Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
17 May 2011 09:19
The cruise ship MSC Opera suffered a power failure off the coast of Sweden (AP)
Hundreds of British passengers have had their Baltic cruise holiday cut short after the ship they were travelling on suffered a power failure.
Passengers were set to return home from Sweden on Monday after the MSC Opera suffered a series of electrical problems.
Tugs were sent to rescue the cruise ship on Sunday after one of its engines exploded.
The stricken vessel was then towed through the Baltic sea with 2,000 people on board.
While passengers have been given a credit voucher for the full amount paid, the incident highlights the importance of taking out cruise travel insurance to cover any such trip.
The ship, which usually sails every 10 days from Southampton, had no power, "very poor hygiene" and its bathrooms were "inoperable", according to Tim Schwabedissen from shipping website vesseltracker.com.
After the explosion on Friday, the captain tried to continue the voyage with the one remaining main engine but "this failed", Mr Schwabedissen said.
"On May 15 tugs were called to pull the vessel to Visby where the battered vessel was due to arrive May 16 morning," he added.
"Meanwhile a team from MSC Cruises was sent to Sweden to assist the passengers."
MSC was unavailable to clarify the situation but issued a statement saying there were "technical problems to an electrical panel".
It said the ship was diverted towards the port of Nynashamn, Sweden, where it was due to arrive at 11am.
"Not being able to offer to its guests the usual standards of service, MSC is organising the repatriation of all guests from Stockholm," it said in a statement.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.