Vomiting bug outbreak on Fred Olsen’s Balmoral ship

Posted on 11 May, 2015 by Spacejunkie2

Vomiting bug outbreak on cruise ship. by James Franklin, Political reporter

A CRUISE liner has been forced to return to Southampton after dozens of passengers were laid low with a “gastroenteritis-type” bug.

Fred Olsen vessel the Balmoral returned to the port after passengers were hit with the bug which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The firm said it was company policy not to reveal the number of passengers affected, but one contacted the Daily Echo to say that he understood as many as 250 had contracted the bug.

The eight-day cruise to the Norwegian fjords had begun in Southampton on May 3, but was forced to return to the city yesterday, one day ahead of schedule.

Passengers were informed about the outbreak on the evening of May 6, and Fred Olsen says it is offering compensation including a refund representative of one days’ cost of the cruise, a voucher and other “out of pocket” expenses.

The firm said the Balmoral had returned to Southampton one day early so it could be “systematically sanitized” ahead of her setting sail on a 13-day Madeira and Azores cruise this evening.

A spokesman said the illness, which is more contagious than the common cold and is spread by contact with surfaces and from person to person, lasts for about one or two days.

The spokesman added: “Fred. Olsen’s cruise ships meet, at all times, the highest safety, hygiene and health standards, and comply fully with the strict requirements and inspections of their Flag State, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and other relevant authorities.

“At Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, the health, safety and well-being of all our guests and crew is paramount, and we believe that our systems for preventing the spread of illness on board our ships are amongst the best within the industry.”

Cunard kicks off 175th anniversary celebrations

Posted on 5 May, 2015 by Spacejunkie2

By Phil Davies

Cunard kicked off its 175th anniversary celebrations in the UK by having its three ships arrive in Southampton at the same time on Sunday.Queen Mary 2 led sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria down Southampton Water and into the Solent.

The ships arrived in Southampton from their respective three-month world cruises.

They then set off on their summer season of transatlantic crossings, Mediterranean fly-cruises, Scandinavian and southern European sailings.

Commodore of the fleet, Christopher Rynd, said: “It is wonderful to be back in our homeport of Southampton.

“All three Queens have just completed their world cruises and now we are sailing out in procession, into the Solent.

“What a glorious way to start our 175 anniversary celebrations.”

The three vessels will meet again in Cunard’s original home of Liverpool on May 25 as part of a weekend of celebrations which is expected to attract up to one million spectators, according to local reports.

Southampton cruise terminal opens following major refurbishment

Posted on 27 April, 2015 by Spacejunkie2

By Phil Davies

Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal has reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment in time for the summer sailing season.The terminal now features a revamped open plan interior, with expanded security, check in and passenger reception areas.

More than 200 staff have been working on the renovation over the winter. Other improvements to the terminal include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a redesign of the drop-off and pick-up area.

Port operator ABP Southampton said the project was critical to ensure Southampton retains its title as Europe’s leading cruise turnaround Port amidst a predicted rise in passengers.

An increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Carnival Group, are expecting passenger volume to increase by 25% at Southampton over the next two years.

Carnival UK port service and government affairs director, Steven Young, said: “The Carnival cruise business at Southampton continues to go from strength to strength and with the introduction of new larger ships such as P&O Cruises’ Britannia, it is important that improvement to the cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace.

“With the reopened Mayflower terminal we aim to keep this as free flowing and stressless as possible.

“The improved passenger lounge, together with increased check in and security areas will allow us to ensure just that and give our customers passing through Southampton the very best passenger experience with reduced congestion.”

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh, added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port but, as always, we will never rest on our laurels. We are committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of four in Southampton and handles calls by ships such as Queen Mary 2, Ventura and newly launched Britannia.

Moe than 280 of Southampton’s 440 cruise ship calls to the port are by brands within the Carnival Group.