The One that Got Away

As the saying goes, “sometimes bad things happen to good people.”

After much discussion with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and faced with my own, slow-to-resolve allergic reaction, I have decided that it would be prudent to not join the Hanseatic on its expedition voyage from Seward to Vancouver.

It’s the very first time I’ve ever had to miss a cruise in 13 years of sailing.

The one that got away: a spectacular 14-day voyage from Seward to Vancouver, the vitctim of bad timing and an allergic reaction.

These Live Voyage Reports are intricate things, with this particular one representing nearly nine months of planning. It doesn’t just hurt to lose one; it feels horrifying – not just because I wanted to go, but because I was looking forward to sharing the Hapag-Lloyd experience with each and every one of you.

I have covered Hapag-Lloyd Cruises now for nearly three years. In fact, they were the very first company I ever contacted when I began this site in September 2009. Next year is poised to mark a major milestone in the company’s history, as they take delivery of their first newbuild in 13 years: the sleek, modern EUROPA 2. Where will the future take them? Most likely, to more of the world’s most unique destinations and I have no doubt their newest vessel will achieve the same five-star ratings afforded to their fleetmates.

So what led to my decision? A number of factors – and despite all my cruise experience, I’ve learned a valuable lesson.

First, after five visits in as many days to my family doctor, he told me it would be unwise to participate in the voyage since the allergic reaction was still not fully under control.

Second, because this happened two days prior to my original departure date, anything that would have happened on the trip would have not been covered by my travel medical insurance, as it would be deemed to have been “pre-existing.”  That means you can get yourself into a world of trouble very quickly, particularly when things are still unfolding.

Lastly, they’ve got me on some spectacular pills that make me tired, nauseous and can even lead to vastly undesirable side-effects.

The lesson I learned? Sometimes the wisest course of action is recognizing when to back down.

From the Deck Chair will return tomorrow.