It can be nerve-wracking for some travelers to set sail, knowing there could be issues at home that might require immediate attention.
Being onboard a cruise ship does not mean you are completely cut off, however, and in the event of an emergency there are special ways you can be reached.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald frequently gets asked about how non-travelers could reach out to someone onboard a ship in case of an emergency. There is a dedicated toll-free number that can be used to reach individuals on any cruise ship in the Carnival fleet.
“I do get asked a lot if there is an emergency telephone number for family and friends to call from home,” Heald noted. “Indeed, there is.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s emergency onboard contact number is 1-800-227-6482
The number is available every day from 7 a.m. to midnight. When it is used, a Carnival Cruise Line employee at the company’s Miami headquarters will answer and will immediately pass the message along to the appropriate ship.
Heald explains that the Guest Services team onboard will then contact the cruise passenger. If there is indeed a true emergency that requires further communication, that connection will be provided without any charge or fee to help the guest resolve the situation as much as possible.
The Guest Services team onboard will also frequently follow up with the guest to be sure their needs are met, or even just to check in and be sure they are still able to enjoy their cruise vacation.
Heald goes on to note that the number should only be used for “true family emergencies” though he does not define exactly what that might be.
“I should remind you that this is again kindly for true family emergencies only,” he stressed. “I sincerely hope that you will never need it.”
Multiple guests who have unfortunately had the need of such emergency communication chimed in on Heald’s popular Facebook page to share their experiences.
“I received a call on the Dream about 7 years ago when my daughter and family lost their home to an electrical fire,” one guest described. “I must say the Carnival staff were absolutely so compassionate and I was able to receive updates and speak with family members until we returned to port. Carnival truly cares for their guests.”
“My mom was cruising when she got the news that her brother died,” another guest shared. “The staff was very helpful in getting plane tickets, packing her stuff and making arrangements to get to the airport. We are forever thankful for all their help.”
Other travelers have had the emergency contact number used in critical situations, such as when a loved one was admitted to the hospital or a home alarm service was being alerted.
When Should the Emergency Number Be Used?
It is important to note that not every situation is a true emergency, and every traveler will have to assess what types of incidents would require being contacted while on a cruise vacation.
Furthermore, every traveler has their own preferences for whether or not to be contacted. Some cruise guests may prefer to be given sad details once they return home and are in a better position to help with any necessary arrangements or grieve in private, rather than while on a cruise ship.
Carnival Cruise Deck (Photo Credit: Alexandra Adele)
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Many travelers leave the emergency number with family members, friends, or neighbors just in case it has to be used. It is important to explain to them what the number should be used for, however, and when it may not be appropriate to call.
Carnival Cruise Line also offers various Wi-Fi internet packages for travelers to stay in touch with family members and friends at home just for fun or for any non-emergency situations.
International calling, internet access in ports of call, and social media access are other great ways to keep in touch and stay updated with everyone on land and sea.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com