WHAT was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime turned to bitter disappointment for two Mandurah women on the weekend.
Booked to cruise on the Sea Princess, Gloria Lilly and Cheryl Poultney had boarded and settled in for the journey when an announcement was made their trip had been cancelled.
Already in the news following an ill-fated Singapore cruise which left scores of passengers sick, Princess Cruises was again forced to refund fares to passengers after a ‘technical difficulty’ left cruisers stranded.
In a statement provided to passengers, Princess Cruises explained the problem with the ship’s crank shaft meant they were only able to operate at half speed.
While being repaired in Fremantle another issue was identified.
“As the safety of our guests and crew is always our absolute priority, we have determined that the technical issues must be addressed immediately,” the statement read.
“The current voyage has been cancelled…”
It wasn’t what the local travellers wanted to hear, but they bear no ill will towards the cruise company.
“Of course we were disappointed,” Mrs Lilly said.
“We were devastated.
“But there’s no hard feelings.”
The intrepid pair said they had saved every penny to take the cruise to celebrate Mrs Lilly’s 60th birthday, but bad luck had followed them from the start with stops at Broome and Bali already cancelled before the ship left harbour.
A full refund was given to all travellers booked on the cruise and a ‘care team’ was dispatched to Fremantle to help guests find their way home.
“It was just one of those things,” Mrs Poultney said.
“We’re going to Bali now.
“Even if we have to parachute in, we will get there.”
Princess Cruises said they were hopeful the planned cruise would still take place but this would depend on the repair schedule.
They said guests would be kept informed of changes and updates.