Is Carnival Cruise Line Unsympathetic to Pier Runners?
Pier runners are a controversial topic. Some cruise guests have zero sympathy for anyone late returning to the ship, while others – maybe those who have been in that unenviable position themselves – are a bit more understanding.
There is always speculation about exactly why someone might be late back to the ship, and there can be a variety of reasons that delay a traveler. Overindulging, getting lost, or just losing track of time are all common reasons for pier runners.
But what about if an honest mistake is why you miss your ship? Should the cruise line help out with expenses and arrangements to get you back onboard? Should they show sympathy toward your plight?
One recent guest has sent a very firm and frustrated letter to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, about such a situation they were faced with on a recent cruise.
“We missed the ship, it was our fault, but the lack of sympathy from [John Heald] and Carnival has been really bad,” the guest explained.
Heald did note that the guest didn’t say “really bad” but rather used what he euphemistically refers to as “naughty words” – so you can guess it wasn’t the most polite letter.
The guest does go on to describe that she and her traveling companion have stressful jobs and had been looking forward to the cruise as a way to relax and reset. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way they’d hoped.
“We got to Costa Maya and we rented a Jeep and the clock was set to the local time zone, something we didn’t realize until way too late. We ended up on the pier 15 minutes after the gangway had been hauled up, watched for another 17 minutes before they hauled the lines and departed,” the guest described.
“So when you say that it is okay to have people sneer and jeer at you, John, think of people like us who had to stand there and watch the ship sail and be ridiculed by hundreds of people.”
Heald has addressed the issue of pier runners and the impromptu, unofficial watchers who may cheer, boo, or otherwise react to the situation while they’re safely onboard the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line does not endorse the behavior, but also will not make any official policy prohibiting it. That would be impossible to enforce at any rate, and the simple solution is for guests to take every possible precaution to make sure they return to their ship on time.
Should Carnival Pay for Pier Runner Arrangements?
It isn’t just the cheering and jeering that upset these particular guests, however. They feel that – despite acknowledging that it was their fault for missing the ship – Carnival Cruise Line should have helped them out.
“Then the biggest slap in the face. We had to pay for our own hotel and then a taxi and ferry charges to join the ship the next day in Cozumel,” the guest said. “There was no help financially from Carnival. Why?”
Heald reflects that he does have sympathy for their situation, and notes that he’s never said it’s okay or nice for other guests to cheer at a pier runner’s predicament.
He explains that the ship would have been unable to return to pick up the late guests if some lines had already been removed from the ship’s docking tie ups, even if it seems the vessel hasn’t yet moved or isn’t very far from the pier. Undoubtedly doing so would have been a violation of safety and port regulations.
As for the cruise line paying for guests’ mistakes by providing accommodations and transportation to the next port of call? That will not be happening.
“It is your responsibility I’m afraid to pay for the charges of your hotel and all the transportation charges,” Heald confirmed.
He goes on to urge guests that if they rent a vehicle in a port of call, they should always be careful, and they should always ignore local clocks and stay firmly on the ship’s time.
Read Also: What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?
Very few commenters have any sympathy for the original poster, noting that it’s very easy to have a wristwatch set to ship’s time or to set an alarm and be sure to return to the ship with plenty of time to spare.
Guests should not always rely on cell phones or smartwatches, however, as those may automatically reset to local time in a port of call – which, as the original poster learned, isn’t always synchronous with the ship’s time.
Other travelers note that taking a shore excursion booked through Carnival Cruise Line would also have avoided this situation, rather than independently renting a vehicle.
Have you ever been late back to the ship on a Carnival cruise? Share your experiences – and your tips to avoid the problem! – on the Cruise Hive boards!