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Mallorca: P&O ship with thousands of Britons onboard collides with tanker

Cruise vessel’s mooring ropes snapped in high winds, which blew liner into nearby oil transport ship off coast of Palma

A P&O cruise ship carrying thousands of British holidaymakers has crashed into an oil tanker off the coast of Palma in Mallorca after it snapped its moorings.

The Britannia was blown by gales towards the other vessel on Sunday after a storm battered the island in the Balearics. P&O said a small number of people had sustained minor injuries.

It was understood that 321 guests from the ship will be flying home early as it heads back to Southampton with a reduced number of people on board, as required by maritime law.

Ricky Stubbs, a passenger, said he and his children had been about to disembark when the crash happened.

“We were at the stairwell next to the sunset bar,” he said. “A loud crash came from the bar and the door flung open with people running in. Within seconds there was more crashing followed by chaos as people were trying to escape the onslaught of wind and rain.

“People were being ushered in by other guests and staff. You could clearly see some had injuries due to either falling over or debris flying around, and people were distraught.

“A couple of minutes later the captain came over the speaker asking all guest to return to their rooms until further instructions.”

Stubbs said the passengers had been told they would be staying overnight while the boat was moored up so the damage could be assessed.

“Huge respect for the captain and all the staff as they managed to stay calm and keep everyone updated,” he said. “The captain made announcements every 10-15 minutes once we were back in our cabins and they did a great job in a stressful situation.”

The £473m ship, which entered service in 2015, is the flagship of the P&O fleet.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: “On Sunday 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia was impacted by severe weather when alongside in Palma de Mallorca.

“Following inspections, our third-party surveyor has confirmed that one of Britannia’s lifeboats has sustained structural issues and cannot be repaired onboard.

“We are so sorry but these extraordinary circumstances mean that the ship is required, by maritime regulation, to return to Southampton with a reduced number of people onboard.

“A limited number of guests and crew on board have been advised that they will be leaving the ship and will be returned to Southampton (or their starting point) by flight and transfer. The guests remaining onboard will be able to enjoy the entertainment and activities scheduled for the remainder of their trip.”

Mallorca had been experiencing winds of 75mph and torrential rains, which caused sun loungers to be blown into the air. An amber weather alert was in place across the whole of the island and had been extended until midnight on Sunday.

The Tramuntana region and the north and north-east of the island were most likely to be affected, forecasters said.

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People injured after P&O cruise ship involved in 'weather-related incident' in Mallorca

It's reported that P&O ship Britannia, carrying thousands of travellers, crashed into a freight vessel on Sunday morning during severe storms.

Monday 28 August 2023 08:22, UK

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P&O Cruise passengers injured after 'weather-related' incident in Mallorca

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A 'small number' of passengers on a P&O cruise ship were injured after it struck an oil tanker in the Mediterranean

• A P&O cruise ship struck an oil tanker in Palma, Mallorca on Sunday following a storm. 
• The Britannia's moorings snapped in heavy winds and it drifted into the tanker.
• P&O said a "small number" of passengers had minor injuries and were receiving medical care. 

A P&O cruise ship carrying thousands of passengers struck an oil tanker in Mallorca after a storm hit the Mediterranean island. The vessel escaped its moorings and was blown into the tanker in Palma on Sunday by strong gusts of winds. 

"A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre," a P&O representative told Insider.  Passengers were taken off the Britannia while an assessment was carried out, but they were all now back on board and the captain had given passengers an update, the representative added. 

Graves destrozos en el Puerto de Palma tras el paso de la tormenta https://t.co/tmuX2HKA3Q pic.twitter.com/ngXJyJ4gKx — Crónica Balear (@CronicaBalear_) August 27, 2023

Winds blew the vessel into Piniente pier in Palma late Sunday morning, local news site Mallorca Diario reported. A video shared online shows the ship's moorings snapping off due to heavy winds. One passenger, Ricky Stubbs, told the Guardian that passengers came running inside escape the wind and rain after crashing sounds could be heard. "People were being ushered in by other guests and staff," Stubbs said. "You could clearly see some had injuries due to either falling over or debris flying around, and people were distraught." 

Another passenger shared videos on X of the ship guests waiting at the port terminal, which had debris from the storm outside.

Local outlet Crónica Balear also tweeted images from the cruise terminal that show damage caused by the storm, including broken windows and ceilings. 

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Mallorca weather forecast: Latest storms update and travel advice after P&O Britannia cruise ship crash

Spanish forecasters issued a warning to holidaymakers heading to the balearic islands, while valencia and catalonia were expecting severe weather.

Mallorca was hit with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain this weekend, forcing locals and holidaymakers to flee the area and take cover.

The emergency services in the Balearic Islands reported 84 storm-related incidents in Mallorca in the space of an hour on Sunday alone.

Tourists hoping to relax in the typically balmy conditions on the Spanish island instead watched gales batter buildings and topple trees, and hundreds of tourists were left stranded at Palma airport with little information on how to get home.

The violent storm followed the news of a crash aboard a P&O cruise ship near the island, where a small number of people are being treated for minor injuries.

Here’s what we know so far.

What happened to the cruise ship in the storms?

A cruise ship broke free from its moorings at 11am BST on Sunday in the Mallorca storm, crashing into a freight vessel.

Thunderstorms to strike England as Met Office issues flood and travel warnings

Passengers on Britannia , a P&O Cruises ship based in Southampton, told the BBC that the ship broke loose and “floated away like a paper boat”. A walkway also fell into the sea.

P&O said that a small number of people are being cared for on board after sustaining minor injuries. It said the ship will stay in Palma to allow for a technical assessment.

The captain had earlier told passengers there was “no structural compromise”.

People aboard the ship shared videos and images of the collision, showing emergency services and debris floating in the sea. Passengers told the BBC that they couldn’t believe their eyes, and heard “loud noises” and a “grating sound” as the vessel collided with the ship.

They said that at some points conditions were especially bad, shaking and rocking the ship. Some children were fitted with lifejackets.

Holidaymakers praised the staff on board and said the captain and crew kept them updated.

The captain informed passengers that “there’s no structural compromise, but deck five has sustained a small amount of damage” on the PA system.

Storm in Palma Mallorca breaks it’s moorings and pushes P&O Britannia into another ship and onto rocks. Ship not compromised and being pushed back into position by tugs pic.twitter.com/0RbdQIhPRT — Stephen Marsh (@millermanuk) August 27, 2023

A P&O Cruises spokesperson said they were “aware of an incident involving Britannia on Sunday morning” and were “working to assess the situation”.

The cruise started in Southampton and will board again on Friday while technical teams assess the damage.

How have the storms affected travel?

The treacherous conditions, which have seen outbreaks of rain and gusts of up to 120km (75 miles) per hour, have led to the cancellation of more than 20 flights, Spain’s airport operator said.

Spanish forecasters AEMET Met Office also issued a warning to holidaymakers heading to the area in the coming days, as they said: “Severe thunderstorms are affecting the Balearic Islands, leading to heavy rain and strong gusty winds.”

Spanish outlet El Confidencial reported that the coastal areas of Valencia and Catalonia were at particular risk, with waves expected to reach up to a height of six metres. A severe weather warning is in place until at least Tuesday.

Hundreds of passengers have been stranded overnight at Palma airport, with the majority of flights grounded.

A separate technical issue that has hit UK traffic control systems added to the chaos, affecting all flights going to and from the UK.

Britain’s National Air Traffic Services said it was experiencing “technical issues” and has “applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety”.

“Engineers are working to find and fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” it said.

There was no further information on when the glitch will be fixed.

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Cruise ship sent crashing into cargo vessel as hurricane-force winds hit Majorca

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Several passengers on board a P&O cruise ship sustained minor injuries when severe stormy weather sent it smashing into a cargo vessel in Majorca.

Along with its neighbours Ibiza and Menorca, the island is being battered by hurricane-force winds and torrential rain.

Weather warnings for wind and stormy seas have been extended into Monday for the Balearics and parts of Catalonia in Spain ’s north-east.

Thousands of people sailing on the P&O ship Britannia, which is based in Southampton, got a frighteningly close look at the extreme weather this morning.

Their vessel broke free from its moorings near the island’s shore at around 11am and collided with a smaller ship nearby, causing the walkway to fall into the sea.

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According to BBC News , the captain informed passengers after the incident that ‘there’s no structural compromise, but deck five has sustained a small amount of damage’.

Britannia, which can hold 6,647 passengers and 1,350 crew, will remain in Palma while a technical assessment is completed.

One Welsh passenger told WalesOnline : ‘It was panic stations, I was bawling my eyes out.

‘We went out onto our balcony and could see debris in the ocean and all the damage to the side of the boat and our lifeboat.’

P&O said a small number of people had sustained minor injuries and were being cared for on board.

A spokesman for the company said: ‘On Sunday 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while alongside in Palma de Mallorca.

‘A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre.

‘To allow our technical teams to make an assessment, Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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UK cruise ship crashes in Mallorca storms

It said the ship will stay in Palma to allow for a technical assessment.

•Passengers on Britannia, a P&O Cruises ship based in Southampton, described how after it broke loose the ship "floated away like a paper boat". A walkway also fell into the sea.

•A small number of people are being cared for onboard after sustaining minor injuries, P&O said.

A cruise ship broke free from moorings and collided with a freight vessel during a storm in Mallorca, Spain.

Passengers on Britannia, a P&O Cruises ship based in Southampton, described how after it broke loose the ship "floated away like a paper boat". A walkway also fell into the sea.

A small number of people are being cared for onboard after sustaining minor injuries, P&O said.

The captain earlier told passengers there was "no structural compromise".

People aboard the ship recorded videos and images of the incident, showing an emergency response and debris floating in the sea.

Passenger Gavin McCoy said the "unexpected drama" happened while "the local fire service and crew were carrying out an emergency drill".

He said that at about 11:00 BST "a sudden rain and wind storm ripped us away from our dockside moorings, breaking tethering lines, water hoses, and causing the walkway to fall into the sea".

He said he was "sitting by the window in the coffee shop, and the first thing we saw were the blue dockside reception marquee tents blowing through the air," Mr McCoy added.

"We've drifted well away from the berth and collided into a nearby freight/cargo ship."

Another passenger, Dale Hopkin said it was "madness" on board as sunbeds "were starting to flip".

Mr Hopkin, from Blackpool, said the rain was so heavy he could not see out of the ship's windows.

He added that after the vessel broke free from its moorings "it floated away like a paper boat. The staff couldn't do anything more".

His wife, Tracey Hopkin, described it all as "a bit of drama" and said the ship came close to the breakwater rocks in the harbour.

She said she heard "a really loud noise, a grating sound" and "couldn't believe what I was seeing".

She praised the actions of the staff and said there were regular updates from the ship's captain.

Another holidaymaker, Tilley Eve, said for around two hours "things were really bad", adding: "I felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz."

She said some families had put life jackets on their children.

The storm is likely to be one of the severe thunderstorms, affecting the Balearic Islands.

Torrential outbreaks of rain and gusts of up to 120km (75 miles) per hour have hit the islands. The conditions led to the cancellation of over 20 flights, Spain's airport operator said.

Weather warnings for parts of the archipelago have been extended until Monday.

The captain informed passengers that "there's no structural compromise, but deck five has sustained a small amount of damage" on the PA system.

P&O Cruises spokesperson said they were "aware of an incident involving Britannia on Sunday morning" and were "working to assess the situation".

Mr McCoy said that everyone was safe and there was "no problem on the ship apart from a few scrapes and bumps to one or more lifeboats that project from the ship".

"The many people on coach excursions will be able to get back on again," he added.

Passengers will have access to onboard entertainment and activities while technical teams make an assessment of the ship, P&O said.

The cruise started in Southampton and is due back on 1 September.

This is the second time an emergency has happened on a Southampton ship due to bad weather in recent weeks, with the Queen Mary 2 breaking free from its bow mooring line and drifting off the quay on 4 August.

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Southampton-based P&O cruise ship Britannia crashes in Spain during storm

• Cruise ship
• Monday 28 August 2023 at 2:05pm

A cruise ship which left Southampton earlier this month has crashed after its moorings snapped in stormy weather.

A number of passengers onboard have suffered minor injuries.

The P&O Britannia cruise ship, which was carrying thousands of British passengers, crashed into another vessel on Sunday (August 27) just off the coast of Palma.

Photos and videos posted on social media from those onboard show the vessel struggling in the stormy conditions.

Sue Roberts spoke to ITV News Meridian from her cabin onboard the Britannia about the moment the cruise ship broke free from its moorings

Mallorca had been experiencing 75mph winds and torrential rain, which caused sun loungers to be blown into the air.

Passengers were told to remain inside their cabins while being told 'this is not a drill' by the captain after they heard a loud bang and saw debris floating in the water

The captain later confirmed that there was no "structural compromise" resulting from the incident.

In a statement P&O Cruises said: "We are aware of an incident involving Britannia on Sunday morning while the ship was alongside in Palma de Mallorca.

"We are working to assess the situation. The captain is keeping all guests updated. To allow our technical teams to make an assessment Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.”

P&O added that a 'small number' of people are being cared for onboard after receiving 'minor injuries'

The £473m ship, which began sailing in 2015, is the flagship of the P&O fleet based in Southampton, Hampshire.

The Britannia set sail from Southampton on August 18 for the Mediterranean cruise including stops at Cadiz and Ibiza and had been due to leave Mallorca on Sunday afternoon.

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VIDEO: P&O Britannia crashes into oil tanker amid Mallorca storm

Amidst a powerful storm on Sunday morning (August 27th), the cruise ship Britannia , operated by P&O UK from Southampton England , faced a maritime incident while docked in Palma de Mallorca . The adverse weather conditions prompted the ship to break free from her moorings, resulting in a collision with a nearby freight ship.

Passengers onboard recounted the events of the storm, describing how the vessel was pushed towards the shore by tugboats while they were confined to their cabins. Minor damage was reported on the cruise ship, primarily on deck 5 . Despite the chaos, the ship's captain kept passengers informed about the situation.

Visual documentation of the incident, captured by passengers, provided a tangible record of the encounter. The storm disrupted an ongoing emergency drill, causing the ship to detach from the dockside moorings, damaging tethering lines, water hoses, and the walkway.

In this narrative of maritime turmoil, Britannia's interaction with the storm echoed a previous incident involving Cunard 's RMS Queen Mary 2 , which also faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions . 

Britannia's current cruise is 14 days, round-trip Mediterranean from Southampton. The itinerary started on August 18th and ends on September 1st, 2023.

For more Britannia incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .

Storm behind P&O cruise ship crash destroys Mallorca hotel pool sending loungers flying

P&O have released statement after its Britannia cruise ship carrying thousands of British passengers crashed into a freight vessel after a storm cause havoc in Mallorca

• 22:01, 27 Aug 2023
• Updated 22:31, 27 Aug 2023

The storm said to have caused the collision between a P&O cruise ship and freight vessel earlier today also wrecked part of a resort on the island of Mallorca.

The strong gales sent loungers flying into the sea and the pool, which was captured on video by British holidaymakers. The video was taken at the Punta del Mar hotel and spa just outside Santa Ponsa on the island during the storm, which may also have caused Britannia to hurtle into another boat in the Balearics, with people on board treated for injuries.

Passengers on board Britannia described "being pushed ashore by tugs whilst confined to our cabins" after the terrifying incident. Another guest on the 5,000 capacity ship said it was 'panic stations' when the horn blew on board the boat after a storm 'suddenly hit' off the coast of Palma in Mallorca after it snapped its moorings.

In the latest hotel footage, shared by Wendy and Alan Penson, from Caerphilly, Wales, the resort is left in disarray with sunbeds flying through the air in the wind and into the sea, WalesOnline report. At least a dozen loungers then end up in the pool in the biblical scene.

Wendy said: “It said to expect thunderstorms on the news but we saw the weather change and Alan said ‘start filming’, and we couldn’t believe how quickly it changed. It was just like a hurricane coming through from the sea into the cove. There is a small yacht opposite us and it ripped the sail off that. The Bali beds aren’t light, they’re made of steel, but the storm just took them like they were nothing.

"I was speaking with someone who works at the hotel and she said when the temperature starts to drop after a period of no rain, this tends to happen. But she said they’ve never known it like this before." Alan added: “The unexpected storm happened at about 10.49am Spanish time. It all happened very quickly, as seen in the video.”

Passengers on board the cruise ship were left in tears after the crash as tables and chairs were thrown along the decks. The ship will now stay in Palma to allow for a technical assessment. Heavy rain and hail accompanied by strong 55 MPH gusts and the huge £473m ship is currently said to be anchored less than a mile from the shore following the accident.

Another passenger, Mark Beckwith, said the ship docked again in Palma on Sunday afternoon and praised the captain and crew for their efforts in calming passengers. "The captain has and is doing an amazingly calm job with the fantastic crew,” he said. “It's very calm and relaxed onboard now and we are just redocking to collect the passengers who were off the ship for the duration of the incident."

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: “We are aware of an incident involving Britannia on Sunday morning while the ship was alongside in Palma de Mallorca. We are working to assess the situation. The captain is keeping all guests updated.”

Passenger Gary McGuinness is on board and told the Mirror of his experience: "Me and my seven-year-old daughter Kasey stepped off the ship to go out for the day. I then saw a wall of water and wind heading towards us down the concrete jetty - it looked like a sort of ferocity that you would be unable to stand up in.

"The large fold out greeting umbrellas on the jetty, shot past into the sea about 80mph. We stepped back into the ship and about 8 seconds later, we broke our moorings. The walk way that we were just stood on, I think fell into the sea. But when you first witnessed it happening it looked, like the ship opposite and the concrete jetty was floating away. But of course we were floating away into a small cargo ship and rocks opposite."

He added: |I didn’t see any injuries myself. The fire brigade on the jetty and the ship itself were running an emergency drill at the time of the incident."

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Top 11 Reasons Palma de Mallorca Should Be Your Next Destination!

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

You’re in the perfect spot! The Palma de Mallorca Port, the largest port of the Balearic Islands, is located on the beautiful island of Mallorca in Spain.

And serves as an excellent stop on cruise itineraries for cruise passengers looking to enjoy picturesque beaches, savor delicious cuisine, explore gorgeous architecture, discover hidden coves, and soak in breathtaking mountain views. 

1. Take In The Views Of The Royal Palace of La Almudaina

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is owned and used by the Spanish Royal Family when they visit the island of Mallorca. It is considered to be one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island and is known for its distinct and intricate architecture. 

2. Go Shopping At Porto Pi Shopping Mall

The Porto Pi Shopping Mall, also known as Porto Pi Centre Comercial, is a popular spot for tourists to visit and the perfect spot for those searching for souvenir shops. It is just a quick 12-minute walk away from the cruise port and a great place to visit for those looking to stay close to the cruise port and do some shopping.

3. Taste The Local Flavors On A Food Tour

A great option if you are eager to explore local restaurants and taste authentic Spanish cuisine is to embark on one of the best food tours available on the island. During this food tour, a local guide will take you to several fabulous establishments where you can sample popular dishes and gain insights into the rich culinary history of the island.

4. Try Different Water Sports

Palma Mallorca is famous for its stunning coastline and magnificent waters. A fantastic way to appreciate the islands beauty is by exploring various water sports and enjoying all that the coast and sea has to offer.

Whether you are interested in jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, or any of the other exciting water sports popular in the area, trying different water sports is sure to make for a memorable stop on your Mediterranean cruise.

5. Visit The Cathedral Of Santa Maria Of Palma

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, also known as La Seu, is a gorgeous Gothic Cathedral located on the island. The Palma Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mallorca due to its fabulous Gothic architecture and beautiful location right by the coast.

6. Go On A Sightseeing Tour

To fully explore everything Mallorca has to offer, consider going on a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. This fantastic tour will take you along the West Coast of Mallorca, offering stunning views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a boat trip to Port Soller, a vintage train ride, and many more exciting experiences along the way. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a full day filled with breathtaking sights and insights from a knowledgeable local expert.

7. Relax At One Of The Beautiful Beaches

If you are looking for a relaxing day by the coast, make sure to check out one of Mallorca’s incredible beaches. Cala Major Beach is the closest beach to the Palma Mallorca Cruise Port and is known for its lively atmosphere and abundance of amenities. 

One of the best ways to get to Cala Major Beach is by taking the number 4 bus from the city center. If you are looking to hit the beach directly from the cruise port terminal. Consider taking bus 108 which requires a short walk to get to, or think about taking a private transfer or a taxi for the quickest and most convenient options which takes about 7-minutes by car.

8. Enjoy A Wine Experience

Spain is renowned for producing delicious wines, and one of the finest ways to experience them is by participating in a wine tasting experience.

This allows you to learn from a local wine expert, sample various wines in the region, taste complimentary snacks like different cheeses, and gain insights into the flavors right in the heart of Palma. 

9. Explore Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle, often referred to as Castell de Bellver, is another extremely popular attraction to visit in the Balearic Islands.

This castle was originally constructed in the 14th century for King James II and is famous for being one of the only circular castles in the continent of Europe.

The castle is known for its Gothic architecture, unique design, and phenomenal views of Palma Bay due to its position on top of the hill overlooking the city.

10. Walk Around The Old Town Of Palma

Palma’s Old Town, also known as El Casco Antiguo, is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience a wide range of Palma’s top attractions.

Here, you will find a lively atmosphere filled with shops, cafe, and restaurants, as well as important landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. 

11. Go On A Boat Trip Excursion

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Palma Bay and the surrounding areas is by taking a fun boat trip. This lets you fully appreciate the island of Mallorca’s charm, spend time on a smaller boat enjoying the Mediterranean Sea, and makes for great memories during your cruise stop.

Cruise Ports in Spain

Get to know Spain port by port. Click here for information on every cruise port in Spain.

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Stranded cruise passengers from Utah race to catch up with their ship

By maureen o'hare, cnn | posted - may 2, 2024 at 6:18 a.m., a utah couple – ages 84 and 81 – were left behind by the cruise line in spain. (roman belogorodov, alamy).

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

ATLANTA — A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a Utah couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.

Salt Lake City couple Richard and Claudene Gordon were on a Mediterranean cruise aboard Norwegian Viva with family and friends and looking forward to celebrating Richard Gordon's 85th birthday later this week.

While the ship was docked in Motril, Spain, on Monday, the pair went to tour the historic city of Granada by themselves, an excursion not organized by the cruise line. On their return, their bus was delayed for an hour by a rain storm, Richard Gordon told CNN by phone.

"I am a very experienced traveler and have probably been on as many as 30 cruises during my lifetime," Gordon said. "Never before have we ever missed catching a ship on time at a port. So we are not someone who abuses the system."

The pair missed the ship's all-aboard time of 5:30 p.m. local time, for a sail away at approximately 6 p.m. Gordon said that at around 5:45 p.m. he spoke to a relative on board who raised the alarm that they were nearby and running late, but the relative was told by Norwegian Cruise Line staff that as the ship needed to sail on time, nothing could be done.

According to the Gordons, they arrived at the dock by taxi at 6:10 p.m., while the ship sailed away with Claudene Gordon's medication, Richard Gordon's eyeglasses and both their spare hearing aid batteries and phone chargers on board.

"Our cruise began in Lisbon and we departed from Lisbon about one and a half hours after the scheduled departure at 4:00 p.m.," Richard Gordon told CNN. "Then the next night or two, at least a half-hour late from the dock, so it is clear that they do not always leave on the exact moment scheduled."

"They looked around and they looked around and no one was there," Marilee Barker, the couple's Utah-based daughter, told CNN by phone. They got a taxi to the police station where "the policeman helped them call back to the dock. And they said, 'There's nothing we can do.'"

The couple says they received no further assistance from Norwegian Cruise Line at that point, from the ship or on land.

No medication, no hearing aid batteries

"Luckily my dad has traveled, but he's still 85," Barker said. As the Norwegian Viva wouldn't be docking again until Tuesday on the island of Ibiza, "They took a bus up to Granada and found a cute, cheap little B&B."

Meanwhile, Barker says she and her husband were up to 3 a.m. finding flights and a hotel, eventually getting them on a plane to Palma de Mallorca, where their ship would be docking at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

Claudene Gordon texted her daughter late Tuesday afternoon Spanish time to say that Norwegian Cruise Line had made contact with them for the first time since the incident and had offered them a taxi from their Palma hotel in the morning to reunite them with their boat.

"We really received the royal treatment today," Claudene Gordon told CNN after being reunited with the ship on Wednesday morning, two days they disembarked at Montril.

"They picked us up at the hotel in a beautiful black BMW limousine to take us to the ship. There we were met by the head of ship services who escorted us inside the ship to meet the general manager of the ship, then they escorted us to breakfast, then they escorted us to our cabin," she said.

"We simply told them that we were abandoned at the dock with no one to meet us or tell us where to go, and they said they have already complained about the harbor master who was supposed to take care of things for them. But of course, the ship had not contacted us directly for two days so that doesn't speak so well for them," Claudene Gordon said.

Norwegian Cruise Line said it disputed the time of the couple's arrival at the pier. "The two guests who went ashore independently arrived at the pier approximately an hour late and missed the all-aboard time of 5:30 p.m. local time, for a sail away at approximately 6:00 p.m.," a spokesperson said via email.

"A cruise ship follows a set itinerary with designated arrival and departure times. Itineraries are carefully coordinated and planned out well in advance of each voyage to ensure that all of our guests have the experience they are expecting," the spokesperson said. While there is a small window of time where late guests can be accommodated, the spokesperson added, the Gordons arrived outside of this.

"After several attempts to contact these guests with the phone numbers provided, as well as trying to phone their emergency contact, we were unable to speak to them directly. However, we worked closely with the local port agents to make arrangements for the guests to rejoin the vessel."

The spokesperson said that, prior to the hotel pickup on Wednesday morning, the cruise line had coordinated an airport pick-up for the Gordons at Palma de Mallorca the evening before but were still unable to contact the couple by phone.

In a similar incident last month, eight passengers were late getting back to their Norwegian Cruise Line ship on the African island nation of São Tomé on March 27. They then struggled for days to catch up with their ship as it made its way up the western coast of Africa.

In that case, Norwegian Cruise Line emphasized that the delayed guests were on a private tour that was not organized by the cruise line.

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