It seems like a scene from a disaster movie when a cruise ship collided with a dock and a smaller riverboat in Italy. Fearful people fled the scene. Sunday morning's collision occurred at the Giudecca Canal in Venice, a major thoroughfare connecting to Saint Mark's Square.
A video of the incident has made news around the world. Many local residents have urged the mayor of Venice to ban large cruise vessels from the city. They claim the huge vessels cause ecological damage and pose danger to tourists.
MSC Opera was a massive cruise ship that traveled to Kotor in Montenegro. It also visited Greece's Mykonos Islands and Santorini. It was about to dock in Venice when it had a mechanical problem. The tugboats that were guiding it into port tried to stop it, but the captain of the ship said his engine had stopped working and he was unable to get help.
It is not clear how the engine failed caused the crash. MSC Cruises did confirm that the ship was experiencing an issue and it is working with local maritime authorities to better understand the details of the incident.
A report from Italian media says that the MSC Opera experienced a loss of control, which caused it to take an unexpected turn into the Giudecca Canal. The tugboats tried to pull it out, but the large ship was able to smash into a riverboat in the canal.
Several passengers on the riverboat, including an American and a New Zealander, were reportedly injured in the collision. Two tugboats were accompanying the MSC Cruises ship when it collided the River Countess. This is a tourist boat that plys Venice's canal between Piazza San Marco and Venice.
According to Italian media reports, doctors claim that the MSC Opera collided with the River Countess at 8 a.m. EDT. The cruise ship was travelling at approximately 8 a.m. CT. Five people were injured in the accident, including four tourists from America, New Zealand, and Australia, aged between 67 and 72.
The ship, which was in Kotor, Montenegro, and was returning home to Italy, lost its power as it entered the Giudecca Canal. The ship struck a cable that connected to its mooring dock at Venice's entry, breaking it apart.
While some of the riverboat's passengers were able to flee the scene, others had their lives saved by the lifeboat. Some of the injured tourists from the riverboat had their broken bones treated in hospital.
A video of the cruise vessel hitting the River Countess has been posted to social media by a Venice reporter. She described being shocked when the big cruise ship that had been cruising down the canal, its horn blaring suddenly drove into the smaller vessel.
FAQ
Do I need to book my cruise before booking my flight?
It all depends on where you're traveling. Generally speaking, it is better to book your cruise first because this gives you more flexibility in terms of dates. You could, for example, plan your cruise around the summer months if you are sure you will be visiting Europe. If you are traveling to Asia or South America, it is a good idea to book your cruise in the off-season to save on high season costs.
Why not book my cruise before the last minute?
Sometimes it is not necessary to book a cruise early. If you wait until the last moment, you may save money. It is best to book your cruise well in advance, even if it seems like a good idea. This will allow you to benefit from special promotions and deals offered by cruise companies.
What is the average cost of a cruise vacation in Canada?
A cruise vacation costs $1,000 per head plus taxes. A family of four will pay $4,200 on average. This includes meals, beverages, entertainment, activities and gratuities as well as all meals.
What tip do I have to give my Cruise Director?
It varies from one cruise line to the next. Some cruise director receive tips and others don't. The best way to find out if you need to tip your Cruise Director is to ask them when you board the ship. They will most likely tell you if tipping is expected.
Is a cruise all-inclusive on a ship?
Because they don't offer meals for people with special dietary requirements, cruise ships aren't all-inclusive. They do not offer room service, laundry or other amenities, such as spas, gyms, and pools.
Some cruise lines also offer all-inclusive packages that include everything, except alcohol. These packages include airfare, hotel accommodations (accommodation), entertainment, and beverages.
How does cruising work?
When you book a cruise you must pay a deposit. This deposit is usually between $50 and $100. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check in at your cabin upon arrival at the port. You may then participate in one or more of the many activities onboard.
How long does it take for you to get to port?
The distance between the port (and the ship) and the speed at the which the ship travels determine how long it takes for the port to reach. Not all ships dock near shore. They can then unload their passengers very quickly. Other ships dock farther away from land so it takes longer time for the ship arrive.
Statistics
- You'll need to budget around $80 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. (travel.usnews.com)
- The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle. (travel.usnews.com)
- *20% Gratuities Apply on Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. (ncl.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
External Links
How To
How to book cruises
A travel agency is the best method to book a vacation cruise. You will need to arrange for your trip, book accommodation, make payment arrangements and handle insurance issues. The agent will take care of you throughout the process and ensure you get the best deal.
There are many options to save money. Some prefer to purchase their tickets directly at the cruise line. Do this and make sure to check out the various deals offered by cruise lines. Compare them with the price you would pay if booked through a travel agent. Another option is to visit CruiseCompare.com an online travel comparison site. You can enter your details into the website and see which companies offer the best price. After you have found the right one, you can make a booking.
If you're willing to do some research, there are other options. If you are looking for a package deal that includes flights and accommodation, an internet-based company might be able to help you. Many websites offer such packages.
You can also ask your friends and family about their experiences with different lines of cruise ships. These people might be able give you some insight into the suitability of particular cruises for you.