Tag Archives: collision

P&O Britannia is returning to Southampton after Collision in Palma

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P&O Britannia in the Caribbean photo credit for Spacejunkie2 (Flickr Photos)

P&O Cruises’ Britannia is expected to reach Southampton by Friday morning (1 September) after it departed Palma on Monday night (28 August) following a collision with a freight vessel.

P&O Cruises’ Britannia is expected to reach Southampton by Friday morning (1 September) after it departed Palma on Monday night (28 August) following a collision with a freight vessel.

The incident, which happened on Sunday (27 August), saw the cruise ship break free from its moorings during a storm in Mallorca and collide with a freight vessel. 

P&O said a small number of people are being cared for onboard after sustaining minor injuries, and according to the BBC, around 321 passengers were told they would have to fly home due to structural damage to a lifeboat.

“Following a weather-related incident in Palma de Mallorca on 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia departed Palma last night and is expected to reach Southampton on Friday morning,” a spokesperson told TTG. 

Following the incident, Lisa Henning, managing director of the Inspire Group, urged travel companies to improve communication with agents and operators.

Uniworld sues MSC over Venice collision

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MSC Opera collides into the Uniworld River Countess.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are suing MSC Cruise Management Ltd. for nearly $13 million in damages it says it incurred after one of MSC’s large ocean ships slammed into the River Countess while it was docked in Venice in June.

In a press release Tuesday, Uniworld CEO Ellen Bettridge said the company filed the lawsuit after extensive conversations with MSC proved unproductive.

“We are extremely disappointed with the unprofessional manner in which MSC has decided to ignore the gravity of the situation, which has disrupted our guests, our partners and our team,” said Bettridge. “Aside from the severe damage to our ship [River Countess], we were forced to cancel 14 voyages, frustrating our guests and travel partners during the peak summer season.”

Uniworld estimates its losses to be in excess of 11.5 million Euros, or $12.74 million. That number, the company said, includes passenger reimbursement, ship damage, lost revenue and the protection of travel agent commissions.

“We do not like to litigate but have been compelled to do so based on the stonewalling and delays by MSC and its representatives — even after receiving a letter of guarantee by their own insurance agency, West of England,” Bettridge said. “We expect more and better from a fellow member of the cruise industry and regret having to go to court to seek a fitting remedy.”

In a statement, MSC responded, “MSC Cruises has been working constructively with all parties and their legal advisors since shortly after the incident, and has been facilitating a close cooperation between those involved including their insurers. As liability in this matter is still under investigation by the responsible authorities, it is inappropriate to comment further at this stage. MSC Cruises is committed to continuing to cooperate fully in order to resolve this matter.”

The suit was filed in Admiralty Court in the Queen’s Bench Division of The English High Court Of Justice.

Uniworld declined to share a copy of the filing.

Carnival Glory Update; Ship to Be Repaired, Next Cruise on Schedule

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Carnival Glory Damage

The Carnival Glory will be repaired during her turnaround day in New Orleans on Dec. 22, according to a statement from Carnival Cruise Line following the Friday collision between two of its ships.

“The ship is on its way to New Orleans and will dock tomorrow morning to operate your cruise. With the exception of a section in the aft Platinum Dining Room, all features are operating and all activities will be offered, including the Christmas dinner menu we know our guests love,” the company said. “Our team is working hard to complete weather-proofing and cosmetic work to the damaged area in the aft restaurant and this will require that we depart at midnight on Sunday.”

Carnival is advising guests to arrive at the port two hours later than originally scheduled. “Given the impact to the aft restaurant, we will have to make some adjustments to our dining plan for next week’s cruise,” the company said. “Some guests who requested assigned dining will have to move to “Your Time Dining.” (Guests on ‘Your Time’ open seating may dine any time in the Main Dining Room between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis depending on party size.) Our team on board will do everything possible to accommodate affected guests to minimize any impact. Guests being moved will be contacted directly via separate email prior to boarding.”