A different kind of disembarkation. Sidney to Auckland February 8

My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful 13 days on the Journey traveling from Sydney to Tauranga, the last port before Auckland and planned disembarkation. The weather, food and service on board ship and all our port visits were everything we hoped for. I will do a full review next week but we did want to share the story of our last day.

We hiked Mount Maunganui with a small group and a guide, got to the top to enjoy great views and then on the way down I fell and broke my leg. This is not the way you want to end a dream vacation but as usual Azamara addressed all our needs. Our ship escort, Claudio , stayed with my husband and me while we awaited 4 wheel drive escort down the mount. The local surf club brought me back to the ship where Azamara staff got me up the gangplank. I was xrayed in the ship infirmary and got the bad news that it was not a twisted knee but a broken leg. The infirmary staff took over there, immobilized the leg, took great care of me and set in motion the ambulance ride to the Tauranga Hospital and the packing up of our stateroom. Many thanks to everyone involved in this effort, particularly our room attendant Akilesh,who also got the luggage down the gangplank and into the ambulance. The Azamara port agent took over then, found my husband a place to stay and picked him and the luggage up at the emergency room in her own car.

I needed surgery on the leg, which the Azamara doctor had already explained to me, and then I stayed in the hospital until Feb 28. I am viewing this as an opportunity for an immersion into the New Zealand healthcare system, as well as an opportunity to meet some wonderful people.

Many thanks to our fellow passengers who wished us well....we enjoyed meeting all of you.

We are now awaiting travel insurance transport back to the United States

I’m so sorry mdktravel! What a terrible way to end a great cruise vacation. I hope you get home safely, and heal quickly.:fever:

Ps it sounds like you have good travel insurance. It’s a lesson I’ll take to heart!

So sorry to hear that mdktravel. We were on the same cruise, and it was such a beautiful day in Tauranga, but didn’t end up so for you evidently. Wishing you good healing and a safe trip home.

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A different kind of disembarkation indeed!

Pleased to hear that you were looked after so well by all involved and you have repatriation travel insurance. I would be surprised if you didn't find NZ health care excellent.

I am so very sorry to hear this but glad to know that Azamara assisted you.

Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

Keith

So sorry to hear your lovely holiday ended that way but it is good to hear how well you have been cared for by everyone.

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My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful 13 days on the Journey traveling from Sydney to Tauranga, the last port before Auckland and planned disembarkation. The weather, food and service on board ship and all our port visits were everything we hoped for. I will do a full review next week but we did want to share the story of our last day.

We hiked Mount Maunganui with a small group and a guide, got to the top to enjoy great views and then on the way down I fell and broke my leg. This is not the way you want to end a dream vacation but as usual Azamara addressed all our needs. Our ship escort, Claudio , stayed with my husband and me while we awaited 4 wheel drive escort down the mount. The local surf club brought me back to the ship where Azamara staff got me up the gangplank. I was xrayed in the ship infirmary and got the bad news that it was not a twisted knee but a broken leg. The infirmary staff took over there, immobilized the leg, took great care of me and set in motion the ambulance ride to the Tauranga Hospital and the packing up of our stateroom. Many thanks to everyone involved in this effort, particularly our room attendant Akilesh,who also got the luggage down the gangplank and into the ambulance. The Azamara port agent took over then, found my husband a place to stay and picked him and the luggage up at the emergency room in her own car.

I needed surgery on the leg, which the Azamara doctor had already explained to me, and then I stayed in the hospital until Feb 28. I am viewing this as an opportunity for an immersion into the New Zealand healthcare system, as well as an opportunity to meet some wonderful people.

Many thanks to our fellow passengers who wished us well....we enjoyed meeting all of you.

We are now awaiting travel insurance transport back to the United States

Maureen,

We were all so upset to learn of your accident and unfortunate departure from our cruise. Wishing you full and complete healing. Such a sad disappointment to an otherwise lovely cruise experience. You received very fine care during such a trying time.

I have been trying to connect with you. Angela as well. Kindly email me at dgf1550atgmail.com. I would love to connect with you.

Take care.

Best regards from Alan and me.

Denise (nyfeds)

Yikes! Sorry to hear of your accident and hope you are now back home and convalescing. Further confirmation that the medical care onboard (within of course the capabilities of being on a ship) are professional and first class.

Phil