Tragedy strikes Aussie couple on ‘dream’ cruise ship holiday

By KYLIE STEVENS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 12:11 BST, 7 April 2025 | Updated: 17:59 BST, 7 April 2025

An Aussie passenger who was airlifted from a popular cruise ship due to a medical emergency has died. 

Glenn and Beverley Stein boarded the Carnival Luminosa on March 30 for their first ever cruise.

The four night voyage along the Queensland coast to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays and back had been a gift from their son, who wanted to give his parents a well-deserved break.

Three days into the voyage last Wednesday, Mr Stein received attention onboard for a ‘serious medical emergency’ before his condition deteriorated.

He was airlifted from the ship by emergency helicopter to Bundaberg Hospital, where he died a short time later, according to his devastated family.

They revealed that Mr Stein had been like ‘a kid at Christmas, brimming with excitement’ when he boarded the cruise just days earlier with his wife of more than 50 years.

‘For this humble, hardworking couple — classic Aussie battlers who had always put others first — it was a dream come true,’ a fundraiser set up by his daughter-in-law Sarah stated.

‘The shock and heartbreak of losing Glenn so suddenly has left an unfillable void in our family.’

Glenn and Beverley Stein were on their first ever cruise when tragedy struck

Almost a week on, Mr Stein’s wife is not only struggling with the unexpected loss of her lifelong partner but also massive medical bills which mount into the thousands. 

‘The medical costs from the cruise alone amount to thousands of dollars, plus the expense of the emergency life flight helicopter, adding to the burden of funeral expenses and the cost of transporting Glenn’s body from Bundaberg back to Brisbane,’ her daughter-in-law added.

‘It’s an immense load to carry on top of such heartbreaking loss.

‘Bev has always been proud and self-reliant, but this heartbreaking situation is more than anyone should have to bear alone.’

The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to help with the significant costs associated with Mr Stein’s death and supporting his wife as she begins to navigate life without him. 

More than $6,000 has already been raised.

The medical emergency shocked fellow passengers onboard at the time.

The Brisbane couple were onboard Carnival Luminosa for a four night cruise

‘What a way to end a holiday,’ one wrote.

‘On my last cruise I also left via ambulance so I know how distressing it can be.’

The Carnival Luminosa, which accommodates up to 2,260 passengers, features a steakhouse, rum bar, piano bar, comedy club and spa. 

The cruise ship had originally sailed in Europe but was transferred to Australia in 2022, where it is based out of Brisbane.

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Tragedy strikes Aussie couple on ‘dream’ cruise ship holiday

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