Cruise ship Oriana, whose progress in the past few days has been slowed by a fault in its propulsion system, is coming back early to Southampton for repairs.
Passengers will be given the opportunity to remain on board while the work is carried out.
Oriana left the UK on Saturday (February 15) but could not operate at normal speed because a propeller shaft bearing was overheating. P&O say that the problem had no impact on the ship’s safety, although its itinerary was amended.
The vessel, with about 1,800 passengers on board, was due to arrive in La Palma today but diverted instead to Madeira.
After an inspection of the fault, the decision was made to bring the 69,000-ton ship – launched in 1995 and the oldest in the fleet – back to the UK for repairs.
As well as completing their 14-night cruise with three days in Southampton, passengers will have the choice of a credit of 100 per cent of the fare paid against the cost of a future cruise this year or next, or taking a 40 per cent cash refund.
P&O Cruises director Christopher Edgington said: “Our decision to bring the ship back early has not been taken lightly and I am sorry that our customers’ holiday plans have been impacted. I hope that the compensation package we have announced will allow us to welcome all of our passengers back on a future Oriana cruise soon.”
Regal Princess, sister ship to Royal Princess which was named by Kate Middleton last year, has been impounded by an Italian court in a legal dispute over an injured shipyard worker.
The ship is in the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri yard near Trieste. A Princess Cruises spokeswoman said: “This is a matter for the shipyard and we fully expect the issue will be resolved without affecting the completion or delivery of Regal Princess.” The ship is due to enter service in May.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
I know my mum and dad won’t be the only one’s celebrating a special occasion but my mum and dad were so looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary (15/2/64). Dad was ill last year and my mum’s younger brother is terminally ill so this holiday was the only thing that was keeping them going!!!!!
Aww no, my mum and dad are on this cruise, we have had a txt to say they are ok but this has spoiled there holiday. They are celebrating there 50th wedding anniversary. Took them some time as well to save for this holiday. They will be well disappointed because they were looking forward to a nice break. Especially for this occasion.