Viking Star Stuck In Port Due To Engine Problem
UPDATE:
Cruise Hive has had a response from Viking Cruises and we’ve been told that “mechanical issue is related to the electric transformers in one part of the ship’s propulsion system.” The cruise line also stated “engineers are working onboard, but because repairs are expected to continue through the weekend, Viking has decided to cancel the remaining portion of this cruise.”
The cruise line has offered guests the option to go home on Vikings expense from Tallinn, Estonia or continue to Bergen, Norway. All guests onboard have will also receive compensation for the cancelled cruise. Viking Cruises has not yet decided if the next voyage which departs Bergen, Norway on August 7th will be affected.
PREVIOUSLY:
There are many discussions online and reports of the Viking Star being stuck in port due to an engine problem since Wednesday July 29th.
Cruise Hive has not yet received a response from Viking Ocean Cruises but what we do know and according to Cruise Law News the 47,800 gross ton luxury cruise ship had some kind of mechanical failure related to the propulsion system. It apparently happened as the ship was sailing towards Tallinn, Estonia.
Passengers onboard are worried that the 14-Day Viking Homelands cruise is over and many ports of calls will be cancelled. In fact the ship has been stuck in Tallinn for 3 days and has already missed Gdynia, Poland and Warnemunde, Germany. With no fix in sight there is a possibility of all port calls being cancelled and the vessel just sailing back to Bergen in Norway.
One member on the Cruise Critic Message Boards who has friends onboard the ship posted the following:
I received an email this morning from friends on board. Viking has been waiting for a part. They were told that expected departure from Tallinn will be Mon or Tuesday and that the Star will sail directly to Bergen, bypassing all ports scheduled prior. They also told me that Viking is working to come up with options for the 918 passengers on board – including it sounds like the ability to disembark & travel home or stay on board. I did get the impression that a large number of passengers are looking at going elsewhere or home.
I feel so bad for all on board – yes the Star is a beautiful ship with a fantastic crew, but this is a huge change of itinerary. I sure hope that some good solutions and options are presented to all. And quickly.The 930 passenger Viking Star is a new ship which made its debut in April 2015. The ship is Viking Cruises first entrant into the ocean cruise market. Viking Star is scheduled to arrive in Bergen, Norway on August 7th and then it will sail a 25-Day Scandinavia to Spain cruise but no word yet if there will be any further delay.
We’ll update this post once Viking Ocean Cruises respond to us.
Source:http://www.cruisehive.com/viking-star-stuck-in-port-due-to-engine-problem/7614