THE
CRUISE industry has been hit by a trio of woes as Festival Cruises joined Royal
Olympia Cruises in having ships impounded, while Norwegian Cruise Line said the
launch of its Pride of America could be delayed for months following its
partial sinking.
Around
40 British passengers were affected when three Festival ships – Med-located
Mistral and European Stars and Caribbean-located European Vision – were
impounded last week after claims it defaulted on financial obligations to
shipbuilders Alstom. Festival said it was continuing negotiations with banks
and regretted any disruption to passengers.
Passenger
Shipping Association assistant director Bryony Coulson said it was “not good
news” for the industry but added it was fortunately a quiet time of year for
passenger
numbers.
Royal
Olympia Cruises continues to have four ships out of action pending a refinancing
deal. UK general manager Chris Lorenzo praised agents for showing “considerable
patience” and said it anticipated a speedy resolution.
Meanwhile,
NCL has put a contingency plan into place after announcing its Pride of America
vessel could be delayed “for months” following its German shipyard accident.
Norwegian Sky will be refitted and renamed Pride of
Aloha in May, months earlier than its planned October relaunch, and carry out
Pride of America sailings from July 4. Pride of America’s May and June sailings
have been cancelled.