The Shocking Incident That Made an Aussie Swear Off MSC Cruises Forever!

Cruising is often seen as the pinnacle of relaxation and luxury travel, with millions of Australians setting sail each year to explore the world's oceans and rivers in comfort. However, for Adelaide man Shane Hryhorec, what was supposed to be a dream vacation turned into a nightmare that has left him adamant about never cruising with MSC again.

Shane, a wheelchair user, was excited for his first-ever cruise and booked an eight-day European voyage with MSC, departing from Marseille, France. He was assured by MSC, which operates in Australia as well, that all he needed to do was book the cruise and fill out a form detailing his accessibility needs. Unfortunately, the reality was far from what he had been promised.


Upon boarding, Shane was confronted with a series of distressing errors that made his journey anything but smooth sailing. He was faced with the possibility of not having private bathroom access and missing out on paid excursions due to inadequate transport arrangements. Moreover, he encountered a series of unpleasant interactions with the cruise staff, who, according to Shane, deflected responsibility and failed to acknowledge their shortcomings.


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Adelaide man Shane Hryhorec had a ‘traumatic’ first cruise due to multiple accessibility issues as a wheelchair user. Credit: Tiktok / @wheelaroundtheworld


The issues seemed never-ending. Shane felt 'trapped' in a room that was not suitable for his needs. When he raised his concerns, he was met with a rigid 'company policy' that offered no refund if he chose to disembark due to the unavailability of an accessible room. The staff's attitude was dismissive, suggesting he should simply 'get on with it'.


Two days into the voyage, Shane was finally provided with a more suitable room, but it still lacked features he had paid extra for, and no refund was offered. There was no apology from the staff, no acknowledgment of the distress caused, and no effort to make amends.

Shane's experience highlights a significant issue within the travel industry: the need for genuine accessibility and empathy. 'There's the hardware, like the ramps and the entrance and the physical things. And then there's the software, which is the human aspect, the empathy,' Shane explained, emphasizing that both were severely lacking on his MSC cruise.

The importance of accessible rooms cannot be overstated, not just for the comfort they provide to passengers with disabilities but also for the potential they have to expand a cruise line's customer base. With 5.5 million Australians living with a disability and almost 200,000 using wheelchairs, Shane rightly questions why cruise ships aren't more accommodating.


Moreover, Shane points out that a significant portion of cruise-goers are over the age of 65, many of whom have disabilities. By not prioritizing accessible rooms and inclusive services, cruise companies are not only failing a portion of their current demographic but also missing out on a broader market.

While Shane hopes his ordeal was an 'isolated incident' and is willing to try cruising with another company, he has made it clear that MSC has lost his trust and business for good. His story serves as a stark reminder that the travel industry still has a long way to go in terms of accessibility and customer service.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we believe that travel should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or ability. We encourage our members to share their experiences, both good and bad, so we can advocate for better services and hold companies accountable.

You can watch Shane’s full video here:


Source: Tiktok / @wheelaroundtheworld

Have you faced similar challenges while traveling? Do you have tips for finding truly accessible vacation options? Share your stories and advice in the comments below, and let's work together to ensure that travel is inclusive for all.
Key Takeaways

  • An Adelaide man named Shane Hryhorec had a 'traumatic' experience on his first cruise due to multiple issues related to accessibility as a wheelchair user.
  • Shane booked with MSC for an eight-day European cruise and despite providing details of his needs, faced problems such as unsuitable accommodation and missing out on paid excursions.
  • He felt that there was a lack of empathy and physical accessibility on the ship, which made him feel 'trapped' until a suitable room was provided two days into the voyage.
  • Shane has expressed that he will not cruise with MSC again and highlighted the broader issue of the cruise industry needing to improve accessibility and inclusion for disabled passengers.
MSC Cruises has been contacted for comment on Shane's experience, and we await their response. In the meantime, we stand with Shane and all travelers who demand and deserve better.
 

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I have been on a number of cruises departing from Sydney and have seen people in wheelchairs that were very happy with what they were offered but saying this I've also been on 2 cruises in Europe and it appears that they do not in any way cater for anyone with a mobility aid. Even if the company operates here as well as overseas they don't accommodate for the disabled in the same way which is wrong. I feel for Shane as to be so far from home and can't even get the basic needs that he requires. This should be put out loud and clear with the companies name to alert others in this same situation especially their attitude towards their short comings in their responsibility and policies.
 
I'm a many times cruises since 2003. I'm now 75 and about to do another two cruises in the next two months. I have cruised with many different cruise lines apart from P&O (by choice) and MSC (because i've not known them to come to Australia). I'm sure this incident was not the norm and that the gentleman will try again.
 
Cannot speak highly enough of Princess cruises The staff certainly know how to take care of those unable to access anything. Seen them aid people onto tenders and definitely cabins are situated where accessibility is a priority. Unfortunately some take advantage as once they have their preferred cabin they seem to miraculously no longer need their walker Therefore stopping someone with needs
 
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