PASSENGERSbooked on a 12-day Norwegian Dream cruise have been offered a compensation package including a full refund, a free cruise and out-of-pocket expenses by Norwegian Cruise Line.
The ship’s bow and one bridge wing were damaged in a collision with a cargo ship in the English Channel as it was sailing to Dover at the end of last week.
Some customers arriving for the next cruise were put up on board and given complimentary dinner.
NCL said agent commissions for the cancelled voyage were fully protected, and a further $75 per person would be paid if clients re-booked.
As Travel Weekly went to press it was still unclear how many further cruises would have to be cancelled while Norwegian Dream is repaired, or what compensation would be paid to passengers. The cause of the collision is unknown.
Passenger Shipping Association director Bill Gibbons said: “Temporarily this will hit NCL in terms of the cruises that are lost but I don’t think it will affect its image.
“When there was a fire on board Carnival Ecstasy there were dramatic pictures but it didn’t affect Carnival’s image.”