" Duty of care " querie ?

Taking a cruise is a growing holiday option but one passenger queries the "duty of care " responsibilities that these ships extend to passengers.

It seems he was walking in a public hallway when a light fitting fell and caused him a minor head injury.  He consulted the ship's doctor who advised him to seek a scan at the hospital in the port the ship was visiting.   He was put in a cab and dispatched to a hospital in Fiji - without his passport or wallet.

When he tried to rejoin the ship the vessel's security people denied him access because he could not show a valid boarding pass.  He felt humiliated and was forced to spend time on the dock until his companion could be located - and vouch for him.

This whole episode had him wondering what would have happened if the ship had sailed without him.   Cruise ships make short stays measured in hours at most ports and his injury could have required a more time consuming investigation.    Because is was caused by a structural malfunction of a ship's fittings, surely he was owed a duty of care by those who had accepted his fare ?

Obviously, travel insurance is a safeguard against the unexpected happening on a holiday, but the worst nightmare that could beset any traveller would be to be stranded in a foreign country - without valid identification or money.   Help could be obtained from the Australian embassy or perhaps a consulate - but it would be a frightening experience that few would welcome.

This traveller is suing the cruise line for compensation.   He found the experience so unsettling that he is unable to do his former high stress job and claims compensation.   The only issue to be settled - is agreement on the money issue involved.

It seems that this " duty of care " issue falls into a grey area that is not stated in travel brochures.   It is certainly something that wise travellers would do well to ponder - and to discuss with loved ones before undertaking similar journeys.

Perhaps the only certain safeguard is to travel in a group and be assured that companions will take the necessary action if a similar misfortune strikes one of their number !