## Passengers Bought Berths on a 3-Year Cruise. Months On, the Ship Is Still Stuck in Belfast On June 22, 2022, passengers booked berths on the Hebridean Princess, a cruise ship that promised a three-year voyage around the globe. However, due to technical issues and delays, the ship has remained in Belfast for months, leaving passengers in limbo. **The Promise of a Lifetime Adventure** The Hebridean Princess is a luxury cruise ship operated by Hebridean Island Cruises. The ship was scheduled to depart from Southampton, England, on July 12, 2022, for a three-year journey that would take passengers to destinations such as the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and the Antarctic. The cruise was marketed as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with fares starting at $135,000 per person. Passengers were promised a luxurious experience, with spacious cabins, fine dining, and a host of onboard amenities. **Delays and Frustration** However, the departure of the Hebridean Princess was delayed multiple times due to technical issues. Passengers were initially told that the ship would depart in August 2022, then September 2022, and finally October 2022. Each delay caused frustration and uncertainty among passengers, who had already made travel arrangements and taken time off work. Many passengers expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media. **Stuck in Belfast** As of December 2022, the Hebridean Princess remains docked in Belfast, where it has been since early October. Hebridean Island Cruises has not announced a new departure date, and passengers are unsure when, or if, the ship will sail. Passengers have been left in limbo, with no clear answers from the cruise line. Some passengers have canceled their bookings and demanded refunds, while others remain hopeful that the cruise will eventually depart. **Legal Action** Some passengers have taken legal action against Hebridean Island Cruises, alleging breach of contract and misrepresentation. A class-action lawsuit has been filed in the United States, seeking compensation for passengers who have been affected by the delays. **Reputational Damage** The ongoing delays and uncertainty surrounding the Hebridean Princess have damaged the reputation of Hebridean Island Cruises. The cruise line has been criticized for its lack of communication with passengers and its failure to resolve the technical issues that have plagued the ship. The incident has also raised concerns about the regulation of the cruise industry. Some experts argue that there need to be stricter rules in place to protect passengers from delays and cancellations.
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