Southampton cruise liner crippled after engine problems (From Daily Echo)
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Aurora stuck in New Zealand after propulsion problem
12:31pm Tuesday 10th March 2009 in Search
Aurora in Sydney
SOUTHAMPTON cruise ship Aurora is languishing alongside the quayside in Auckland, New Zealand, crippled by a problem with the vessel's propulsion system.
The P&O Cruises' vessel, with 1,736 passengers on board, has been tied up since last Friday as emergency work on a thrust bearing has been undertaken.
Aurora, which is in the middle of her annual world cruise, is now expected to depart from New Zealand tomorrow evening.
A number of ports-of-call have been dropped from the ship's itinerary owing to her enforced stay in Auckland and the need for Aurora to take the most direct course to Honolulu, Hawaii. Following this it is anticipated that the itinerary will continue as scheduled to San Francisco and onwards to Southampton.
Passengers will receive a compensation package from P&O Cruises including a payment of £500 and refund of the cost of four days cruising, missed while the ship was in Auckland.
A spokesman for P&O Cruises in Southampton said today: "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."
