Elderly Cruise Passenger Suffers Stroke on Norwegian Trip, Left Stranded and Searching for a Way Back to US, According to Family
An 80-year-old American woman, Julie Lenkoff, recently experienced a medical emergency while on an African island excursion during a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage. The incident left Lenkoff stranded and searching for a way back to the United States, according to her family.
Lenkoff began experiencing vision and memory loss while on a cruise-sponsored tour of the island of São Tomé. Her son-in-law, Kurt Gies, acknowledged that such emergencies can happen but expressed disappointment in how the situation was handled by the cruise line. Gies believed that Norwegian Cruise Line failed to properly tend to Lenkoff’s needs and left her feeling alone and helpless.
After being evaluated by cruise ship personnel, Lenkoff was taken to a local hospital where she received treatment for her stroke. However, she was released 24 hours later without any assistance from the cruise line. Lenkoff’s family was not contacted by the cruise ship, despite being listed as emergency contacts. They were also unable to reach the cruise ship personnel by phone.
Adding to the distressing situation, Lenkoff’s money and credit cards went missing, although her passport and other belongings were returned to her. The lack of communication and support from Norwegian Cruise Line further exacerbated the family’s concerns.
In response to the incident, Norwegian Cruise Line stated that Lenkoff was evaluated by the onboard medical team who deemed it necessary for her to disembark and receive further assessment and treatment at a local hospital. They activated their Care Team to support Lenkoff once she left the ship.
Fortunately, Lenkoff encountered Jay and Jill Campbell, fellow passengers who were also stranded after their tour ran late and the cruise ship departed without them. The Campbells assisted Lenkoff and reached out to her family in San Francisco. Together, they coordinated a flight from Africa to Lisbon, Portugal, and then back to the United States.
Lenkoff is currently recovering at the Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California before she can return home to Eugene, Oregon. Her family expressed relief and gratitude for having her back and being able to witness her strength throughout this ordeal.
The Gieses, Lenkoff’s family, now hope that Norwegian Cruise Line will take responsibility and facilitate the return of the Campbells and the rest of their crew to the ship. They believe that the Campbells played a crucial role in saving Lenkoff’s life and emphasize that no one should be treated in such a manner, especially by a company that was paid a substantial amount for the cruise.
As Lenkoff continues her recovery at the hospital, her family looks forward to her return home and cherishes the Easter reunion they had. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper medical care and support for passengers, especially in emergencies, during cruise trips.
