Cruise industry sails into choppy waters

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.