A pod propulsion malfunction in Athens may be no easier to explain than a wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl, but the fallout (excuse the pun) is certain to be more positive. The Seven Seas Voyager, one-third of the Regent fleet, had to cancel a Mediterranean cruise yesterday because of the pod propulsion problem, leaving about 700 guests high and dry.
Well, not really. The next time you hear somebody complaining about how cruise lines don’t do the right thing when the unexpected occurs, remember Regent’s response to this one. According to the skilled reporters at Cruise Critic, here’s what passengers were to receive:
1. Use of the Voyager as a floating hotel until tomorrow, when it leaves Athens to go into drydock for repairs
2. Complimentary shore excursions in and around Athens
3. A full refund (or comparable booking on the Mariner or Navigator, the other two-thirds of the fleet)
4. Flights home for everybody
5. Other forms of compensation that were still being finalized
The Voyager’s next curtain call is 10 days after it goes into drydock, and there’s no word yet on whether it will make it to Venice on time. After reading all this, you can be sure Regent’s passengers won’t be losing any sleep over it.
Now, since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…