RCI to compensate passengers on ill-fated Caribbean cruise
Royal Caribbean International has announced a compensation package for passengers on the 10-day Caribbean cruise cut short this week due to an outbreak of gastrointestinal sickness.
The cruise line said due to the "exceptional disruptions caused by the early wave of illness," all passengers on the Explorer of the Seas will receive a 50% refund and a further 50% credit for a future cruise.
RCI added that passengers struck down with illness and quarantined in staterooms will be entitled to an additional cruise day credit for each day of confinement.
The cruise line has also agreed to reimburse expenses resulting in extra fees to change flight times or for accommodations.
The latest update from the Center for Disease Control said 622 passengers and 50 crew were affected by illness.
It said the first cases of illness were reported within 24 hours of leaving Cape Liberty, New Jersey for the Caribbean.
The ship is due to arrive back in New Jersey today and will undergo its third sanitizing program since the outbreak was discovered.
The Explorer of the Seas is scheduled to set sail on its next journey on Friday, January 31 which will go ahead as planned Royal Caribbean said.
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