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Viking cruise cut short due to engine failure
Viking Cruises has been forced to cut short a cruise on its first ocean-going ship Viking Star after the vessel suffered engine problems, leaving it stuck in Estonia.
Passengers booked on the next cruise, due to leave Bergen on Saturday, claim they have been told it has been delayed until August 11, when it will depart from Copenhagen, but a Viking spokesperson said this was not the case.
"The departure date is still the same. We are currently getting in contact will all guests affected and until we have spoken to all of our guests, we are unable to provide any further details," she said.
The 930-passenger ship lost power in an engine last week and was forced to wait in Tallin until today for a new part to arrive. It had visited just three of the 11 ports on its Viking Homelands itinerary.
Passengers who were stuck in the Baltic port were given the option of waiting to continue their cruise to Bergen or to fly home from Tallin.
However, there was some delay in getting flights due to the lack of availability from Tallin airport.
In the meantime, Viking has arranged free cruise excursions for passengers in the Baltic port and continued to provide the usual onboard service.
Those affected are believed to have been offered a 50% refund for their cruise and 50% off a future cruise with Viking.
The Viking Star entered service in April as Viking’s first foray into ocean cruising.
In a statement, the cruise line said: "This specific mechanical issue is highly unusual, and all guests will receive compensation for the inconvenience."
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Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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