A woman’s dream 70th birthday celebration on a cruise turned into a nightmare when she was attacked by bed bugs, leaving her with painful marks on her hand. Monica Robertson, an Australian woman, booked the Pacific Encounter cruise with P&O Cruises to celebrate her mother’s milestone birthday. However, the joyous occasion quickly turned sour as soon as they entered their room on the cruise liner, only to discover a distressing infestation of bed bugs.
Monica Robertson shared her harrowing experience of finding bed bugs in the bathroom and on the bed, causing intense itching and discomfort. She described the bites as leading to a burning sensation, with the affected areas becoming hot, blistered, and eventually swelling to the size of a 50-cent piece. The situation worsened as the cruise progressed, with the family encountering more bugs in unexpected places like the walk-in closet.
Despite informing the staff and requesting a refund, Monica Robertson was denied any compensation for the ordeal. The family was forced to discard a significant amount of clothing that was infested with bugs, and they had to undergo pest cleaning in their home to prevent any further spread of the pests. Despite their evidence of live bugs, the cruise operator claimed there was no infestation found during room searches and cleans.
Monica Robertson lodged a complaint with P&O, emphasizing that she had provided evidence of the bugs throughout their stay. In response, the cruise operator offered the family a meager $250 refund or a $500 future cruise credit, which did not adequately address the trauma and financial loss they experienced. The incident highlights the importance of stringent health protocols on cruise ships to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests. The story serves as a cautionary tale for travelers embarking on cruise vacations and the need for thorough inspections to prevent such unsettling experiences.
