Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
13 September 2012 09:34
The Cunard cruise liner the Queen Victoria arrives at Southampton docks after construction in Venice
A 16-night Mediterranean cruise had to be cancelled after a passenger ship suffered a mechanical failure. The Queen Victoria was due to set sail from Southampton on October 3, but will instead now travel to Germany for emergency repairs. One of the propulsion units on the 2,014-berth liner failed, reducing its operating speed by as much as 10%.
Launched in 2007, the Queen Victoria suffered the propulsion failure during another Mediterranean cruise, but Cunard insisted the passengers on board were not in any danger. Nevertheless, the case underlines the importance of travellers investing in cruise travel insurance, in case of interrupted cruises, lost possessions or medical emergencies.
Customers due to sail on the cancelled cruise have been offered a place on an alternative trip or a full refund, as well as a 15% discount on a future cruise, operator Cunard said. The 2,014-passenger ship was due to embark on the 16-night Adriatic Discovery voyage, with plans to visit Cadiz, Katakolon, Corfu, Split, Venice, Dubrovnik and Malaga. Cunard president and managing director Peter Shanks said: "We are doing all we can to minimise the impact on our passengers and to help everyone affected find suitable alternative holidays."
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
[more...]
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?