Azamara Journey Damaged in Asia, Drydocking Planned

The Azamara Journey has encountered debris while sailing into Tokyo, damaging the ship’s propeller and propeller shaft.

According to Azamara, a cable floated up and hit the vessel. 

The 2000-built ship will require a short emergency drydocking to fix the issue, ending its current voyage early.

The Miami-based brand, owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises, is evaluating drydock options in Asia, according to a statement posted to Twitter.

“The guests, crew & vessel are all safe,” said company President and CEO Larry Pimental, on Twitter, adding the ship was safe to operate, but at a reduced speed.

Azamara plans to announce plans regarding the ship’s next sailing, departing March 3 from Shanghai, within the next 48 hours. The ship is currently en route to Osaka.

In a letter to guests, Director of Global Marketing Signe Bjorndal noted:

Our President and CEO, Larry Pimentel, and Bert Van Middendorp, VP of Operations, are both flying to Kyoto (Osaka) tonight to meet with the ship and the guests.

The Azamara Journey will remain in Kyoto (Osaka) on February 28 and March 1, and will have debarkation for guests on March 2. We will then provide guests with air to Shanghai where debarkation was originally scheduled on March 3. We will also provide hotel accommodations until they are able to pick up their original schedule, whether that is a stay in Shanghai or a flight home.

Guests are receiving refunds for the days of the voyage they will be missing, as well at 25% off their next Azamara voyage.

 

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