Avalon Vista blows engine

[baltic17]

The Avalon Vista has a blown engine in Austria. They are trying to figure out what to do with us. We are to find out something later today.

[YoungDubFan]

So sorry to hear. Hopefully they get things squared away very quickly. Unfortunately I doubt there is a spare ship anywhere so I hope it doesn't turn into a bus trip, but it may.

[JVilleGal]

Oh no!!!!! I'm so so sorry :(

[crewsgirl]

YIKES! That doesn't sound good, but certainly, keep us updated. Hopefully, your trip won't be terribly interrupted or alternative plans can be made that provide interesting stories to tell! ;)

[Avalon Waterways]

As our onboard guests know, the Avalon Vista will require a new engine. We are working with all affected travelers, including providing them alternate hotel and itinerary options, as well as compensation, given this unforeseeable and regrettable situation. At present, we do not anticipate future cruises aboard the Avalon Vista to be impacted. Should you have any questions about an upcoming cruise, we ask that you call us at 800.372.1761 or email traveleradvisory@globusfamily.com.

[No Spin]

Kudos to Avalon for coming on here and acknowledging the situation.

 

I feel badly for the passengers on board, but hey, ship happens! :D

[DrivesLikeMario]

Once again, awesome Avalon! That is the way to run a business - with communication and your passengers as your number 1 priority. Thanks for the update.

 

OP I hope things go as smoothly as possible. Maybe trying to look at it as a new adventure will help. Please keep us updated.

[Hoyaheel]

They also posted quite visibly on Facebook yesterday (I saw their FB post before I saw this thread on Cruise Critic)

[xfile99]

I wish I had seen this earlier.... "We are working with all affected travellers" the word "all" in our case was incorrect. On board they definitely worked with some passengers but there were quite a group of people that never got the opportunity. We were told to discuss any issues on our return home, which we did, some passengers are still waiting for a response to their concerns over 8 weeks later. It is true that many passengers were satisfied but unfortunately there are many who are not.

We were given 3 options,which were not originally presented, they were the end result of angry, stressful port talks, the original offers were insulting.It is disappointing that Avalon do not understand we had no choice but to take one of the options and yet it is as a result having to do so that we are being refused further compensation. Despite this email from Avalon NZ manager we received on board:

"Dear Sir,

 

The only immediate course of compensation available at this time are the three options that have been offered to you onboard.

 

This is done to ensure consistency and fairness to all guests.

 

Should you be seeking anything outside of that, this will have to be discussed upon your return to New Zealand."

 

Our biggest argument is that the engine exploded 3 days into our 13 day cruise, we were advised that night, that the "Vista" could not continue but it was not until day 5 that we disembarked and therefore it was from day 5 compensation kicked in. Yes, accommodation was provided as a gesture of good will but that accommodation was where we had already been for 5 days prior to the cruise and then we were moved to where we had already paid to spend 8 days at the end of the cruise.

 

We asked for more, but all we are really seeking now is a refund for the two days immediately after the engine explosion which we believe is what they are obligated to pay by law.