Cunard Cancels Queen Victoria’s Oct. 3 Cruise Due to Propulsion Problem

Cunard has canceled the Queen Victoria’s Oct. 3 cruise so it can repair the vessel’s propulsion system. The canceled cruise is a 16-night “Adriatic Discovery Voyage.” Passengers and are offered an alternative Cunard sailing or a full refund, along with an additional 15 percent future cruise credit.

“Although there are no safety issues relating to this maintenance, it does preclude the ship achieving the speeds required to deliver the voyage itinerary and therefore it is necessary to take the ship out of service for a short period,” Cunard said in a statement.

The ship will enter a dry dock in Bremerhaven, Germany, for the repairs. It will return to service on Oct. 17 with a new two-night voyage from Southampton. Queen Victoria then is expected to depart Oct. 19 as scheduled on a 23-night Caribbean voyage.

“We are very sorry to disrupt our passengers’ travel plans,” said Cunard President Peter Shanks said.  “We are doing all we can to minimize the impact on our passengers and to help everyone affected find suitable alternative holidays.”

Before undergoing repairs Oct. 3, the ship will sail current voyages at slightly lower speeds, which will mean changes to one port on scheduled itineraries (the substitution of Oporto for Vigo). Passengers have been informed.

Queen Victoria’s Oct. 3 voyage was due to sail round-trip from Southampton and call at Cadiz, Katakolon, Corfu, Split, Venice, Dubrovnik and Malaga.