It’s almost 2018 and, just like at the end of any other year, it only seems right to take a look back at the events of the last 12 months (and for cruising, it’s been a memorable one).
We’ve seen countless new ships emerge onto the seas, Brexit change the value of the pound, the first women’s-only cruise, a submarine emerge that takes you to the wrecks of Titanic, cruises to Cuba make a breakthrough before taking another setback, the first ever cruise line for youngsters launched, the election of a new US President scare holidaymakers for good, and cruise lines bounce back from some really shocking obstacles.
Having briefly overviewed 2017, it’s safe to say us cruisers are kept on our toes- but would we have it any other way? It’s time to vote for the most shocking news story of the year (even the ones that have slipped your mind…)
January 2017
Heartache As British Line Cancels 2017 Cruises Before Closing For Good Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery told 300 passengers booked on various New Year voyages that they would be cancelled ‘due to operational reasons’.
Both cruise lines were owned by the All Leisure Group, a long established firm, that were forced to announced that it had ceased trading after offloading a number of its brands.
At the time it was reported that the lines had 400 passengers overseas, all of whom would be repatriated by the CAA, aswell as 7,000 forward bookings.
April 2017
EXCLUSIVE: NCl Announce They’re Going Completely All-Inclusive! NCL announced their all-inclusive approach which would give passengers a premium drinks package and all gratuities included in the price.
This was a first in all of NCL’s history and it was revealed that it was worth up to £1200 per cabin based on two people sharing on a 7 night fly cruise!
In a time when more cruises were pushing up the prices, it was a surprise move from NCL that was welcomed by cruise fans!
August 2017
Pirate Attack Brings Princess Cruise To A Halt! Guests onboard Sea Princess were subject to a dusk-till-dawn blackout by the captain following a ‘pirate threat’.
Guests were told: “No lights, no party atmosphere, no lapping up tropical breezes on their balconies. Bright lights, which normally signal the presence of the Sea Princess on the ocean, were dimmed or turned off altogether.”
Passengers commented ‘this pirate threat was not something to be joked about’; the captain even shamed the residents of three cabins who refused to take part.
November 2017
P&O Unveil New Watertight Rules Limiting Dress Codes & Alcohol Onboard P&O imposed a new rule that prohibits offensive clothing and places restrictions on the amount of alcohol brought onboard.
Each passenger aged 18 or older is now allowed to bring only one bottle of wine, Champagne, beer, spirits or liqueur up to 1 litre during initial embarkation.
It also included a ban on custom group clothing with personal photos or slogans, as well as clothing with offensive messages and fancy dress outside of designated theme nights, which could include 60s, 70s, tropical, Western or black and white.
What did you vote for as the most shocking news story of the year? Was there a different cruise story that shocked you more or did our poll remind you of events you’d completely forgotten? Leave us your comments!
Your 2017 Poll Roundup: Cruisers’ Stances On All Things Travel It wouldn’t be the real cruising world without hearing the verdict of our holidaymakers on all-things-cruising; from the seriously controversial to…
