My wife and I have just returned from the recent ill fated cruise of the Balmoral (BL032) and really do have to question the wisdom of FOCL going ahead with the cruise at that time, in view of the serious and deteriorating weather conditions in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay, notorious for bad weather at the best of times.
There is no need to go into detail (which I could, at length) of the gross discomfort suffered by all on board, as this is well documented on the net and also various newspaper and media reports, but would question the decision for the following reasons.
The vessel docked some 4 hours or so late from the previous cruise due to severe and deteriorating weather conditions in the channel, and yet a few hours later set sail into the same foul conditions.
The Captain, at his first emergency meeting, told us that the weather conditions (2 areas of low pressure to the North and an area of high pressure to the South) were, and had been for some 9 days before the vessel arrived back at Dover from its previous cruise, causing grave concern. Whilst no one could be certain of exactly what might transpire, it was for certain that the weather could become seriously severe.
So on this premise the vessel sailed, I believe without due consideration for the safety and welfare of its passengers.
Within 12/18 hours of sailing, it was announced that, due to the seriousness of the weather and the slow passage of the vessel we would not make it to Tangiers, a fact that I am sure FOCL were aware of well before the vessel was due to sail. A major disappointment to everyone to whom I spoke, as they also had booked the cruise because of the chance to visit Tangiers.
Another point worth making is, that in the main, the passengers were made up of of elderly people, many of whom required the assistance of wheelchairs/zimmers or some other sort of assistance getting around. A glance at the ships manifest would have confirmed that this weather would be a major problem for them. In the event it became just that with numerous injuries from broken bones (NOT good for the elderly) through to chronic sea sickness. There were two injuries that I can vouch for that required hospital treatment ashore. One poor person I heard of was hospitalised in La Caruna with a torn oesophagus due to chronic sea sickness.
The cynical side of me says that this voyage went ahead, NOT for the sole enjoyment of those on board, but for the corporate gain of FOCL, because had the comfort and safety of the passengers been paramount, then FOCL should have advised all on board of the extreme weather and its possible consequences before sailing, to give everyone a chance to make a considered decision whether to go ahead with the cruise or cancel.
I fully appreciate that the weather was exceptional and extreme, but it is my contention that FOCL were fully aware of the weather situation and its probable consequences, but still went ahead with cruise in the certain knowledge that once at sea there was nothing that any body could do but to go along with ANY alternative arrangements that were made. In the end we ended up with a second rate cruise visiting places that any of us could have accomplished on day trips at a fraction of the cost.
This was my wifes first cruise, but I do not think that it has put her off (mind you it will take some persuading to warm her to the idea of another) as the last few days were more or less what we expected. I am sure that we will take another cruise (summer time and to the tropics) but unless FOCL can convince me that passenger comfort, safety and well being come before corporate gain, then our next cruise later in the year will not be with FOCL.
Throughout all of this I cannot fault Captain and crew. Under the circumstances they did a fabulous job. The Captains seamanship is without question.
It is quite interesting that when we docked at Dover on our return the shore staff were instructed NOT to discuss the cruise with passengers. I wonder why !!!
