Passengers slam 'diabolical' cruise

12 April 2012

A cruise ship has returned to the UK after a torrid journey where the vessel was caught in hurricanes, turned away from ports and a man died.

The ship, the MV Athena, arrived in Falmouth, Cornwall, after a 24-day Atlantic cruise that customers have said was "diabolical".

They missed ports that were on the holiday programme, were turned away from others and have said they are "angry and frustrated".

In September a 70-year-old man, thought to be from Sark in the Channel Islands, died after falling down steps during a storm. His body was taken off the ship in Halifax, Canada.

Jim Kiddie from Aberdeen said: "We are leaving this ship angry, exhausted, bitter and frustrated."

MV Athena set sail from Falmouth on September 10 for St John's, Newfoundland in Canada.

The first port was missed due to the weather conditions and, following the death, the ship went straight to Halifax, Nova Scotia, therefore missing the second scheduled destination, Sydney in Nova Scotia.

They were also delayed by local authorities at Bar Harbour, Maine, and refused entry in Boston before getting to New York earlier than planned.

Richard Ford, managing director of Gloucester-based cruise operator Travelscope, said: "I do sincerely apologise for problems that people have had.

"To have a death happen is a tragedy. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a coroner came on board in Halifax and were happy with the vessel and the safety arrangements. They hit a hurricane in the Atlantic and the Master of the vessel slowed down for the comfort of the passengers, which had a knock-on effect."

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