Battle cruisers
Over 100 tourists to take legal action against Tui
More than 100 holidaymakers who had their cruise cancelled five days into a two-week break are set to launch a class legal action against travel giant Tui.
They were sent home early from the Caribbean cruise in January when the Marella Discovery 2 ship was hit with what were described as “technical issues” which affected the food and drink service.
More than 900 new passengers had joined the vessel at Montego Bay port in Jamaica for a cruise around the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Mexico and Jamaica and then heading to Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica before it was axed on the fifth day.
Dot Sayer, who saw her £ 4500 honeymoon with husband Iain Marr ruined, is one of the key organisers of the legal action against tour operator Tui, which runs Marella Cruises. It will include about 50 Scottish families and 60 from England who disembarked early.
Dot, 57, from Corstorphine in Edinburgh, said: “We are in talks with a lawyer at a top Scottish legal firm who says we’ve got a good case for a full refund as well as compensation.
“It’s now not about the money but the principle because of how we were treated. The ship holds 1800 people and half of them had to leave early.
“People spent a lot money, some more than we did. Some scrimped and saved for the trip of a lifetime, others used their pensions and others were celebrating very special occasions which were ruined. They’ve been robbed.
“The whole experience was horrendous. There was a lot of confusion, lack of communication, very little in the way of an apology and a long journey home that wasn’t straightforward.
“When I got back, I started a Facebook group for passengers affected. We carried out a poll in the group and there are about 50 Scottish families and 60 English families who will take action.”
Accounts manager Dot said customers have been offered a “pro rata” refund for the week that was cancelled as well as a £ 400 voucher each towards the cost of another cruise but said it’s not enough.
She added: “What they have said is their final offer isn’t enough to make up for what happened. It will depend on each case for how much they are paid but our lawyer says everyone should be entitled to a refund and compensation.”
After being told of the cancellation, Dot and Iain were returned to Montego Bay and then f lown to Manchester Airport, despite having f lown out from Glasgow.
They then endured an
eight- hour drive home – which was a total of 22 hours from leaving the ship.
According to its website, the Marella Discovery 2 is the lead ship of the Vision class of cruise ships originally operated by Roya l Car ibbean International and made its maiden voyage on May 16, 1995.
The ship can carry 2074 passengers and holds 918 cabins spread over 11 decks. It also has seven restaurants, seven bars and two pools.
Tui decl ined to comment when approached yesterday.