to NJ.  

 

Every medical evacuation on your sailing should remind you that you need robust trip insurance for medical evacuation.  In the grand scheme of things: Lost luggage? Pffft.

 

Be safe,

 

Teddie

Agree wholeheartly

13 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Sorry to hear about your Mom.  I hope and pray she rebounds.

 

I am curious to know which travel insurance you purchased.  Sounds like you had a good one.

Bought online -Trawick International.

15 hours ago, teddie said:

 

 I understand. I am hoping you contacted your insurance company directly while in Mexico and they provided the support and accommodations you required.  
 

Teddie

I did and they got us out of there the next day, and transported us to the Texas Medical Center.  No complaints what so ever about On-Call International.  From the phone staff to medics to the pilots.  A-1 First class. 

13 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

I first want to say that I’m sorry to read about your mom. I hope that she is doing as best as possible. It is unfortunate that you have to scramble now to get the paperwork for insurance, when your time really should be focusing on her. 
 

I have read other people’s experiences with the shore side assistance from RC and Princess and your experience was the polar opposite of theirs.  Helping them find a hotel, driving them there, leaving their cell number for a contact to call at any time as a few examples. Maybe the shore side agent’s role has changed over time but what you got is not what you needed, nor deserved.  
 

I have read the same experiences of health care in Mexico with funds up front etc and the fact that you didn’t feel comfortable in the neighbourhood didn’t help you.  That’s when a supportive shore side assistance would have really made your hard experience somewhat bearable. 
 

When the time is tight I think it wouldn’t hurt for you to contact RC HQ to share your experience with the lack of help from their agent in Mexico. I’d like to think that RC would want a representative who would leave their cruise guests with a feeling of relief during their medical stay not what you experienced.  At the same time of contact, you could find out if there is a way to get the medical information from the ship quicker. 
 

Most importantly, as you state, the need for medical insurance is key. If anyone ever questioned needing it hopefully they read your thread and hopefully it will change their mind.
 

I’m so sorry that your mom got sick.  I’m sending prayers to her and to your family as well.

Thank you

15 hours ago, firstimer2009 said:

I’m so sorry that happened to you. I became very sick on a Med cruise in Oct 2019 and realized how vulnerable you can be on a ship.  
 

How did the hospital take payment? On a credit card?  Think of all the people that wouldn’t have money available

on their card.  

I honestly can't imagine what would have happened without credit cards.

15 hours ago, soremekun said:

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's condition.  My condolences.

 

I'm not prying, no need to respond.  Were there any pre-existing conditions that exacerbated the Rhinovirus?

She was having a great time until she became ill, so I am going to say no

4 minutes ago, teddie said:

I am so sorry.  Unfortunately, people do get ill while traveling, and your insurance purchase was smart. 

 

Now I'm going to say this:  frequently, people become ill or get injured and transported off a ship on every sailing.  I know your distress is still fresh here. You had insurance--good on you for taking the right care.  Please know that waiting for the documents from any provider is a waiting process,  including from RCIs medical department.  Having difficulty in a foreign country is an added burden. 

 

I do not think another comparable cruise line would handle things much differently--they stabilized her, had her transported, and billed you as expected. I am no RCI cheerleader, by the way.  You've been through a tough time, and I wish you the best. 

 

Teddie

I guess what has really upset me is the lack of contact, from the very person that RCI said was my contact in Mexico. I do not speak Spanish and was an effort to get any help.   And no follow up from RCI.  Have no idea how other lines would stack up in these circumstances but I would hope their travelers are treated better.  That's all.

2 minutes ago, teddie said:

I am so sorry.  Unfortunately, people do get ill while traveling, and your insurance purchase was smart. 

 

Now I'm going to say this:  frequently, people become ill or get injured and transported off a ship on every sailing.  I know your distress is still fresh here. You had insurance--good on you for taking the right care.  Please know that waiting for the documents from any provider is a waiting process,  including from RCIs medical department.  Having difficulty in a foreign country is an added burden. 

 

I do not think another comparable cruise line would handle things much differently--they stabilized her, had her transported, and billed you as expected. I am no RCI cheerleader, by the way.  You've been through a tough time, and I wish you the best. 

 

Teddie

Thanks

1 minute ago, twangster said:

Sorry to hear about your mother.  Good call buying travel insurance.  

No doubt

Never post, usually a lurker, but have to rant.  Took my first and last cruise with RCI.  The ship was beautiful, big...food, well I think that has been posted about enough, what I am ranting about is the customer service.  Went with Mom, Sister, and Brother, 2 balcony rooms.  On the 4th day of the trip, Mom gets real sick.  I mean real sick, so they transported us ( Mom and me) to the emergency hospital in Cozumel (if you could call it that).  Mom's lungs were full of fluid.  Caught a Rhinovirus on the ship.  No one's fault.  I AM SAYING THIS IN CAPS. THANK GOD WE BOUGHT INSURANCE.  Between the $2700 that RCI charged us for about 1 hour in the emergency room on the ship and the hospital in Cozumel holding us hostage (literally would not treat her without a down payment of $4,000 Then another $2,000 and finally another $1998 before they would release her the next day to an air ambulance back to Texas.  The RCI contact in Cozumel actually stiffs us for $6. Gave him $100 to cover the $47 dollars each Mexico charged us to come into the country he kept the change.  The contact's name was Daniel..  Not a big deal, but really....Never did hear from him again after he delivered the forms we needed for Mexico. Not can I get you a hotel, would you like some food, Not let me help try to get you home.  not spit.  The hospital was in the middle of a very poor neighborhood without any resources close by. At any rate, my mom is currently in hospice from this delightful trip and RCI has yet to reach out once to check on us.  On top of that, I have repeatedly called to get the release of her records from the ship, which I need to get the funds back from the insurance with no response other than to fill out a form and they are 6 weeks or more in getting the info sent to me.  I feel almost as if we were put in a lifeboat and were cut loose from the ship to drift away on our own.  Spent what I consider quite a lot of money on RCI and anticipated this trip for a year, but this company has no heart.  Never again RCI.  Worst of all less than three weeks ago I was on a cruise with my sweet mother and now we are preparing for her passing.  I am certainly not blaming RCI for her illness, just the treatment or non-treatment of us during an emergency.    MOST IMPORTANTLY BUY INSURANCE....CAN'T SAY IT ENOUGH

Never post, usually a lurker, but have to rant.  Took my first and last cruise with RCI.  The ship was beautiful, big...food, well I think that has been posted about enough, what I am ranting about is the customer service.  Went with Mom, Sister, and Brother, 2 balcony rooms.  On the 4th day of the trip, Mom gets real sick.  I mean real sick, so they transported us ( Mom and me) to the emergency hospital in Cozumel (if you could call it that).  Mom's lungs were full of fluid.  Caught a Rhinovirus on the ship.  No one's fault.  I AM SAYING THIS IN CAPS. THANK GOD WE BOUGHT INSURANCE.  Between the $2700 that RCI charged us for about 1 hour in the emergency room on the ship and the hospital in Cozumel holding us hostage (literally would not treat her without a down payment of $4,000 Then another $2,000 and finally another $1998 before they would release her the next day to an air ambulance back to Texas.  The RCI contact in Cozumel actually stiffs us for $6. Gave him $100 to cover the $47 dollars each Mexico charged us to come into the country he kept the change.  The contact's name was Daniel..  Not a big deal, but really....Never did hear from him again after he delivered the forms we needed for Mexico. Not can I get you a hotel, would you like some food, Not let me help try to get you home.  not spit.  The hospital was in the middle of a very poor neighborhood without any resources close by. At any rate, my mom is currently in hospice from this delightful trip and RCI has yet to reach out once to check on us.  On top of that, I have repeatedly called to get the release of her records from the ship, which I need to get the funds back from the insurance with no response other than to fill out a form and they are 6 weeks or more in getting the info sent to me.  I feel almost as if we were put in a lifeboat and were cut loose from the ship to drift away on our own.  Spent what I consider quite a lot of money on RCI and anticipated this trip for a year, but this company has no heart.  Never again RCI.  Worst of all less than three weeks ago I was on a cruise with my sweet mother and now we are preparing for her passing.  I am certainly not blaming RCI for her illness, just the treatment or non-treatment of us during an emergency.    MOST IMPORTANTLY BUY INSURANCE....CAN'T SAY IT ENOUGH

1 hour ago, Hogladyrider said:

Happy Sunday Tribe!

 

I need some Tribe input and educating please.

 

After you all enjoy your LOL moment on me I know you will all come thru with some good advice.

 

I have never used Lyft or Uber before.  I have downloaded both apps to my Android phone.

 

When we are cruising in Hawaii shortly folks on our roll call say it is better to use either of them over a taxi.

 

My question is both apps want me to enter my cc information, is it safe to do so?  I understand the logistics of paying on the app etc but in today's world hackers are getting smarter and smarter and I am getting older and older as well.

 

I know many folks rely on these apps for transportation and I am asking for some "teaching moments".

 

TIA and everyone have a great Sunday!  Off to enjoy my 1st cup of coffee and get caught up on the Lives and what happened when I was sleeping.

I hooked my paypal up to it.  No problems

14 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

From the way way way back, 1986... The "long hair days"... 

 

 

I swear in this pic you look like Tyler Johnson, who plays Stewart in the Canadian show Letterkenny

Thanks all

Have checked in but cannot find the area on the website to print luggage tags and boarding passes.  Any ideas?

On 12/9/2023 at 9:37 AM, Shaded Lady said:

Ok so I’m sitting here in the hospital waiting for my DH to come out of surgery and I needed a distraction… can someone post a link to Ceilih’s /Traci’s review ?

Yes please post link

On 12/7/2023 at 8:58 PM, dmet0225 said:

Just finished Amazing Race from last night.  I counted 17 instances of, “C’mon, Dad.”

 

Update on nephew - my brother said he’s flying in from living out of state to force his son into rehab “against his will.”  IMHO, that’s not likely to end well.  Just as I said a parent know what’s best for their own kids, I’m not saying a thing.   I just happen to think my nephew will resent it - UNLESS this episode scared him into sobriety.  
 

Finally, work week is done (I work 4 day weeks).  Golf in the morning (it’ll be in the 60’s at tee time and nearly 70 by the time we finish).  Home for a brief nap and then league bowling tomorrow night.

 

P.S. I’m chuckling at the VV comments on both here and on the private site.  (As I commented when I first joined that other club, I don’t comment over there.)

Where is the private site?  Followed on CC but not Juicy stuff on there?

On 10/27/2023 at 12:27 PM, sid_9169 said:

Uh oh...

 

 

Sid, Back away slowly

I just paid $64 with the tax for a 24 pack. On Harmony for next year

13 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I've never bought that particular one back home, but I'll look when I get back. Honestly, I just didn't want to leave empty handed.

$169.00 from Total Wine up to $197.00.  My favorite tequila, just can't afford it

16 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

No luck again, so I decided that I wasn't leaving empty handed. I found a really nice bottle of tequila that was listed at 1,221 pesos. With that in hand my adventure came to an end on our short port time today... 

 

 

Here too

20 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

It's been one of those kind of days here at work. I went out to my car to enjoy my leftovers, just so I could get a bit of decent alone time, without being bothered. In other news, it looks like we have a celebrity client coming in on Friday. We're officially closed, but that's the day they chose to come in. I'll give you a small hint: One of THE biggest rock stars of all time... I'll say, at least in the top five. Whoever guesses will get a special prize...

Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, Gene Simmons, or Bob Dylan, Paul MCartney?

19 hours ago, Hogladyrider said:

Don't have pic showing plumbers crack.

Live and let live.  Bro just being is true self

On 12/4/2021 at 6:38 PM, sid_9169 said:

If I were to tell you that the new Mardi Gras is the greatest Carnival ship ever, it would be true, in every way possible... This ship is on a whole nother level  as far as the cruising industry is concerned... With variety beyond anything preceding it in the CCL brand anyway...  Although, I never even experienced most of the stuff that was going on all over the ship, it's safe to say that you could spend a week on the Mardi Gras, and still not discover all she has to offer...

Thanks for the review.