Desperate Duo Unsuccessfully Attempts to Hail MSC Splendida as Stranding at Port Occurs in Bari, Italy
Last week, the MSC Splendida, a popular cruise ship, departed from Bari, Italy, leaving two passengers behind. The pair was caught on camera pleading with the captain to not leave the port without them, but it was too late for the pair.
The exact moment the two passengers were at the port remains unknown. However, cruise lines typically require all passengers to be present before the final boarding cutoff, which is usually 60 minutes before departure. MSC's online policy states that check-in for cruises closes 2 hours before departure in all embarkation ports.
If passengers miss the departure of a cruise ship, they generally cannot board the ship and will forfeit their entire fare. In such situations, passengers are stranded ashore without assistance or accommodations, as cruise lines typically close terminals promptly with no late boarding. Losing the full payment for the cruise is not uncommon, as refunds are not usually provided for missed departures.
In rare emergency situations, ships may leave port early for safety reasons, leaving behind some passengers who then face significant challenges, including finding shelter or alternate transportation.
To avoid or mitigate the impact of missing a cruise ship's departure, passengers are advised to arrive at the cruise terminal well before the final boarding time, allowing for security, check-in, and unforeseen delays such as traffic. It's also crucial to plan for contingencies, stay informed on cruise schedules, and consider cruise travel insurance that covers missed departures due to covered reasons.
In emergency evacuations, such as the Hawaii tsunami case, passengers left behind had to find safety on their own or with local assistance, emphasising the importance of having a personal contingency plan and knowledge of local shelters or accommodations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of punctuality when embarking on a cruise ship. Comments on social media suggested that the passengers should have managed their time better, while many people expressed a lack of sympathy for the late passengers. MSC Cruises did not immediately respond to our brand name's request for comment.
The man in the video can be seen frantically waving and yelling at the boat to stay docked, while the man in the video is heard desperately pleading with the captain in Italian. The incident was recorded on TikTok and has been viewed over 269,000 times.
If a passenger misses a cruise ship's departure due to unforeseen situations, they might face the loss of their entire fare and the need for alternate arrangements, as cruise terminals typically close promptly after the departure, with no late boarding. Moreover, during travel, it's essential to keep up with social-media news for updates on business or entertainment events, which could potentially impact one's social schedule and travel plans.
