A dream Alaskan cruise for the Gault family of Tulsa, Oklahoma, turned into a nightmare after a local tour operator mix-up left them stranded in Ketchikan, Alaska. The family, including two parents, six children, and a 78-year-old grandmother, missed their departure when the bus transporting them back from a lumberjack show never arrived.
Family Of 9 Left Stranded In Alaska
The frantic scramble to catch up with the ship proved futile. By the time they reached the port, the Norwegian Encore was already sailing away, taking their luggage, medication, and passports with it. This unfortunate turn of events slapped the family with a hefty $9,000 fine for violating the US Customs and Border Protection’s Passenger Vessel Services Act. Joshua Gault said in a statement to The Independent that the family had been forced to stop taking their medication for the past few days as they had left it all on the cruise ship.
Stranded in remote Ketchikan, 300 miles from Juneau, the family faced a daunting task: arranging transportation back home with limited resources. Their initial relief at finding flights quickly turned sour when Joshua discovered the $9,000 customs fee had already been charged to his credit card.
A Cruise To Remember
The ordeal stretched into several days, filled with cancelled flights, airport layovers, and – for some family members – a bout of COVID-19. By the time they finally arrived back in Oklahoma, exhaustion and illness had taken their toll.
Fortunately, Norwegian Cruise Lines stepped up to take responsibility. After the Gaults contacted them, the cruise line pledged to reimburse them for their out-of-pocket expenses, and the customs fee, and even offered a pro-rated refund for the missed cruise days. Additionally, each family member received a 20% discount voucher for a future cruise.
As per reports by The Independent, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines explained that they had attempted to contact the family after their initial absence and had offered to book them a hotel for the night. They also facilitated flights back to the mainland the next day, acknowledging the impossibility of rejoining the ship at its next stop.
Also Read: Looking To Marry On A Cruise? 6 International Destinations To Choose For Picturesque Coastlines
While the cruise line’s reimbursement offer provides some relief, the Gault family’s Alaskan adventure will undoubtedly be remembered for the unexpected chaos rather than the scenic beauty.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.