On social media, a viral video shows devastated cruise passengers being left behind in St. Kitts as the Royal Caribbean ship departs. Fellow holidaymakers mock them from onboard.
While fellow holidaymakers mock them from onboard.
Two Holidaymakers missed their Royal Caribbean cruise by 30 minutes in St. Kitts
A man and woman were filmed running toward their cruise ship in St. Kitts.
They arrived more than 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time.
Despite staff allegedly waiting for them beyond the deadline, Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas pulled away. The pair reached the dock just as the ship left.
The video, taken on April 3, captures the couple being driven down the pier in a black golf cart, only to find the ship leaving without them.
Onboard passengers laughed and waved as the cruise left the stranded pair behind
Cruise passengers on the deck jeered and waved goodbye to the visibly upset duo as the ship’s horn echoed through the harbor.
Some people were heard shouting “goodbye” while whistling and cheering.
While, they watched as the cart carrying the latecomers reversed and drove away from the dock.
The dramatic moment has since gone viral on Instagram, garnering more than 12 million views.
It sparked debate about travel etiquette and cruise punctuality.
Social media reaction
The video quickly went viral on social media and sparked debate among viewers.
One person said: Serve them right. Why should a whole ship wait for them.
A second wrote: not only cruise ship…even a flight plane will also depart without ppl who arrived late…
While a third commented: Seriously people, learn to listen when instructions are given. last boarding times and departure times are very clearly given.
Another added: Simple’s!! They should have turned up 20 mins early!!
Someone else said: The exorbitant process they charge… woulda been there 5 hrs early! Refund?
Always important to use that word “devastated”. Another user added.
The Rhapsody of the Seas was on Day Five of its Southern Caribbean Itinerary
The ship departed from Puerto Rico on March 30 for a seven-day Southern Caribbean cruise.
It visited ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. St. Kitts was its stop on April 3.
The next destination was Bridgetown, Barbados, though it’s unclear if the passengers rejoined the ship.
The Rhapsody of the Seas was due to return to Puerto Rico on April 6.
Royal Caribbean has not responded to media inquiries about the incident.
Cruise experts say missed departures are common and often avoidable
Missing a cruise departure is every traveler’s nightmare. However, cruise experts say it’s surprisingly common and can be avoided with proper planning and awareness.
Many travelers, called “pier runners,” become viral sensations after rushing back late.
They’re often mocked by onboard passengers as their ship sails away
Despite pleading, cruise lines rarely wait.
If passengers miss departure, they must arrange their own travel to the next port — or end their trip prematurely.
Travel Vlogger recommends booking excursions directly with the cruise line
US cruise vlogger Michael Kay advises booking excursions only through the cruise line.
This way, the ship is accountable if the return is delayed.
He stressed the importance of listening to onboard announcements and returning at least 30 minutes before the ship’s scheduled departure.
Although third-party tours might be cheaper, they don’t guarantee protection if something goes wrong.
Booking through the cruise company avoids costly and stressful scenarios.