Stuck in Belfast: Round-the-World Cruise Passengers Left Waiting
Passengers Disembark Due to Maintenance Issues
Round-the-world cruise passengers on the Marella Explorer 2, some of whom have spent up to £680,000 on their three-year trip, have been left stranded in Belfast after maintenance issues delayed their departure by more than a month. Several guests are reported to be “livid,” having already spent upwards of eight months on board.
Months of Frustration and Financial Strain
The ship was originally scheduled to leave Belfast on January 10th, but its departure has been repeatedly postponed due to ongoing technical difficulties. Speaking to BBC News, one passenger said, “We’ve been waiting here for weeks, and it’s starting to take its toll. We’ve had to pay for extra accommodation and food, and some of us have even had to take unpaid leave from work.”
The cruise operator, TUI UK, has apologized for the inconvenience and offered passengers a refund of 50% of their fare, as well as a £200 onboard credit. However, this has done little to appease the frustrated passengers, who say they have lost trust in the company.
Ongoing Investigations and Unspecified Repairs
TUI UK has stated that the delays are due to “essential maintenance” work, but has yet to provide specific details about the nature of the repairs. The company has also not been able to provide a new departure date, leaving passengers in limbo.
Some passengers have expressed concerns that the ship may not be safe to sail. One passenger told the Belfast Telegraph, “We’ve heard rumors that the ship has failed several safety inspections. We just want to get off this ship and get our money back.”
Dispute Resolution and Legal Action
TUI UK has said that it is working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and has offered to fly passengers home if they wish. However, some passengers have already begun exploring legal action against the company.
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