Live from Millie 6/30-7/12- Damage

[rebeccalouise]

At least you aren't stranded at sea- or worse.

 

Last summer I was booked on the Crown Princess. Three weeks before my cruise I read on these boards that the ship tilted- injuring many people and scaring the you know what out of the rest. They were all forced to evacuate the ship- after docking and having to make arrangements home. The people were refunded the cruise. I am so glad I wasn't on that cruise! (By the way, I cancelled my trip on Crown).

 

I am scheduled to go on Millenium in three weeks and am not worried at all. This event was nothing compared to the Crown incident.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Not implying anything, trawleroh. Just reporting what we've learned today. We've reported the perspective from folks onboard, we've reported the perspective from the Celebrity team, we've provided some additional details.

I don't question the lack of communication from Celebrity to passengers in the beginning -- I frankly believe it. On the other hand, I didn't hear much from those onboard when the missives started appearing under their doors (thanks, BerryHappy24, for relating the progress!) so of course it seemed odd!

So Celebrity was slow off the mark. Not good, but my sense is they're feeling the pain and they're trying to make it better. As you can see from the every-two-hour updates.

No stretch at all for us to question the issue. We questioned it, and wrote from two different viewpoints.

And by no means are we saying "buck up" about the ports. As I said earlier, I'd be seriously bummed. I empathize. It's a bummer. There's is nothing else you can say.

Carolyn

 

 

 

Berryhappy24,

I agree with you totally. This problem started on Monday and you didn't get any update until Tuesday and then each update was vague or non responsive. Celebrity only got their act together because they But as I get ready to fly to Barcelona -- a minimum 12 hour experience if I'm lucky and I'm started taking heat. I think it is a stretch for the editors here to question the lack of communication issue. You lived it and the editors didn't. I hope the folks on this forum don't forget that this is called the "Cruise Critic" and simply go with the corporate line from Celebrity. I have never criticized on this forum; I use it as a resource for me and to give information to others. I don't plan on starting to criticize ships, cruiselines, etc. At the same time it is now Thursday in the United States and these folks have largely been kept in the dark. I just returned from the June 18th sailing and had a wonderful time. These passengers deserve fresh information on a timely basis and that should have started at the outset. The update provided on this website implies an over reaction by the passengers. That is just wrong.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Hi, kidznp, thanks for the insights. Okay, here's some more info, just in (and this is 10:15 p.m.):

*Remember how the news item refers to the prop blades being sent to the wrong airport? Here's more detail from a member of the repair team: "The prop blades were actually flown in on special cargo aircraft that we secured but, the Italian authorities refused to land the cargo aircraft at the airport originally scheduled for the landing, which created a major logistical challenge: How to get those enormous blades (editor's note: 4 tons each) -- then on a plane not being allowed to land -- to the ship! We had to fly them to another airport, then transport to the ship a longer distance than originally anticipated."

 

*"This may or may not have a place in the story, but we also chartered aircraft to fly in the divers, to get them there that much faster."

 

*"We love how you handled the "saga" of the obstinate nut! And on that note, when they made the announcement onboard tonight that the nut had at last been successfully removed, apparently the entire main dining room erupted into applause!"

 

*Repair Update: "Given how long it took to remove that last nut, we will repair two blades now while in port, in order to complete the balance of the cruise without disruption. We'll repair the other two in Venice, where we're already scheduled (on the original itinerary) to be in port overnight. This again ensures our next cruise will run as scheduled."

Carolyn

 

 

I would assume that after the incident occurred it probably took quite some time for X to locate the engineers, divers, etc. needed to assess the damage and, once that was done, even more time to locate and arrange for the transport of these huge parts, equipment, personnel, etc. to where they are now so that the attempt at repairs could be done. During this time, no one at X probably knew the outcome in advance and passengers were apparently told "we're working on it" but this was apparently not satisfactory. I don't know what else they could have done at that time and it appears that now that the situation is a little more clear they are providing more information.

 

Any type of travel, domestic or international, is inherently subject to complications due to a variety of factors including weather, accidents, terrorism, equipment breaking down, etc. I do feel for those aboard who missed parts of their trip due to the damage to the ship and hope they are able to return to the area some time in the future and see the ports they were not able to see on this trip. Having spent more than one night stranded in an airport sleeping on the floor due to cancelled flights, ice storms, hurricanes etc. I can certainly relate to the frustration that the airline just doesn't seem to be DOING anything and have seen supposedly mature adults make complete fools of themselves cussing out some ticket agent at the counter.... not that it changed anything:(

 

As an aside, can anyone comment on how the handling of this problem overall ( in terms of communication and compensation) compare with the handling of the Star Princess fire last year? Both unexpected occurences that had an effect on both those aboard at the time and those booked for immediately subsequent cruises...

[trawleroh]

The reference to my quote is inaccurate. The new version has a reference to Barcelona in it and I'm not sure where that came from. Probably just a copy and paste problem. Anyway thanks for your response and my actual quote went like this:

"Berryhappy24,

I agree with you totally. This problem started on Monday and you didn't get any update until Tuesday and then each update was vague or non responsive. Celebrity only got their act together because they started taking heat. I think it is a stretch for the editors here to question the lack of communication issue. You lived it and the editors didn't. I hope the folks on this forum don't forget that this is called the "Cruise Critic" and simply go with the corporate line from Celebrity. I have never criticized on this forum; I use it as a resource for me and to give information to others. I don't plan on starting to criticize ships, cruiselines, etc. At the same time it is now Thursday in the United States and these folks have largely been kept in the dark. I just returned from the June 18th sailing and had a wonderful time. These passengers deserve fresh information on a timely basis and that should have started at the outset. The update provided on this website implies an over reaction by the passengers. That is just wrong."

[editor@cruisecritic]

hi, Lois, thanks for pointing this out. You're absolutely right! The electric outages happened afterward; I'll fix that (and thank you for making the point :) .

Carolyn

 

Hi Carolyn, thanks for the update.

Question, you know in the last paragraph if I may quote:

 

"Finally? Re the electrical malfunction back in Villefranche: the captain says that they're investigating its cause further. "We immediately contacted the manufacturer of the electrical system and we have their technicians onboard right now addressing that issue. They are providing us with guidance that will prevent a situation like this in the future."

 

What happened about the ship running into a rock???:eek:

I was under the impression that is what started this whole thing.

[berryhappy24]

Sorry to the editors who wrote the news update, but I agree with previous posters that said it SEEMED like a press update from Celebrity. The news seemed a little too hunky-dorey for me.

 

We are continuing to get update letters delivered to our room now, one even came at 2am. And the captain has taken over all announcements, every 2 hours starting at 10am this morning. Pax needed to hear from the captain and announcements every 2 hours have alleviated most of the confusion, but not the anger. All we wanted was communication.

[cruisecd]

We are continuing to get update letters delivered to our room now, one even came at 2am. And the captain has taken over all announcements, every 2 hours starting at 10am this morning. Pax needed to hear from the captain and announcements every 2 hours have alleviated most of the confusion, but not the anger. All we wanted was communication.

 

Glad to hear that the communication has improved and the confusion reduced. I know this will not make up for the missed ports and delays, but I hope you and the other Millie passengers manage to enjoy as much of the remaining cruise as possible.

[tcocktail]

berryhappy24, thank god you are safe and stuck at sea somewhere. I would be extremely upset that you missed ports, however Florence is not far nor was Naples from the port in Rome. BTW Corfu is absolutely beautiful, I am jealous, and I have heard that Dubrovnak is more beautiful then italy and so much to do.

 

Glad to hear that the Captain is communicating personally with all the passengers, it would be interesting to know what happen and how this could be prevented in the future. I would guess after this is all over and the reports are in the stockholders will hear a full report. I would be very quiet concerned to travel the "m" class ships right now.

 

Good luck try to enjoy the rest of your trip and be safe.

[tbelian]

I would be very quiet concerned to travel the "m" class ships right now.

 

 

Why? This particular incident has nothing to do with a situation that is specific to m class ships?

[LauraS]

Hi, kidznp, thanks for the insights. Okay, here's some more info, just in (and this is 10:15 p.m.):

 

*Remember how the news item refers to the prop blades being sent to the wrong airport? Here's more detail from a member of the repair team: "The prop blades were actually flown in on special cargo aircraft that we secured but, the Italian authorities refused to land the cargo aircraft at the airport originally scheduled for the landing, which created a major logistical challenge: How to get those enormous blades (editor's note: 4 tons each) -- then on a plane not being allowed to land -- to the ship! We had to fly them to another airport, then transport to the ship a longer distance than originally anticipated."

 

*"This may or may not have a place in the story, but we also chartered aircraft to fly in the divers, to get them there that much faster."

 

*"We love how you handled the "saga" of the obstinate nut! And on that note, when they made the announcement onboard tonight that the nut had at last been successfully removed, apparently the entire main dining room erupted into applause!"

 

*Repair Update: "Given how long it took to remove that last nut, we will repair two blades now while in port, in order to complete the balance of the cruise without disruption. We'll repair the other two in Venice, where we're already scheduled (on the original itinerary) to be in port overnight. This again ensures our next cruise will run as scheduled."

Carolyn

 

 

 

 

Although Carolyn doesn't mention it, I just wanted to add that the above information is directly from Celebrity; it has not been rewritten, or paraphrased in any way. It is a simple, copy and paste by us written by the folks at Celebrity. (Note the quotes).

 

Laura

[mahdnc]

Why? This particular incident has nothing to do with a situation that is specific to m class ships?

 

maybe "m" ships would be more appropriate as Mercury and Millennium are both suffering propulsion problems of some sort right now.

[dkjretired]

hi, Lois, thanks for pointing this out. You're absolutely right! The electric outages happened afterward; I'll fix that (and thank you for making the point :) .

Carolyn

 

Lois:

 

Only speculation but they just had those Aux generators put on the ship and I am wondering if this caused some electrical malfunction which is what they might be referring to.

 

I also agree with Tbelian, this had nothing to do apparently with the previous problems on the M class ships. They hit some rocks so unless someone expects the other M class ships to hit rocks, I would not have a concern because of this incident.

[thwanger]

Just wondering if Mille left Rome as planned. I am scheduled on July 24th sailing and am a little nervous. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

Tom

[Lois R]

Lois:

 

Only speculation but they just had those Aux generators put on the ship and I am wondering if this caused some electrical malfunction which is what they might be referring to.

 

I also agree with Tbelian, this had nothing to do apparently with the previous problems on the M class ships. They hit some rocks so unless someone expects the other M class ships to hit rocks, I would not have a concern because of this incident.

 

Hi Don:) Oh....I was just thinking somehow there was a piece of the

puzzle omitted:eek:

Thank you for clearing it up for me:D....DEEP BREATH....DEEP

BREATH.....;)

[mahdnc]

FWIW, we had no hint of any electrical problems/fluctuations during the previous sailing (6/18). It doesn't prove/disprove anything, just a first hand observation.

[mo&fran]

Hi Carolyn, thanks for the update.

Question, you know in the last paragraph if I may quote:

 

"Finally? Re the electrical malfunction back in Villefranche: the captain says that they're investigating its cause further. "We immediately contacted the manufacturer of the electrical system and we have their technicians onboard right now addressing that issue. They are providing us with guidance that will prevent a situation like this in the future."

 

What happened about the ship running into a rock???:eek:

I was under the impression that is what started this whole thing.

THese ships have a staion keeping system when they are in ports where they can't dock or anchor. Station keeping is a auto pilot that can use the

engines and thrusters to maintain the ship in a certain position.

seems like a electrical malfunction caused this system to not do its job and the ship drifted into rocks.

I am surrprised there is no redundency in the system to like a second system powered by a different source should one fail the second takes over.

[berryhappy24]

The captain informed us at 4pm today that we will be delayed in leaving Rome. We were supposed to leave port at 9pm, but they have had difficulty with the bolts holding the props on. We believe that they have one completed, but are having difficulty with the other. They still have to straighten out and balance the remaining damaged props that they do not have time to replace.

 

Dh watched the workers load 3 new props onto a flatbed truck, most people assume that they are on the way to Venice, but then there we go with the assumptions again. We have photos of the new props, they're huge, and a damaged one that came off. They cut the blade off, then unscrewed the base. The photo we have is of the base. We can't figure out how to load the pics, our images are too large, but we'll figure it out so you can see the work.

 

We are quite a fixture of the port now. 7 ships were in port today and pax from those ships were coming down to see the work going on. We're docked at the entrance to the port so we have an open aft, so each ship coming in can see them working. 2 of the ships were RCI ships. Some pax joked that they were going to sneak on board.

 

Hoping we can leave soon.

[berryhappy24]

Damien the cruise director just came on to announce the following (he always has to give the bad news). We will remain in Rome until Saturday night. We will skip Naples, but the ship will provide free shuttles to Pompeii and Sorento, a 4 1/2 hour trip each way (9 hours in a bus isn't fun for me, so we'll skip that port). Because of the inconvieniece, they will issue a 100% refund.

The down side of being in port again is that there's no casino to play in at night. Now we have tons of money to gamble with. Dh even asked if they can have fake gaming, they said they asked and they're not allowed. Italy said no gaming while in port.

 

We decided to go back to Rome tomorrow and shop and see the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't included on our first tour of the Vatican.

 

Enjoying my free vacation...will update when we hear more.

[FlorenceItaly]

Damien the cruise director just came on to announce the following (he always has to give the bad news). We will remain in Rome until Saturday night. We will skip Naples, but the ship will provide free shuttles to Pompeii and Sorento, a 4 1/2 hour trip each way (9 hours in a bus isn't fun for me, so we'll skip that port). Because of the inconvieniece, they will issue a 100% refund.

The down side of being in port again is that there's no casino to play in at night. Now we have tons of money to gamble with. Dh even asked if they can have fake gaming, they said they asked and they're not allowed. Italy said no gaming while in port.

 

We decided to go back to Rome tomorrow and shop and see the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't included on our first tour of the Vatican.

 

Enjoying my free vacation...will update when we hear more.

 

I think the 100% refund is appropriate. I'm glad they are finally doing the right thing. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

 

Marie

[berryhappy24]

Here are some photos Dh took on Thursday night and this morning of the progress.

 

Evening Photo of the Worksite Along Side Millie (looking aft from Deck 10). In this photo you can see the ladder leading into the water for the divers to come up. You also see several Millie engineers watching the work.

http://204.3.201.236/millie/nighttime_ops.JPG

 

Daytime Photo of the Worksite Along Side Millie (looking aft from Deck 10)

http://204.3.201.236/millie/daytime_ops.JPG

 

Picture of the New Propeller Blades and Worker. Each blade weights 4 tons and is approximately 12 feet across.

http://204.3.201.236/millie/7_blades.JPG

 

Picture of what remains of one of the damaged propeller blades. Here you see just the base. We assume they cut the rest of the blade off in order to remove the troublesome bolts. (They have been keeping this covered with an orange tarp most of the day. The wind blew it off for a few seconds when I snapped this photo.)

http://204.3.201.236/millie/old_blade.JPG

 

Picture of the crane lifting one of the unused new propeller blades back onto the flatbed truck. Given today's latest announcements from the Captain, we assume the unused blades are headed to Venice where they may continue repairs.

http://204.3.201.236/millie/lift_new_blade.JPG

 

Enjoy as we enjoy our free stay in Rome.

[mahdnc]

Thanks for the photos and information. I am glad to hear that you will be getting a 100% refund on your cruise.

 

Hopefully that can finish the repairs during the upcoming 3 day stop in Venice. Enjoy the rest of your free cruise!

[Host Anne]

Berryhappy ~ thanks so much for your efforts to keep folks here updated. Everyone is very appreciative.

[LauraS]

Cruise Critic News Update

[larronry]

I'm sorry you are missing another port. It doesn't surprise me that Celebrity is giving 100% refund at this point, but I know you and all the other pax would rather have your cruise.

[J9sling]

Just got word from my parents on the ship. They are enjoying themselves in spite of the problems. They are thrilled to be getting another cruise for free.

 

However, they asked me to post for anyone on board the ship who reads these posts and still has nothing better to do than complain: "Please either shut up or get off the ship...you are ruining the remainder of the cruise for everyone else!!! Thank you!"

 

I had to laugh at that one. My mom is not usually that way so it must be pretty bad! It's a wonder to me how anyone can have the will to live in such circumstances....no cooking, no cleaning, ability to visit Rome whenever they please, etc...and a free cruise in the future to boot...must be rough:cool: .

 

For those having a great time...keep enjoying the rest of your cruise!!!