Devon cruises off as Balmoral damaged
IT’S one of the most popular pastimes for families during the summer months, but cruises from Wales to Devon have been postponed after the M V Balmoral was damaged.
The famous cruise liner runs a summer season from a number of ports in Wales, including Penarth and Porthcawl, across the Bristol Channel to Devon.
But sailings have now been cancelled as the ship’s propeller has been damaged by rope. The company which runs the M V Balmoral – White Funnel – hopes it will be fixed in time for an evening music cruise from Penarth on Wednesday, August 23.
The sailings that have been cancelled include Penarth to Ilfracombe on Wednesday, August 23.
The company has issued the following statement: “We regret to announce that we have had to cancel our sailings until August 23rd due to a rope being caught up in the propeller last Saturday, resulting in some damage.
“An underwater assessment in Bristol has shown the seal needs to be replaced, and for this to take place the ship has to go to dry dock in Sharpness.
“We hope to return to service for the evening sailing from Penarth on Wednesday, August 23, for our music cruise, departing at 7.45pm.
“The company is now hoping to extend its sailing season by an extra week in October to give our Bristol Channel passengers opportunity to transfer to another cruise. Details will be announced by the end of August.
“All pre-booked passengers are welcome to transfer to an alternative sailing of any value or within any regional sailing of the MV Balmoral.”