Moving more slowly should never make someone a target. An 82-year-old grandmother’s account of being shoved while leaving an elevator on Royal Princess is one of the stories I discuss in today’s cruise news video—and it really bothered me.
What the passenger says happened
According to the account I discuss, she had recently undergone hip replacement and was walking with two canes. As she exited an elevator, another passenger allegedly pushed her out of the way because she was moving too slowly.
She credits her canes with helping her regain her balance and avoid falling. She also says two other passengers reacted to what happened, with one describing it as an assault and another calling it extremely rude. Those descriptions are reported reactions, not a legal finding.
The response that left her with questions
She says she went to guest services to report the incident and asked whether staff could review elevator-camera footage. According to her account, she was told there were no security cameras in the elevators.
She then returned to the elevator and photographed a ceiling fixture she thought looked like a camera. She says she showed the photograph to guest services and received the same answer.
That exchange raises questions, but the appearance of a fixture alone does not establish that it is a camera, that it was working or that footage exists. I cannot confirm the equipment in that elevator or whether any footage was available. It would also be wrong to treat speculation that staff avoided investigating as an established fact.
My take: passengers deserve patience and a clear response
If the incident happened as described, it is unacceptable. Someone recovering from surgery, using a cane or traveling in a wheelchair deserves the time and space to leave an elevator safely. Being impatient does not justify pushing another person.
I also think a passenger who reports being pushed deserves a clear explanation of how the complaint will be handled. Even when footage is unavailable, the report, location, approximate time and any witnesses can still matter.
What I would ask for after an incident
My practical suggestion is to ask guest services to involve ship security and document the complaint. Write down the time and elevator location, keep relevant photographs, and ask witnesses whether they are willing to provide their account. If you are hurt, seek help from the ship’s medical team promptly.
Ask for a report reference and an explanation of the next steps, including how relevant evidence will be handled. Reporting to authorities depends on the circumstances and jurisdiction; I cannot promise which agency would investigate a particular sailing.
Source: The passenger account and my commentary in my October 4 cruise news video. This is not an independently confirmed finding against Princess or an identified passenger.
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