Eight passengers who were stranded on an African island after missing their departure time from a Norwegian Cruise Line ship have now reboarded the vessel in Dakar, Senegal. The group, consisting of six Americans and two Australians, missed the all-aboard time by over an hour during a private tour of the island, causing them to be left behind without money and vital medications.
The Campbells, a couple from South Carolina, criticized the crew for neglecting their duty of care and prioritizing rules over the safety and well-being of passengers. A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line explained that the passengers missed the designated time, leading to the ship departing without them.
The company worked with the passengers and local authorities to assist in obtaining necessary visas so that the stranded individuals could rejoin the ship at the next available port. Attorney James Diamond noted that once a final call has been made, the ship has the right to leave and stick to its scheduled departure times, regardless of moral considerations.
The group has now resumed their 20-day journey across Africa on the cruise ship. This incident serves as a reminder for all travelers to adhere to the designated timing provided by cruise lines to avoid being left behind during their travels.
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