Unexpected Drydock Forces Cruise Cancellations by Seabourn

Seabourn Cruise line announced last week that one of its ships, the “SEABOURN VENTURE” will be going to drydock for making repairs to the ship’s stabilizers. This has forced the Cruise line to cancel three cruises that were scheduled on the ship from April 7th to April 30th. The ship is going to T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy for the drydock.

The SEABOURN VENTURE is a relatively new ship, setting its first sail in July 2022. However, complaints from passengers started pouring in from December 2022 regarding uncomfortable journeys on the ship. The problem was attributed to the ship’s stabilizers which was not working as intended.

Stabilizers are fin-like structures on the sides of the ship. They help in reducing the sideways movement of the ship. They help improve the ship’s stability and maneuverability, particularly in rough weather conditions. Seabourn stated that this was never a safety issue and that stabilizers are solely for lessening the ship’s movement in rough seas and are added for the comfort of the passengers.

The three canceled cruises were, a 9-day cruise sailing along the Amazon river on April 7th, a 12-day cruise from Manaus, Brazil to Cape Verde starting on April 16th, and a 14-day cruise from Cape Verde to Greenwich, UK, starting on April 28th.

Passengers affected by the cancellation of the cruises will receive a full refund. This includes refunds for flights, hotels, transfers, onboard amenities, shore excursions, and other non-cruise purchases. Seabourn will also reimburse some traditionally non-refundable expenses such as air change fees that were incurred by the guests. In addition, Seabourn is also offering a 25% Bonus future credit redeemable on any of Seabourn’s voyages sailing by December 31st, 2023.