December 13, 2010 3:35 PM
Royal Caribbean International will refund cruise fares to passengers onboard Brilliance of the Seas, which listed during a severe storm Dec. 12 as it approached Alexandria, Egypt. The company is also giving them an onboard credit of $200 per stateroom and $400 per suite.
As the ship continues its voyage, Royal Caribbean continues to assess the incident. About 30 passengers were injured, mostly bumps and bruises, although two guests suffered fractures. The medical facility onboard is fully operational and caring for guests.
The company said the severe ship movement caused damage to some public areas and a loss of electricity in some staterooms. Aesthetic damages to the ship’s interior forced the closure of three public venues for the remainder of the sailing -- the beauty salon, video arcade and disco. “There has been no impact to the ship’s operating systems or engines, and the ship continues to be fully seaworthy,” the company said.
During the approach to Alexandria, the ship experienced extreme wind and sea conditions, including heavy seas and 70 knot winds, nearly double what had been forecasted.
Brilliance of the Seas did not call at Alexandria and instead proceeded to the next port of call, Valetta, Malta, where it will arrive at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The ship will conclude its sailing in Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 17, as scheduled. Subsequent cruises will sail as scheduled and the ship will not require a dry dock, as repairs are under way.
“Royal Caribbean understands that this has been a frightening experience for our guests and crew, and our officers and crew onboard Brilliance of the Seas will make every effort to ensure that the remainder of the cruise is as enjoyable as possible,” the company said in a statement.
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