When Stephen and Judith Medcalf joined the Viking Sky to see the Northern Lights in Norway, they were looking for some rest and relaxation after a close relative’s death.
Instead, they had one of the scariest experiences of their lives, winched from the heaving decks of the ship after she lost power in a storm off Norway.
“When they put a sling under the arms and winched Judith and me up to the helicopter, the few minutes when we were daggling and swaying under the helicopter were unbelievably frightening,” Mr Medcalf, a Sunshine Coast retired microbiologist, told Cruise Passenger.
It was their first helicopter ride and not an experience they want repeated.
But despite the ordeal, the couple is full of praise for Viking’s crew, the ship’s Captain and the way Viking handled the catastrophe.
And despite talking to the US law firm which recently started a US$10m lawsuit on behalf of American passengers, the Medcalfs believe the line has been “extremely generous” and won’t be joining the action.
They have received all their money back for the cruise, flights and a hotel stay, a free second cruise and an invitation from the company chairman to a third on board the line’s next newbuild launch.
“We were overwhelmed,” said Mr Medcalf.
“Full marks to all the Viking crew and staff who handled the whole incident on board the ship tremendously well. They were exceptionally helpful and calm.
“Given the difficult circumstances, Viking crew and staff did a fantastic job.”
When they arrived home in Australia, they received a beautiful arrangement of flowers with a letter from Viking’s chairman and founder Torstein Hagen.
Viking has already reimbursed the Medcalfs with an $11,500 cruise voucher each, refunded the return economy airfare of $1500 each and all unused excursions fees. Viking also picked up the tab for all incidentals including hotel stays.
After they were evacuated from the ship, Viking put up the passengers in a hotel in the town of Kristiansund and gave each passenger about $300 to buy clothes and toiletries.
“The shops in the town are usually shut on Sundays but on this occasion the local people opened a shop in a shopping centre especially for the passengers so that we could buy some clothes. When we arrived back at the hotel, Viking’s chairman visited us.”
Mr Hagen apologised for the incident and invited the Medcalfs and all other passengers to accompany him on the maiden voyage of the line’s new ship, Viking Venus in 2021.
“We are philosophical about it. We had a great holiday and a fantastic time on the cruise, despite the hiccup. This was our first cruise and it was spectacular, the food was excellent and the crew magnificent. We picked Viking because there were no children or casinos on board.
“We are back home safe and sound and have booked to go on a Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in October.”
Regarding a class action by a group of US passengers launched by US attorney Michael Winkleman, the Medcalfs have decided to move on and will not pursue it.
“We have not been put off by our experience. We will definitely be cruising more,” he said.
I’m sure they were paid hush money. What they got isn’t nearly enough. They sent them home by coach? At least business class ans at most a private jet. And standing next to the owner at the next blowout? Let me stop right there.
Yes, the Medcalf’s story is a good one. Certainly, Viking should be praised for it’s efforts to reimburse passengers for their failed cruise. Yet, to be critical of the law suit as a plot to “make money”, misses an important point. The courts will examine the evidence as to whether or not Viking was negligent in its duty and what harm actually occurred as a result of this incident. The facts remain under investigation. The questions raised by the Norwegians include why the ship sailed into a notoriously dangerous waterway given the known weather. Additionally, I question how such a ship loses 3 of four engines. Law suits can be frivolous but can also result in changed behaviour which require a change in policies that could avoid future (avoidable?) disasters. Viking has and had a duty to provide a safe voyage. Passengers were injured and some were injured psychologically. The court will decide the matter based on evidence. Greed need not be the only reason for litigation. Overjoyed to live in Australia and proud of the American legal system.
This was not a mishap, and not a “hiccup.” This was a gross mistake by Viking. This was a captain and a company that almost killed everyone by sailing into a violent storm that local ferries avoided, with low oil in the engines that resulted in a complete power failure that caused the ship to drift at terrifying angles towards the rocky shore. And while this lovely couple were not injured, there were many with broken backs, necks and limbs – bloody, freezing from being in freezing water and thrown across the room. Maybe it’s best not to judge an entire country of people when you have no personal idea of what really went on that day at sea. Everyone saw different things and were put though a unique set of challenges. This suspiciously positive article is offensive to many of those who survived this horrible experience.
Yeah to the Metcalfs, lovely people. I too have to add my voice to that, the cruise people are wonderful, we are looked after, and have the best time on board, fed magnificently, do nothing but enjoy ourselves. Only trouble is you have to come home and all the Care Bears disappear. Awwww!! You have to take things that happen through no fault of the companies and the fine staff on the cruise ships. I have had four wonderful cruises, and am going on three more. The Kimberly coast in July, Tasmania, and the Pacific Circle next year my finite money will have run out by then, ah well money well spent. Cheers Pam
Responcebility is a key word. The American people do not want to know that word anymore. If they can get money out of somebody els , they will to make them self rich. What is sick. Everybody has his own responsibility and to me, in this case the cruise company did more than they have to do, what is very nice of course. they rescued everybody, they reimburse for the rest of the cruise, flight, hotel stay and more, the give you a voicher for a new cruise!
be thankful, like the Aussie are. In life we have surcumstances that are not pleasure. Believe me, if everybody takes his own responsibility in life, that makes life much more livable, enjoyable, and go on. Way to go Aussies! Enjoy your next cruise.
Well done Viking a wonderful gesture and great to see you really do know how best to promote your wonderful liner.
And credit to this aussie couple for realizing they are the richer for accepting this very generous offer.
Typical of the bloody tanks out for a quid no matter that it was out of the ships hands
If Americans can’t handle a little misfortune without suring someone, They should stop cruising and get a life. As far as I can see they have been compensated quite enough.
Well done Viking, these people were treated amazing, good for you Mr and Mrs Metcafe for not wanting to take it any further . A lot of people are just to quick to try and get money out of the shipping line
Viking have been more than generous, Just one of those things that can happen and thank goodness they were on top to try and sort it and get everyone off the ship
Wonderful outcome from Viking. They hv done everything to apologise and I can see you both on another journey soon with Viking. What wonderful hospitality. Enjoy your next cruise. Margaret Khan.
Good on the these great Aussies. What is the point of bitterness and blame if you have been looked after. I too have been on a cruise (my 2nd) where the planned itinerary was not achieved, but received reimbursements equivalent to the cost of the cruise and extras whilst on board to make up for the misfortune. I’ve cruised 11 times now on various cruise lines and eagerly awaiting my next 2 (booked). Cruising is just the absolute best and I have such high regard for staff and crew, especially at times of crisis.
Great to hear the Medcalf’s are being realistic about the unfortunate incident….& to give credit where credit is due … they have been treated well & they came out of the episode relatively unscathed. By the way I am yet to have my first cruise but on reading of this I shall very definitely keep Viking in mind.
Aussies are fabulous as they are not law suit mad like Americans. I am so proud to be an Aussie.
Good on you, It sounds like Viking came to the party and did all they could to recompense you, a far cry from some of the other companies I could name.