TUI's UK brand Marella Cruises told hundreds of passengers booked on a Transatlantic crossing in April (repositioning cruise from Jamaica to Mallorca / Mediterranean) that they won't visit Cuba, Bahamas or Portugal.
“Port availability is beyond our control” is what Britain’s largest travel company told vacationers whose planned calls to Havana, Nassau and Lisbon were canceled.
In a letter to passengers, TUI wrote that on that occasion, Havana, Nassau and Lisbon were no longer available for them to call at due to port congestion which meant they had to re-work the itinerary.
According to an investigation by The Independent, the trigger for the removal of the 3 highlights was a United States cruise line being given priority to dock at Havana, Cuba.
On the day Marella Discovery 2 had to call, April 12, there was a double-booking in Havana. But Sierra Maestra terminal has only 1 berth fit for a ship of that size.
Also planning a visit in Havana that day is Empress of the Seas, that has been given preference over the UK rival. So Marella guests who booked have been disappointed.
Marella Cruises has refused requests from passengers for a full refund. Each client has been offered GBP 25 in onboard spending.
The ship will now be calling at 4 new ports: Puerto Plata Dominicana, George Town Harbour, Grand Turk, and Cadiz, as well as extending time in Bermuda.