MSC’s new flagship Grandiosa stuck in Southampton
MSC Cruises has been forced to delay the inaugural sailing of its flagship MSC Grandiosa by three days due to a storm in the Bay of Biscay, which has left the ship stuck in Southampton.
The ship, which hosted a party for some 550 travel agents in the UK port yesterday after she was christened by movie star Sophia Loren in Hamburg on Saturday, will remain in Southampton until Friday.
The delayed sailing means Grandiosa has cancelled its call at Lisbon and it will arrive in Barcelona a day late on Tuesday, November 19, and in Marseille a day late on Thursday, November 21.
However, there was good news for the travel agents who attended last night’s party in Southampton as the delay means they are able to spend an extra night on board the new, 6,000 passengers ship.
The offer of an extended visit was made yesterday evening ahead of a set by DJ Scott Mills, and was greeted with loud cheers.
Instead of being obliged to vacate their cabins by 6am this morning and disembark by 8am, guests were invited to remain on board until Thursday.
A statement from the line said, "Due to adverse weather conditions along the Atlantic Coast of France and the Iberian peninsula, we are required to alter the route and sailing schedule of MSC Grandiosa.
"We will be extending our stay in Southampton till Friday November 15th from where we will depart at 14:00."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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