Fourteen passengers who were originally scheduled to enjoy a seven-day cruise aboard the Carnival Glory beginning last Saturday from Miami arrived safely at the Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday afternoon.
While those approached declined comment, frustration was visibly etched across their faces. At the time of their arrival there were four international flights – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Air Canada – and one regional flight – LIAT – on the ground, and one woman was overheard saying she “just wanted to get home”.
Thirty-three passengers had previously registered with travel agent Joycelyn Austin-Roberts for the cruise, paying fees in excess of BDS$4 000 for the week-long tour. However, when they checked out of the hotel on Saturday in anticipation of boarding the vessel, they were informed by Austin-Roberts that there would be no cruise as a result of her having only paid a deposit to the cruise line.
The schedule, according to Carnival cruises, would have taken them from Miami to Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel before returning to Miami.
After the cruise did not happen for the Barbadian passengers, they had been feverishly searching for avenues to ensure their safe passage home.
On Wednesday, Barbados’ Consul General Colin Mayers, his deputy, Gail Thompson, and Consul Joseph Hunte intervened, and were able to negotiate with American Airlines to waive the almost US$200 it would have cost to change their tickets.
Four passengers were able to pay their own fare and returned on Wednesday, while two remained in Miami to visit with family and friends. The remaining 13 passengers were expected to return at 10:52 p.m. last night. (RA)
