Royal Caribbean kicked me off cruise ship for having a migraine

[LA_CA_GAL]

What I find amazing in a situation like this is how pathetic customer service has become.

 

Having been involved in customer relations for too many years to mention, I would have had a very high level executive contact the OP. He would have listened to everything she had to say, and no matter how wrong the OP was, he would have apologized for the inconveniences, offered her a total refund, and credit for a future cruise.

 

Sometimes you just have to take one for the team.

[Paulxyz2004]

Thanks to the OP for the heads up, I´m running out right now to cancel all my upcoming RCI Cruises...........:eek:

 

 

ROTFLMAO :D:D:D

 

I always chuckle reading such Posts. Do People really think with Posts like this they make others reconsider their bookings????

 

Tough luck what happend to the OP, but honestly it doesn´t matter to me one little bit.

 

BTW I don´t think RCI owes the OP anything and no I don´t think compensation is due here, afterall who would pay such compensation? It´s us cruisers and stockholders. Nope don´t think I want to pay for OP´s missed vacation.

RCI didn´t do anything wrong here and kudos to them for not paying up.

[dreadpirate3]

OP, I am so sorry you went through that.

 

And for all the posters that have not read the original post, the OP does have travel insurance.

[Elfmama]

100% correct. The OPs first effects were also the same my dad had, as the tumour which we did know about started to apply pressure to his brain. It was all the hospital test similar to the OP that revealed our dad's life changing prognosis.

 

For the OP this sucks but what if your slurred speech was brought about for some other reason? If you were 100% certain it was from your migraine why wouldn't you "lay low" and retreat to your cabin after the muster drill? Hindsight is 20/20 so now It time to use your travel insurance.

 

Welcome to cruise critic.

They wouldn't let me. I also have fibromyalgia, and standing scrunched up in a line, unable to move around, left me with a backache. When I sat down on the deck, they sent me inside. There they tried to get me to sit in the casino, with even MORE flashing lights! I said "I can't go in there" and sat on the steps. The medic (I'm assuming she was a medic, but she never said one way or the other) asked me if I was all right. Since I never realized that they would throw me off the ship, I answered "I think I have a migraine coming on. Could you get me a glass of water, please?"

[BallFour4]

Of course - we're all reading the account, and that's the sole basis for every single comment made here. But IF the account is correct, at least as far as the administration of Imitrex while being diagnosed by the onboard doctor - then do you agree that either he was NOT concerned that it was a stroke, or that he was negligent for administering the Imitrex?

 

I read the OP post about the doctor "dispensing" her the meds, and that's in my mind suspect in wording. She brought it aboard.

 

I can say she also posted about the signs and symptoms. Those were the markers of stroke, and for that account the doctor exercised due care.

 

Beyond that, I would only be speculating what or how the decision was made to give Imitrex. She might well have taken in from him and self administered as a personal choice. It would be speculation on my part.

 

Your question about negligence would require me to see both sets of data and notes. I can say that if someone had that type of symptoms then not suspecting stroke regardless of what the patient was saying would appear negligent.

 

.

Edited February 7, 2014 by BallFour4

[LA_CA_GAL]

Thanks to the OP for the heads up, I´m running out right now to cancel all my upcoming RCI Cruises...........:eek:

 

 

ROTFLMAO :D:D:D

 

I always chuckle reading such Posts. Do People really think with Posts like this they make others reconsider their bookings????

 

Tough luck what happend to the OP, but honestly it doesn´t matter to me one little bit.

 

BTW I don´t think RCI owes the OP anything and no I don´t think compensation is due here, afterall who would pay such compensation? It´s us cruisers and stockholders. Nope don´t think I want to pay for OP´s missed vacation.

RCI didn´t do anything wrong here and kudos to them for not paying up.

 

As I mentioned earlier, this is a pathetic example of customer service and customer relations.

 

And, in the long run, RCI might pay far more than they would have if they would have handled this more professionally.

[gerif]

As I mentioned earlier, this is a pathetic example of customer service and customer relations.

 

And, in the long run, RCI might pay far more than they would have if they would have handled this more professionally.

 

How so? As noted, onboard I doctors are independent contractors, not cruiseline employees. Good luck with a lawsuit. In any event, the OP has insurance to cover expenses so why would the cruiseline also be expected to pay up? No double dipping allowed.

[LA_CA_GAL]

ROTFLMAO :D:D:D

 

I always chuckle reading such Posts. Do People really think with Posts like this they make others reconsider their bookings????

 

 

If you don't think bad publicity has a damaging impact on a consumer's decision to purchase any product or service, you are incredibly naive.

[Elfmama]

Perhaps the OP didn't realize that in many public places a strobe light is activated along with the audio alarm to alert those with haring difficulties.

No, I didn't. And nowhere in the televised announcements of the lifeboat drill nor in the printed information was there anything at all warning of them. It wouldn't have cost RC a penny to add "Strobe lights will go off in the corridor" right after "The ship will blow its horn in thus-and-such a pattern."

 

Had I known, I would have asked DH to check the corridor to make sure that they had stopped, or covered my eyes and had him lead me out.

[Langley Cruisers]

We have booked passage on the Allure but have not made final payment. After reading this we are cancelling in favor of a Princess cruise.

 

I understand that you believe you are making the best decision for all involved but I for one would never give that much power to one person, especially someone I do not know. Remember, there are three sides to every story. You were excited enough to book Allure in the first place, and yet one post this morning made you cancel that booking based on a "may or may not ever happen" scenario. Like I said I do understand but I guess I am simply floored by your decision. Gosh... yeah.. I guess there's just nothing left to say...

 

EDITED to add: Having said that -

 

And nowhere in the televised announcements of the lifeboat drill nor in the printed information was there anything at all warning of them. It wouldn't have cost RC a penny to add "Strobe lights will go off in the corridor" right after "The ship will blow its horn in thus-and-such a pattern." ... Had I known, I would have asked DH to check the corridor to make sure that they had stopped, or covered my eyes and had him lead me out.

 

OP, I do agree with you here. Perhaps, if nothing else, your experience will change the way the Guest Assembly Drill is conducted.

.

Edited February 7, 2014 by Langley Cruisers

[Mouse's Shadow]

So, they should give a full refund to anyone they deem medically unfit to sail? That's what insurance is for. I agree that the ship doctor does not have the recourses to make an accurate diagnosis in a case like this and acted prudently by sending the OP to an emergency room where specialists and proper equipment are available. Sad that she missed her special cruise of course but the cruiseline is really not at fault.

 

The point is, she was medically fit to cruise.

[Elfmama]

Oh, a doctor is a doctor here too - but an onboard clinic isn't anywhere close to an ER - I think that's the big difference. The ER doc had a whole lot more resources available to him/her than the ship doc. Its also possible that since the ER has a much larger staff that the ER doc who saw her was a specialist, likely a neurologist - rather than the general practitioner who would be onboard the ship.

Funny how the ER doc ran EXACTLY the same basic set of tests -- squeeze fingers, check eyes, BP, EKG and came to the exact opposite of the ship's doctor. :rolleyes:

[LA_CA_GAL]

How so? As noted, onboard I doctors are independent contractors, not cruiseline employees. Good luck with a lawsuit. In any event, the OP has insurance to cover expenses so why would the cruiseline also be expected to pay up? No double dipping allowed.

 

My point being, I would have worked with the OP. I would have done whatever it took to make them whole and HAPPY, maybe assist with the insurance coverage.

 

It is something that is far too lacking in many businesses, good customer relations.

 

As demonstrated by your post, most consumers have come to expect poor or non existent customer service. I am a firm believer that when a company has a displeased customer, they should bend over backwards to see to it that the customer gets satisfaction.

 

And who said ANYTHING about a law suit?

[Roce48]

I feel very sorry for you. I also would be very disapponted myself missing a cruise that I had been looking forward to, but I still have a few questions and comments? Please don't get too mad at me for asking them.:(

 

We did get a refund of our shore excursions and wine package and stuff like that, but not the cost of the cruise itself.

RCCL routinely reverses the charge for missed shore excursions if it is cancelled at least 24 hrs ahead. I also would think it is routine to cancel the wine package cost if it was not used.

 

Our only recourse is to file with the travel insurance people.

For the last month, our travel agent has been fighting for us to get some sort of recompense from Royal Caribbean.

Yes indeed your first recourse would be to seek a refund from the Travel Insurance Company. Why is your TA not fighting it out with them instead of RCCL? Did you get a refusal letter from the insurance company after filing a claim? Did you actually file a claim yourself? Maybe the TA pocketed your money, and did not pay for the insurance. Did you talk to the insurance company yourself on the phone with your policy number in front of you.

 

What insurance company did you use?

[JetsFanCruiser]

I understand that you believe you are making the best decision for all involved but I for one would never give that much power to one person, especially someone I do not know. Remember, there are three sides to every story. You were excited enough to book Allure in the first place, and yet one post this morning made you cancel that booking based on a "may or may not ever happen" scenario. Like I said I do understand but I guess I am simply floored by your decision. Gosh... yeah.. I guess there's just nothing left to say...

 

EDITED to add: Having said that -

 

 

 

OP, I do agree with you here. Perhaps, if nothing else, your experience will change the way the Guest Assembly Drill is conducted.

.

 

I have a cruise booked and this will not make me change my mind, but to each their own...I love the product RCCL provides, and this won't make me change.

 

However, one of the primary reasons I review these boards is to read about experiences of others, as well as recommendations as to how to avoid in the future...if there is ever a situation where myself or a family member becomes ill and I know how to handle it, I am not letting RCCL know about it.....

[Langley Cruisers]

However, one of the primary reasons I review these boards is to read about experiences of others, as well as recommendations as to how to avoid in the future...if there is ever a situation where myself or a family member becomes ill and I know how to handle it, I am not letting RCCL know about it.....

 

Point taken; thanks for the reply. :)

 

.

[oneputt18]

Let's look at this a little different, suppose they let her cruise and a true emergency occurred. OP is walking in a hallway and the strobe lights and horns sound and she has the same reaction. So now I the middle of an emergency they have to evacuate a completely disoriented and helpless passenger

 

I agree with Royals decision that she was unfit to sail and a risk to other passengers.

Just my humble opinion.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Forums mobile app

[tserface]

Yeah, it's all a big joke until it happens to you. Glad you got a nice laugh at the other person's expense...

 

Tom

 

Thanks to the OP for the heads up, I´m running out right now to cancel all my upcoming RCI Cruises...........:eek:

 

 

ROTFLMAO :D:D:D

 

I always chuckle reading such Posts. Do People really think with Posts like this they make others reconsider their bookings????

 

Tough luck what happend to the OP, but honestly it doesn´t matter to me one little bit.

 

BTW I don´t think RCI owes the OP anything and no I don´t think compensation is due here, afterall who would pay such compensation? It´s us cruisers and stockholders. Nope don´t think I want to pay for OP´s missed vacation.

RCI didn´t do anything wrong here and kudos to them for not paying up.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

BTW I don´t think RCI owes the OP anything and no I don´t think compensation is due here, afterall who would pay such compensation? It´s us cruisers and stockholders. Nope don´t think I want to pay for OP´s missed vacation.

RCI didn´t do anything wrong here and kudos to them for not paying up.

Who would pay? The OP already had. You know, that whole "pay everything more than a month upfront"? RCI had the OP's money, refused to let her cruise, AND refused to give her her money back. If the OP had broken the contract she agreed to with RCI, I'd agree with you. But it sounds to me like RCI broke the deal.

[LetsGetWet!]

Let's look at this a little different, suppose they let her cruise and a true emergency occurred. OP is walking in a hallway and the strobe lights and horns sound and she has the same reaction. So now I the middle of an emergency they have to evacuate a completely disoriented and helpless passenger

 

I agree with Royals decision that she was unfit to sail and a risk to other passengers.

Just my humble opinion.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Forums mobile app

If they class everyone with a sensitivity to strobe lights as unfit to sail, that's going to be a significant hit to their customer list. That includes epilepsy (including those who haven't had a seizure in years or decades), autism and other things in addition to migraine sufferers.

[LetsGetWet!]

Who would pay? The OP already had. You know, that whole "pay everything more than a month upfront"? RCI had the OP's money, refused to let her cruise, AND refused to give her her money back. If the OP had broken the contract she agreed to with RCI, I'd agree with you. But it sounds to me like RCI broke the deal.

I am not a lawyer, so take this for what its worth, but I'd think she *might* have legal recourse, for the reasons you name - in addition to the fact that the onboard doc (according to her) administered Imitrex to her, which wouldn't or shouldn't happen if there is any suspicion of stroke whatsoever.

 

The fact that the doc administered Imitrex can be taken as evidence that she didn't have a stroke, and then yes, it seems it was RCCL who broke the contract, not the passenger - as I don't think a migraine headache could legitimately be said to render a passenger unfit to sail.

[Roce48]

Elfmamma,

 

 

I feel very sorry for you. I also would be very disapponted myself missing a cruise that I had been looking forward to, but I still have a few questions and comments? Please don't get too mad at me for asking them.:(

 

You write

"We did get a refund of our shore excursions and wine package and stuff like that, but not the cost of the cruise itself.

RCCL routinely reverses the charge for missed shore excursions if it is cancelled at least 24 hrs ahead. I also would think it is routine to cancel the wine package cost if it was not used.

 

"Our only recourse is to file with the travel insurance people.

For the last month, our travel agent has been fighting for us to get some sort of recompense from Royal Caribbean."

Yes indeed your first recourse would be to seek a refund from the Travel Insurance Company. Why is your TA not fighting it out with them instead of RCCL? Did you get a refusal letter from the insurance company after filing a claim? Did you actually file a claim yourself? Maybe the TA pocketed your money, and did not actually pay for the insurance figuring you would not need it. Did you talk to the insurance company YOURSELF on the phone with your policy number in front of you.

 

What insurance company did you use? Did you have cruise cost insurance, or just medical?

[krewzin]

 

Maybe the TA pocketed your money, and did not actually pay for the insurance figuring you would not need it.

 

 

 

I kinda doubt this.

[Big_G]

I understand that you believe you are making the best decision for all involved but I for one would never give that much power to one person, especially someone I do not know. Remember, there are three sides to every story. You were excited enough to book Allure in the first place, and yet one post this morning made you cancel that booking based on a "may or may not ever happen" scenario. Like I said I do understand but I guess I am simply floored by your decision. Gosh... yeah.. I guess there's just nothing left to say...

 

 

That about sums it up.

[Big_G]

Yes , did not listen to customer.

 

Apparently they did otherwise the customer would have cruised.