‘I’ve had a great time!’ – Refreshingly Positive Outlook From Stranded Cruise Passenger.

It seems to me these days that people spend so much time moaning and whingeing about this and that, nothing works like it should and nothing is ever good enough, I thought it nice to share the thoughts of this refreshingly positive chap recently stranded on the NCL Star out in Australia.

Francis Lahue and his wife were passengers of the Norwegian Star as it faced engine problems last Friday morning after leaving port. The luxury cruise ship was forced to bob without direction 30km off the coast of Melbourne. Eventually it was tugged into Port Philip Bay on Saturday afternoon, and came to rest safely alongside Station Pier at the Port of Melbourne.

While predictably many shared their outrage and frustration over the inconvenience to their holiday plans, Mr Lahue still managed to have a pretty awesome time on board. “It’s been wonderful, I’ve had a great time!” he told 7 News when asked about the ordeal after the ship had docked on Sunday.

Mr Lahue excitedly told of how much he enjoyed being on board. “It’s just super, I love it!” A cruise veteran from Texas, Mr Lahue said it was still one of the best he’d be on and that he had already rebooked another trip. He didn’t seem bothered at all that the ship was yet to make it to its intended destination. “You’ve just gotta take things the way they are,” he said. “Lots of times they go great, sometimes they don’t… but everything is fixable.”

While a technical team assessed the ship’s propulsion system and made repairs all guests were “welcome to stay onboard while the ship was docked and then continue onto Auckland on the revised itinerary once the repairs are complete,” the cruise line said in a statement.

The company has apologised for the inconvenience and given all guests a full refund and 50 per cent future cruise credit. Mr Lahue told 7 News he did see a few tantrums on board due to the technical failure. “Most of time they want things their way and it doesn’t always happen,” he said. “You do get a few that are childish and want their own way… surprised I haven’t seen crying or kicking heels on the floor.” While a lot weren’t satisfied when the ship arrived in Melbourne, Mr Lahue said he planned to hop back on and continue with his holiday.

A man who appreciates that you should make the best of what you have, it could all be a whole lot worse….. wise words Mr Lahue.

Bye for now.