Friday, April 3, 2009

Regent Seven Seas Voyager Temporarily Out of Service for Repairs

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) has confirmed that it is necessary to cancel the upcoming April 18th and May 8th cruises of the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager in order to make the necessary repairs to one of its pod propulsion units. The starboard propulsion unit became entangled with a fishing net on or about March 18th after departure from Singapore and subsequently experienced a mechanical failure which resulted in the shutdown of the pod. While this in no way compromises the ship’s safety or seaworthiness, the damaged propulsion unit substantially reduces the vessel’s cruising speed, thus impeding the ability to operate its scheduled itineraries.

Following thorough inspections in Cochin, India and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it has been determined that the extent of the damage is greater than originally anticipated and the ship must be dry-docked to facilitate the necessary repairs. Seven Seas Voyager will now be withdrawn from service upon arrival in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on April 18. Arrangements will be made to transport all guests back to their city of origin, including the shipping of luggage, from Rome.

Guests on the April 18th voyage from Istanbul and the May 8th voyage from Fort Lauderdale and their travel agents are being informed of these cancellations. All guests will be offered a variety of options which may include re-accommodation on an alternative RSSC voyage or voyages or a full refund. Specific re-accommodation details and refund offers for each sailing will be sent in a separate letter to guests and their travel agents and dedicated team of Regent Seven Seas cruise specialists will be contacting all affected guests and agents. A special toll-free number, 877-505-5632, has been established to answer questions and provide details to those guests and agents with reservations on these sailings.

Seven Seas Voyager is expected to return to service on May 21st.

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