Carnival Cruise Lines Helps Passengers Robbed In Mexico
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines is working to help 22 passengers who were robbed of valuables and their passports during a shore excursion in the Mexico seaside resort of Puerto Vallarta.
The passengers from the Carnival Splendor disembarked at California's Port of Long Beach Sunday.
The passengers were robbed Thursday during a guided trail excursion, according to a statement released by the cruise line.
"Carnival is working with guests to reimburse them for lost valuables and assist with lost passports or other forms of identification," the statement said.
According to passenger Judy Fronk, she and the other 21 passengers were minutes into a nature walk when a robber ambushed the group and demanded their belongings.
"He had his gun brandished up here and then he brought it down, then he pulled up his shirt to show the knife," said Fronk.
"In Spanish, our guide interpreted, throw everything on the ground, get on the ground."
Fronk was not robbed but says the armed bandit stole money, passports and valuables from other passengers before getting away.
"I was really scared to be honest with you; at the same time I was a little angry, because we were just out minding our business, enjoying the day."
Another woman, who was part of Fronk's group but stayed behind because of a foot injury said Carnival Cruise Lines responded quickly to the robbery.
"I know they've reimbursed everyone the cost of the excursion, whatever they've lost, and they've offered every kind of assistance possible," said Kate Berry-Shoef.
Most of the passengers on board Splendor heard of the hold up from other passengers, not from Splendor.
Last year, Splendor was in the news after an engine fire left the ship stranded off the coast of Mexico.
Passengers getting ready to board Splendor for the next cruise of the Mexican Riviera said they will be careful.
The tour, which features a guided nature trail hike and is part of the cruise, has been suspended at this time.
Earlier this month, the U-S State Department issued a travel warning to Mexico after tourism officials expressed concern over the rising crime rate in the country.
