Disney Adventure cruise cancelled after being stuck in S’pore port overnight, passengers asked to disembark
A Disney Adventure cruise was cancelled on May 8 due to “mechanical issues”, with passengers having to disembark after being stuck in port overnight.
The ship was set to depart Singapore on May 7 for a five-day voyage, but remained docked at Marina Bay Cruise Centre well past its 5pm schedule.
Passengers have taken to social media to share their frustration, with several saying the issue was due to “engine problems”.
Redditor LuuukeKirby provided updates from the ship after sharing that it did not sail on the first day. The user later wrote in an update: “THEY ARE MAKING US DISEMBARK THE SHIP. WHAT THE HECK.”
Stomper Tom, whose friend is still on the ship as of 4.30pm on May 8, shared photos from the scene but said he did not have further details about the situation on board.
He, however, foresees a traffic jam from Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore to MCE.
“It is estimated that 100 long-distance buses and minibuses, as well as 3,400 taxis and Grab vehicles will be needed,” Tom claimed.
When asked how he reached these figures, Tom said this was the norm whenever there is a Disney Adventure cruise.
“You can see the jam all the time,” he added.
According to online reports, the Disney Adventure vessel has a passenger capacity of about 6,700.
According to a Straits Times photojournalist who was on board the ship, passengers were informed via the public announcement system at about 2.30pm on May 8 that the sailing had been cancelled. The captain and cruise director also told them to prepare to disembark over the next few hours.
Sailing cancelled due to mechanical issues: Disney
In response to a Stomp query, a Disney spokesperson confirmed on May 8 that the ship remains in port due to mechanical issues.
“As the issue has not been resolved in the timeframe required to start this voyage, this current sailing has been cancelled,” the spokesperson added.
“We apologise to our guests and are working with them directly to provide support for their travel needs.”
Passengers provided with support and full refunds
Stomp understands that passengers are in the process of disembarking the ship as of 4.40pm and efforts to resolve the mechanical issues are ongoing.
All passengers will be given a full refund, along with any prepaid and unused incidentals including photo and internet packages. They will also get a 50% Future Cruise Credit for any future bookings.
Additionally, guests will be provided with complimentary shuttle services to nearby hotels and up to US$500 (S$630) per stateroom for any incidentals incurred.
‘This is the only reason why we’re here’
However, this appears to be inadequate for some passengers, especially those who flew into Singapore specially for the cruise.
Speaking to Stomp, Janica Go, 33, who flew in from the Philippines with her family for the cruise, described the experience as “hectic”.
The mother of a six-year-old and a two-year-old said she already sensed something was wrong when they sat down for a meal at Mowgli’s Eatery on May 7 at about 12.40pm as “the lights started flickering” and the power went out for a few minutes.
The following day, on May 8 at about 2.30pm, they were informed that they would have to disembark from 5.30pm as the cruise had been cancelled.
“I’m a big Disney baby, my kids are Disney babies... This is the only reason why we’re here,” said Ms Go, a marriage and family psychotherapist.
However, she added that she is now unsure if it is something she would be “willing to risk again, because this is the second time Disney cancelled on us”.
“It’s kind of traumatic hearing the Disney bell now,” she said with a laugh. “You’ll never know what you’re going to hear.”
While she acknowledged that no one wants a mechanical failure, she said that even as they try to stay positive, “I feel like it’s just fair for us to be sad, to feel the loss of what was supposed to be a magical experience”.
‘Does not come close to covering the actual inconvenience’
Another passenger, Facebook user Nut Kritsadakamon, who is from Thailand, said she was “extremely disappointed” with how the situation has been handled.
She pointed out that guests spent an entire night onboard waiting for updates, only to be asked to disembark the next day. She also said that while the service recovery was appreciated, it “does not come close to covering the actual inconvenience and additional expenses caused by this cancellation.”
“What about the remaining nights they originally planned for? Are guests expected to pay out of pocket for additional accommodation? What about flight change fees or other travel arrangements that now need to be changed because of this?” questioned the Facebook user, who did not clarify if she was an affected passenger.
“This is not just about money. It is about the time, effort, and trust they invested in this trip. They planned their schedules, booked flights, and travelled internationally for this experience.
“What makes this even more frustrating is that this sailing had already been postponed once before. After finally arriving and boarding, the cruise is cancelled altogether.”
Another Facebook user quipped sarcastically: “Magical experience indeed!”
Additional reporting by Maureen Ow.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include an interview with an affected passenger.
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