23 January - Day's Summary

Shameful Press Report, Up date on Protest and today's address to the passengers by the Commodore.

Daily Telegraph Article and the BBC's Coverage

I'm very disappointed that Amy choose to run the DT article with a header of "Mutiny on QM2", as I'd made it perfectly clear to her that wasn't the case. But what really makes me mad is the linking of a passenger dispute with the tragic loss of 15 lives, which occurred in France a few years ago when a gangway collapsed.

It maybe a crumb of comfort for the relatives of the deceased to know that a small group of Canadian/American passengers held a prayer meeting this morning and prayed for the victims. I only overheard the last minute or two, but I found it to be very moving.

1PM - I went along to the passengers update meeting held in the theatre. The main organiser of legal action stated quite clearly that ANY form of  sit-in action would be illegal and may damage any further legal proceedings against Cunard/Carnival. He strongly advises passengers disembarking in Rio against any form of disruptive action. This was met with a good round of applause, although a few people notable abstained from showing approval.

5PM - An announcement was made at 4:45 that the Commodore would be giving the latest news he'd received on behalf of Cunard/Carnival at 5pm (ship time).

Within 15 minutes the theatre filled up with over 1,500 passengers, given the size of the ship, that's an impressive feat and probably indicates the strength of feeling this whole dispute has raised. 

The Commodore announced that there would be no increase to the current compensation offer, but said individuals should write a letter to Cunard outlining why their own circumstances deserved more compensation. This was met with a chorus of boos and jeers from most sections of the audience, which went on for a few seconds.

Passengers were then allowed to ask questions.

The first speaker pointed out that the adverse public relations and possible court settlement could financially cripple Cunard over the next few years.

The second speaker then urged passengers to seek a group settlement and not accept handouts based on how good a compensation letter is written. He further added, that any sit-in action would adversely effect future legal actions. This was met with general applause.

I left at this point, to get dressed in my tux for a 4 course deluxe dining experience!

Nottingham Evening Post

Earlier tonight the Evening Post called me on my cabin phone. The lad wanted to know the current situation and any developments regarding sit-in action and if I would prefer to be in Clipstone or onboard QE2.

Current situation as I understand it and as I tried to explain to NEP...

Passengers who booked NYC to Rio want 100% compensation or a replacement cruise. To me this is fair and reasonable, as many of them will have flown into NYC, boarded the ship, sailed non stop to Rio and then been transferred almost directly to Rio airport for the flight home. This was most certainly NOT what they paid for.

Passengers continuing on to Valparaiso and LA have been offered a 6 day refund pro rata, with an additional 100 or 200 dollar onboard credit. I am NOT aware that this group of passengers are pressing for 100% refund, in fact most people are OK with the compensation offered, although some would obviously like more. 

Most protest groups are urging passengers disembarking in Rio to NOT take any sit-in action or disrupt the embarkation of new passengers.

That's my take... might be wrong, but it's the best summary I can provide at this time.

Clipstone or QM2?

I generally have a good time wherever I'm at, providing there's a ready supply of alcohol and good company. I'd be perfectly happy sipping cocktails and watching the sun set on the QM2 as shooting pool and slurping beer in the "Squinting Cat" on a wet Saturday afternoon... providing I'm in good company!

It's not where you are, it's who you are with...

With a bit of luck, the NEP will use the information I provided in a sensible way.

More Later...