Angry passengers left high and dry after Star Cruises cancels Hong Kong sailing

Star Cruises cancelled a scheduled departure from Hong Kong on Friday evening because of “an unforeseen technical issue”, leaving angry passengers who had waited for hours to board complaining they had been treated like “refugees”. The cruise operator apologised, offering customers the choice of rescheduling or a full refund. “Star Cruises regrets to inform [passengers] that the Star Voyager sailing scheduled on February 13, for the ‘2 Night High Seas Cruise’ departing from Hong Kong Ocean Terminal, has been cancelled due to an unforeseen technical issue,” a spokesman said. “Star Cruises remains fully committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable travel experience. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our guests and partners.” The firm did not disclose details of the technical issue or when it was identified. According to a social media post by “Longman Lo” at around 5.20pm, hundreds of passengers were already queuing at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, with staff handing out water to those waiting to board. Another post at around 9.20pm showed that crowds were still waiting at the boarding area. Passengers reportedly waited several hours to board before the cancellation was announced around 9pm, with many criticising the handling of the situation. “I was only given a bottle of water,” one man told the media. “Of course, there were issues with how this was handled. I was standing until my legs were sore.” One woman said her 4pm boarding time had been delayed several times until the voyage was cancelled, adding that the operator had not dealt with the situation very well. Another woman said: “I booked the Palace Suite, which allows us to board the ship first. However, we were forced to squeeze together at the waiting area like refugees. “They only told us very late in the evening that they were giving us HK$200 dining vouchers for dinner.” Star Cruises gave customers the option to either transfer their voyage dates or receive a full refund. Customers who reschedule can transfer their booking to any other two- or three-night cruise on the same ship departing Hong Kong on or before August 30. They will also receive HK$200 on-board credit per guest and HK$500 per cabin to cover transport costs. Those who opt for a refund will also be given HK$200 per guest and HK$500 per cabin to cover transport costs. They will also receive a 50 per cent discount on their next two- or three-night Star Voyager cruise departing from Hong Kong on or before August 30.