Holiday plans of thousands ruined as cruises cancelled

P&O's superliner Pacific Jewel / supplied Source: Supplied

THOUSANDS of Australians have had their holiday plans ruined, with P&O Cruises forced to cancel two upcoming cruises on its Pacific Jewel liner due to engine problems.

The Melbourne Cup cruise, due to leave Sydney on Saturday, and a 14-night cruise to Fiji due to depart Sydney on November 13, were both cancelled because of a faulty propulsion system.

Last week it cancelled its 11-night Pacific Sunsets cruise to Vanuatu and Noumea, on which 2000 people were to travel.

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said the fault in the liner’s propulsion system was so rare that technical experts believed the equipment involved was expected to last a lifetime of use.

“We examined the possibility of a partial repair that would have allowed Pacific Jewel to continue her cruise schedule but only under operating restrictions,” she said.

“However, we have taken what we believe is the responsible course and in the best interests of passenger safety and security by temporarily withdrawing Pacific Jewel from service so a fuller repair can be carried out.

“Any decision to cancel a cruise is deeply regretted because of the disappointment it involves for passengers.”

P&O apologised to passengers for “the unavoidable cancellation'' and has offered a full refund of their cruise fare and a 25 per cent credit on a future P&O Cruises’ booking booked and deposited before December 31 for cruises which depart before March 31, 2011.

The company said there was still some room on its cruises and it would work hard to find alternative dates for people.

Passengers are also entitled to claim for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses caused by the cancellation of the cruise.

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