Southampton cruise ship Aurora, pictured, crippled by a problem with its propulsion system, is expected to leave New Zealand after emergency repairs are finished today.
The P&O Cruises’ vessel, with 1,736 passengers on board, has been tied up in Auckland since last Friday while a team of engineers work on a malfunctioning thrust bearing, which forced Aurora to disrupt the itinerary of her present round-the-world cruise.
Passengers will receive a compensation package from P&O including a payment of £500 and a refund of the cost of four days’ cruising.
“Throughout Aurora’s time in New Zealand complimentary shore excursions have been arranged, passengers enjoyed the facility of a free bar and a group of entertainers was flown out from the UK to join the ship,’’ said a spokesman.
A number of stops in the South Pacific have now been dropped so Aurora can take the most direct course to Honolulu from where she is expected to continue as scheduled to San Francisco and then on to Southampton.
Aurora is due back on Monday, April 13, before leaving again on a 21-night voyage to the Caribbean.
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