Cruise ship break down leaves more than 1,800 Taiwanese stranded in Japan –

Over 1,800 Taiwanese travelers are stranded in Okinawa, Japan, after a serious problem with the MSC cruise ship “Glory.” The ship, which was supposed to bring them back to Taiwan on December 8, is stuck in Okinawa due to a mechanical failure. This issue has caused huge travel problems for passengers already on board and those who were set to join the cruise.

Cruise Ship Breaks Down, Causing Chaos for Travelers

The MSC Glory left Keelung, Taiwan, on December 4 with 4,341 passengers, including 1,875 Taiwanese tourists. However, on December 7, the ship faced a major malfunction, forcing it to stay at Naha Port in Okinawa. The ship was supposed to return to Taiwan the next day, but because of the malfunction, it could not sail back as planned. This unexpected situation has left many passengers stuck and unable to reach their homes.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transport and Communications quickly responded to the crisis. They worked closely with several groups, including the Port Bureau, Tourism Department, and Civil Aviation Administration, to find a solution. The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) arranged special emergency flights to bring the stranded travelers back to Taiwan. China Airlines and EVA Airlines are operating these flights, which will bring passengers home over the next few days. These flights have become a lifeline for the tourists, giving them a way to return home despite the delay caused by the ship’s mechanical failure.

Malaysia committed to facilitating entry of international cruise ships, says

Compensation and Support for Affected Passengers

MSC Cruises has stepped in to help passengers who were affected by the cruise ship problem. The company has promised to cover the costs of getting the stranded travelers back to Taiwan. For those who decide to make their own travel arrangements, MSC will reimburse up to $200 for expenses inside Japan and up to $400 for international travel. On top of that, all passengers will receive a full refund for their cruise tickets, as well as discount vouchers for future cruises.

This problem also impacted another group of travelers. About 2,100 people who were scheduled to board the MSC Glory in Keelung on December 8 were also affected by the ship’s mechanical issue. This situation shows how challenging things can be for the cruise industry when something unexpected happens. It also highlights the need for backup plans to manage such disruptions. As the situation continues to develop, both the stranded travelers and those waiting to board the ship are hoping for a quick and smooth solution.