FriendshipGarden

michael · super moderator Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 981

The $20-billion a year North American cruise industry sells fun, excitement and the chance to visit exotic destinations. Each year, some 12 million people -- half a million Canadians--buy into that dream. They set sail for the high seas believing they and their families will be safe.

But that wasn't what Marilyn and Jamie Decker, of Monterey, California, experienced. Eight years ago, when Jamie was just 12, her parents took her on a Caribbean cruise. But that safe family vacation, turned out to be anything but. On the fifth day of the cruise, the Deckers' lives were turned upside down.

A crewman told Jamie that he would take her to watch dolphins at the bow of the ship. He led her to a restricted area and then barred the door so she couldn't leave, ripped her dress and raped her.When the truth was finally revealed, the Deckers called the FBI, who investigated, and said there was nothing they could do except pursue the case civilly.

Do you plan on going on a cruise? Have you been on a cruise? Any unpleasant experiences to tell?

Could this happen on your cruise?
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Midlander · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

What a strange story. It's difficult to believe, isn't it, that a crew member would target a 12 year old when there must be some older ladies on the ship just dying to have an onboard 'romance'? Or even that he would take the risk.
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janer · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:51 am Post subject:

Last March we were on the Sea Diamond ,off the coast of Santorini Island.

2 weeks later it was at the bottom of the ocean. As I don't like cruising at the best of times, that is it, finito, no more, zip, zilch!!!!