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01 March 2012 09:33
The Costa Allegra cruise ship has been disabled by an engine fire since Monday (AP)
A cruise firm has claimed that more than 1,000 passengers and crew on board a ship disabled by a fire face "no lack of food and other comfort items" as they are towed to the Seychelle Islands through waters prowled by pirates.
The Costa Allegra was hit by a blaze in the generator room on Monday, which has left its air conditioning, engines and lights with no power. The ship is being taken to the island of Mahe and is expected to arrive on Thursday, when passengers will be able to disembark for home and start making claims on their cruise travel insurance.
Fresh food, phones and flashlights have been delivered to the ship by helicopter. Ship owner Costa Crociere said in a statement: "The speed of the ship, despite the hot and humid climate, creates a slight breeze that helps make the situation more comfortable."
Officials for the firm, which is owned by Florida-based Carnival Corporation, had originally announced that the stricken vessel would be taken to Descroches, a smaller island in the Seychelles, but later changed it to Mahe for logistical and safety reasons.
The Costa Allegra is the sister ship of the Costa Concordia, which sank off the coast of Italy after capsizing, resulting in the death of 32 people.
23 June 2017
The fall in the value of the pound could pose a shock to British holidaymakers this summer, a currency expert has warned.
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22 June 2017
Britons have been warned that they could be banned from all-inclusive holidays unless they stop making bogus food poisoning claims.
21 June 2017
Holidaymakers could save themselves money by opting for self-catering breaks this summer, a report has shown.
20 June 2017
From trips abroad to days out closer to home, the school holidays can be a costly time for families.
17 June 2017
Debit and credit card charges are causing holidaymakers to "waste" more than £100 million each year, a new report has warned.
16 June 2017
Aggressive and potentially lethal prostate cancer could be detected more quickly thanks to a simple blood test, scientists have revealed.
15 June 2017
Many holidaymakers are over-estimating the benefits offered by European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), a new study warns.
14 June 2017
British holidaymakers will benefit from the end of mobile roaming charges this week.
13 June 2017
UK holidaymakers could face higher costs in the months ahead following the collapse in the pound, the owner of a major travel firm has warned.
10 June 2017
Holidaymakers planning trips abroad in the coming days will be monitoring the progress of the pound closely following the surprise general election result.
09 June 2017
Family holidays to traditional hotspots like Menorca and Ibiza could end up costing more than far-flung destinations such as Orlando, Thailand and Bali, surprising new research suggests.
08 June 2017
Two of Europe's major budget airlines enjoyed strong passenger growth last month, as the summer holiday season got under way.