Elderly couple left $55,000 out of pocket after disastrous cruise
An elderly couple who were preparing for an experience of a lifetime have been left devastated after their dream holiday ended in disaster after their cruise ship left them stranded in Dubai.
Arthur and Pamela Wynne from Beaudesert in Queensland began their 106-day cruise journey on May 16, boarding the ship from Melbourne.
Making pit stops in Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Oman, the pair were on board for 19 days before Mrs Wynne needed antibiotics for a urinary tract infection while they were in Dubai.
According to the Wynnes, staff picked up their bags and escorted them off the ship, before the cruise left them stranded.
“We were immediately followed by our luggage … they knew they were not going to let us back on the ship,” Mr Wynne told Seven News.
“It was a total disaster … [we’re] exhausted … no guidance.”
The company informed the two that they could jump on board at a different location.
“It was explained that once fully recovered and with correct medical clearance, the guests could re-join the ship in Malta, Barcelona or another port in the forward itinerary, but they chose not to do so,” said a spokesperson for the cruise line.
“I haven’t got the money to sit in a hotel for 16 days and then buy two tickets to Malta, Barcelona. Nobody even said to us ‘have you got the ability to pay?’” said Mr Wynne.
Together, the couple forked out $46,000 for the cruise with Mr Wynne having to pay an extra $90,000 for hospital bills, hotels, taxis and flights back to Australia.
Their travel insurer has refused to compensate the couple for their expenses, and they will not be receiving a refund.