By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International is to perform unscheduled mechanical repairs on Allure of the Seas’ propulsion motors in February 2014.
One of Allure of the Seas’ three propulsion motors has experienced unexpected bearing wear, which has limited her top speed. Limiting the ship’s speed has reduced the rate of bearing wear, ensuring that her three propulsion motors remain fully operational for manoeuvring and emergencies until repairs can be completed. There has been no impact on the safety of the guests or crew.
“While Allure could have continued to sail at a reduced rate of speed, we felt it was important to fix the problem as soon as possible,” said William Baumgartner, senior vice president of marine operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We explored numerous repair options. Unfortunately, there was no satisfactory solution that did not involve taking the ship temporarily out of service.”
Until the repairs can be made, Royal Caribbean has made minor adjustments to Allure of the Seas’ eastern Caribbean itineraries. The vessel will now call on Nassau, Bahamas, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The western Caribbean itineraries have not been modified.
Repairs will take place at Grand Bahama Shipyard, in Freeport, Bahamas from 24 February, making it necessary to cancel the ship’s sailing on 23 February.
“We sincerely regret that we will be unable to deliver the Royal Caribbean cruise vacation that our guests were looking forward to,” said Adam Goldstein, the line’s president and CEO. “We understand that our guests’ vacation time is very precious and can assure you that we did not take this decision lightly. But it was very important to us that we bring Allure back up to speed so that she could continue to deliver the amazing cruise vacations our guests expect.”
Guests currently booked on Allure of the Seas’ 23 February 2014 sailing will receive a full refund, or the option to sail on select itineraries at the same rate.