SINGAPORE \u2013 After waiting overnight for a five-day, four-night cruise to start from Singapore, passengers on board the Disney Adventure had to disembark on May 8 as a mechanical issue caused the voyage to be cancelled. <\/p>\n
The ship was scheduled to depart from Marina Bay Cruise Centre on May 7, with passengers starting to board just before noon.<\/p>\n
In response to queries from The Straits Times on May 8, a Disney spokesperson said the voyage was halted because its team was still addressing the mechanical issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe apologise to our guests and are working with them directly to provide support for their travel needs,\u201d the spokesperson added.<\/p>\n
Based on the account of a Straits Times photojournalist who was on the ship, passengers were informed by the captain and cruise director over the public announcement system at around 2.30pm on May 8 that the sailing was aborted. They were told to prepare to disembark over the next few hours.<\/p>\n
Until the announcement was made, the provision of food and entertainment like performances had gone on uninterrupted. <\/p>\n
The announcement said all guests will receive a full refund, including for unused portions of any prepaid packages, such as photography and on-board Wi-Fi. <\/p>\n
They will also be given a one-night hotel stay in Singapore with transfer, and up to US$500 (S$630) for each stateroom booked to cover other incidental costs incurred because of the cruise\u2019s cancellation. For those who travelled from overseas, the flight change fees will be covered.<\/p>\n
All guests will be entitled as well to a 50 per cent discount for their next cruise booking. <\/p>\n Passengers on board the Disney Adventure on May 8.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The Disney Adventure is US-based Disney Cruise Line\u2019s eighth and largest ship, with a capacity of up to 6,700 passengers, 20 decks and seven themed areas. <\/p>\n Based on the Disney Cruise Line website, a four-night cruise on the Disney Adventure from Singapore to nowhere for two is priced from US$1,430. This includes accommodation, access to performances, movie screenings, meals and usage of facilities like the pool and the kids\u2019 club.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>