Tag Archives: Madeira

Propeller problems halt P&O cruise

Posted on by
Reply


Technical problems force P&O cruise to return home three days early

A P&O cruise vessel is having to return to port in the UK early after a technical issue with a propeller slowed its progress on a holiday to Madeira, the Spanish Islands and Portugal.

The Oriana will return to Southampton Port three days early, and passengers will have the option to disembark when they arrive or remain until the planned arrival date.

They have also been offered a refund consisting of 40 per cent of the original ticket price in cash or 100 per cent in credit to use on a future occasion.

P&O Cruises’ director Christopher Edgington was quick to apologise, saying: “Our decision to bring back the ship early has not been taken lightly and I am sorry that our customers’ holiday plans have been impacted.”

He added that although the repairs were required urgently, passenger lives were never in any danger and they were kept fully informed of the situation at all times

Final voyage for last truly ‘British’ cruise ship comes to an end

Posted on by
Reply

Saga Ruby marked a little piece of history with the completion of its final voyage this week, in what was the last sailing by a cruise ship to be built in Britain.

According to BBC News, no vessel has been constructed in this country in the 40 years since the Ruby sailed out of Swan Hunter’s Tyneside shipyard in 1972.

Previously, it has sailed under Cunard’s flag and the name MS Caronia, but last year it was announced that the vessel would finally be retired.

While it wasn’t expected back in Southampton until after the weekend, poor weather over the Atlantic prevented it from crossing the Bay of Biscay on its return journey, meaning that it arrived home early.

Ruby’s final cruise was a month-long Caribbean affair, which also visited Antigua, Portugal, Madeira and Spain en route to the islands.

All three of Saga’s vessels witnessed delays this week as a result of stormy seas, as did Queen Mary 2, which is preparing to celebrate its tenth anniversary.