Cruise and Maritime’s Columbus Ship Cancels Cruise

Cruise and Maritime ship Columbus departed from Amsterdam on Friday and was sailing to the Norwegian Fjords when trouble stuck.

It was reported the 1300+ passenger vessel was hit by a foreign object, however after some investigation and inspections by surveyors and divers she was cleared to sail.

The ship then developed a “technical issue” and was forced to return to port in the Netherlands.

Cruise and Maritime said “that this is not anything which placed the safety of any passengers or crew at risk”.

There was no mention of any reported ‘foreign object’ hitting the vessel, however it is thought to be the cause of the ‘technical issue’.

The cruise line added: “This technical issue prevented Columbus from continuing on her Majestic Fjordland itinerary and meant that Columbus has returned to Ijmuiden (Netherlands) for further checks and repairs.

“Arrangements for all passengers to travel back to the UK and elsewhere have been made.”

Passengers that were on board will be offered full refunds for their inconvenience, and further more another free cruise for up to 7 nights in the same category as they originally booked. Any passengers who wish to travel for longer than 7 nights will be offered a discount on additional nights.

“For cruises longer than seven nights in duration, CMV is pleased to offer a discount on the current fares when booked up to the value of the fare paid for the original booking,” the company said.

“Any necessary out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the incident will also be refunded by CMV.

“CMV would like to apologise for the disruption caused and will ensure all passengers are kept fully informed.

“The health and safety of all passengers and crew is of paramount importance to Cruise & Maritime Voyages.”

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