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Today (2nd May) P&O's brand new Aurora left Southampton on her maiden cruise. But only after 18 hours she 'broke down' of the coast of France.
Unfortunately, the cruise was cancelled and 1800 passengers were flown home. The problem was that of an overheating propeller shaft.
(This is yet more evidence to avoid maiden voyages)
Happier Times! (From www.bbc.co.uk - news)
Malcolm, London
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 05-02-2000).]
Thanks
I have received the following information from passengers on board:
Quote:
Hi Everyone.What can I say??? We are now passing the Isle of Wight on our way back to Southampton. Don't be deterred. it is a beautiful ship and you should try and get on her as soon as you can.I hope to be on the next cruise but who knows???? It has been fun and the crew are as disappointed as we are. Just left Masquerades at 3 am and it is still going strong. A good ship with a fantastic crew.
Unquote....
It is disappointing to say the least for all the passengers on board, I am in touch with three of the passengers so this is the latest information.
Also the maiden voyage left on Monday 1st May, at 1800 hours.
A £200m P&O cruise liner is back at berth in Southampton after breaking down just 18 hours into her maiden voyage. The Aurora left Southampton on Monday just days after being formally named by the Princess Royal in a glittering ceremony.
Gwyn Hughes, managing director of P&O Cruises, told a news conference at theMayflower Cruise terminal in Southampton: "We're gutted. We're obviously disappointed, but not as disappointed as the passengers who were on board."
Captain Steve Burgoine, master of the Aurora, added: "Embarrassing is the wrong word, but it is very disappointing."
It appears that a propeller shaft bearing overheated, making it impossible for the76,000-tonne ship to continue her two-week cruise of Mediterranean resorts.
"The situation is totally unforeseen as all the necessary rigorouschecks and tests were completed satisfactorily before Aurora entered service.
The Aurora was formally named by the Princess Royal in a spectacular quayside ceremony last week. Unfortunately, champagne released by the Princess to break on the ship did not shatter - traditionally considered a bad omen by seafarers.
Just goes to show you....bad things can and DO happen.
Southampton is the home port of P&O's ships and Cunard's QE2. The Norway also used the QE2 terminal each summer, until recently. The QE2 terminal is very near the Titanic's original departure point.
Picture: Looking across the Ocean Dock to the Quay where Titanic departed. Titanic Memorial, Southampton Docks. Placed near ship's departure point.
Pictures borrowed from, and more info on Southampton and the Titanic connection, see: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/visitguide/ex.htm
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 05-03-2000).]
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