It seems an eternity since we left Dubai and headed for the Red Sea. Allegedly we are now in the Red Sea but with no sight of land, we could be anywhere!
We continue to limp along on one engine - the starboard propulsion unit is still out of action. The Captain has stopped making reassuring broadcasts and the TV channel showing our progress (like on a QF flight to London) has been turned off! The cargo (passengers) is becoming mutinous! Our immediate aim is to take our place in the transit of the Suez canal - at the expense of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Luxor.
Once we get through the Canal - if they will allow us to transit with only one propulsion unit - the rest of the cruise will have to be reconsidered. The cruise cannot continue on one engine (if the other goes we could be out here all night!) - the itinerary would become a shambles.
If the ship needs to be docked for repairs, the cruise is over. Where this happens (hint - it was built in Italy), then cascades into a series of unlikely options. Is there a replacement ship? How long will the repairs take. Is the cruise cancelled? What compensation is offered to 2000 passengers. My back of envelope calculation of passenger fares for the world cruise is around $50 million. There is a lot at stake!
Meanwhile the Captain is silent and I await Australia's encounter with Ghana.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment