A Great American Hero

This is another true story. The fact that it went from a simple cruise agent booking to a nationally known famous superstar reporter interviewing this same gentleman is what was so amazing.

I got a phone call from a fireman from downtown Brooklyn New York. Somehow he found my phone number. I was a “Singles expert” for cruising with other singles. This man wanted to go aboard a cruise ship on his short vacation.

I got him a Western Caribbean 5 night cruise leaving the port of Miami on Monday, September 10th, 2001 and scheduled to return the morning of Friday, September 15th. This reservation was aboard the Carnival “Fun” Ship, “Sensation”.

He received my package which gave him details on what to pack, what to expect aboard ship and what times he could decide to have meals. Other options were also sent along as well as his tickets which were required to board ship.

He flew to Miami Airport that Monday and early Tuesday Morning he disembarked the ship and noticed a hoard of people running through the streets. There was a bar which he entered at about 8:30 am when he saw an airplane hit the Trade Center Tower. He, as others were taken aback when he suddenly called his boss at the Firehouse. The phone answered and he heard the message. “Get here ASAP”! All Vacations are Cancelled! . We need you to get here NOW!”

He found out where the nearest local car rental store was and rushed to get there right away! Ironically, I had a past relationship with a woman who happened to be at the rental agency when my client rushed in. He was asked to show his identification and when he did, the desk clerk told him, this was an exception to company policy and he could drive directly to New York City.

He drove directly to the pits at the Trade Center and he almost totally forgot about his clothing and personal affects which he left aboard the ship.

A friend of mine asked me if I saw the interview with Larry King. I hadn’t seen it yet when I saw the local news that night the actual King interview was repeated. I couldn’t believe that my client became a nationally famous superstar, overnight.

I called Carnival’s office and they told me that they, automatically ship anyone’s personal items to the address which was on his original identification document.

I asked for Carnival to give this man a credit for this cruise since he was in essence, a hero where he rushed to the World Trade Center where 3,000 people lost their

The answer was clear and swift. Company policy would not allow a credit when a passenger voluntarily left the ship. I was fit to be tied.

I explained, “What if your Carnival building was on fire and a fireman who was aboard a Carnival Ship left to helped to save Carnival staff who was stuck inside the building?”

I received no positive response from those at Carnival’s Customer Service office.

I immediately wrote a letter to the Vice President of Carnival and about a month later, I got a phone call telling me that not only would my fireman hero receive a full refund with a thank you check, but he would receive a complimentary seven night cruise which was valid for a period of one year from that date.

He was, according to the Vice President and public relations manager, “A True American Hero”. The friend, Shelly who was at the Hertz rental agency told me how she distinctly remembered that fireman who burst into the office and told me that I was also a hero when I wrote to Carnival on my client’s behalf. All ended well and I will still fight for a client who is unfairly treated by a cruise line or anyone else!