A St. Thomas man who was on a cruise that ended early after a breakout of flu-like symptoms, says the experience won’t stop him from setting sail again.
Bill Rakowicz became ill along with 700 crew and passengers on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas earlier this week.
The ship returned to port in New Jersey on Wednesday, two days ahead of schedule.
A second cruise ship, the Caribbean Princess had to head back to port a day early on Thursday after it had an outbreak.
Despite his illness and an early end to the voyage, Rakowicz says there are more cruises in his future.
In fact, he’s planning one for the fall.
“I’ve been on 15 cruises and this is the first time I’ve gotten sick. (The cruise line) went above and beyond.”
He said despite the fact many in the crew were also ill, they still worked hard to ensure the comfort of the passengers.
“The crew members were sick, but always had a smile on their faces.”
Rakowicz said Royal Caribbean gave returned 50 per cent back of the cost of the cruise to passengers and anyone taking another cruise with the company will get 50 per cent off.
“It went above and beyond,” he said.
Rakowicz says there was not much passengers could do to avoid the illness.
“This (virus) travelled so fast, it was like lightning.”
