Storm Darragh: Delaying Cruise Ship Departures into the Early Hours

Storm Darragh has severely impacted coastal regions of the UK, leading to delays for multiple cruise ships, including Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience. The ship was late returning from a previous voyage, causing it to be late for its next scheduled sailing.

The impact of the storm was significant, with flooding and high winds affecting travel across the UK. Upon realizing that Ambience, the cruise line’s flagship, would not return on time on December 8, 2024, Ambassador Cruise Line promptly informed affected guests. They communicated, “We have been closely monitoring the impacts of Storm Darragh, with the severe weather conditions continuing to cause disruption…"

As the cruise line continued to monitor the weather, they successfully brought a pilot onboard, with Ambience finally docking around 9:30 p.m. Debarkation began shortly thereafter, although this late arrival pushed back the embarkation for the next cruise: a five-night festive sailing to Germany and the Netherlands.

Originally, boarding was scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., but due to the delays, the new boarding times extended from midnight until about 1:45 a.m. As Ambience accommodates 1,400 guests, the cruise line requested passengers not to arrive too early in order to streamline the process and avoid congestion at the terminal.

In a statement, the cruise line emphasized their commitment to safety, expressing regret over the disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions: "The safety and welfare of our guests, crew, and port partners is always our utmost concern."

Currently, Ambience is sailing toward Hamburg, with potential adjustments to port times expected as the ship attempts to make up for the lost time.

The recent storms have affected other vessels as well. For instance, P&O Cruises’ Iona had to remain longer in Southampton due to the storm’s severity, while Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure made an unexpected stop in Southampton for safety. Similar delays were experienced by Ambition, another ship from Ambassador Cruise Line, during Storm Bert in late November.

As the situation unfolds, it is hoped that future disruptions will be minimal and that cruise ships in northern Europe can enjoy a smoother journey ahead.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.