An out-of-control 220-metre cruise ship desperately tries to slow down before docking in Turkish port
This is the moment a 700-foot cruise ship sails into the quay of a Turkish port after desperately trying to slow down.
The cruise ship Celestyal Journey was making a routine arrival at the port of Kusadasi, Turkey, last week when its bow lamp struck the concrete pier.
The crew misjudged the speed and approached the pier too quickly, resulting in the collision. Cruise hive reported.
Members of the ship’s 597 crew reportedly dropped anchor in an attempt to slow the approach, but despite their efforts the ship still crashed into the pier.
The collision caused only minimal damage to the ship and pier. No injuries were reported on board or on shore.
The cruise ship Celestyal Journey was making a routine arrival at the port of Kusadasi, Turkey, last week when its bow lamp struck the concrete pier
The Celestyal Journey hit a pier at the Kusadasi cruise port last Monday at noon local time while the crew was trying to dock.
According to Cruise Hive, passengers could still enjoy their day in Kusadasi, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world.
The port, which has eight berths for large ships, is Turkey’s most popular cruise port. Officials say the incident had no negative impact on operations.
Celestyal Cruises, which operates the ship and two other ships, did not have to change itineraries after the incident.
The Celestyal Journey was put into service in 1994 and initially sailed for Holland America Line as Ryndam. Celestyal Cruises acquired the cruise ship last year.
The cruise ship has 630 cabins, 149 of which have balconies, and offers guests access to seven exclusive restaurants and eight bars and lounges. Haber7.com reported.
Members of the ship’s 597 crew reportedly dropped anchor in an attempt to slow the approach, but despite their efforts the ship still crashed into the pier.
Celestyal Journey is currently sailing seven-night cruises in the Aegean Sea until the end of October 2024.
However, unlike a typical closed route, Celestyal Journey’s return sailings overlap, allowing guests to embark and disembark in Kusadasi, as well as various cities in Greece.
Travelers can start their journey in Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Piraeus-Athens, Greece; or Thessaloniki, Greece.
The ship’s final voyage in the Aegean Sea will begin on October 19 this year. It will be followed by a 14-day repositioning cruise from Athens to Doha, Qatar.
Once Celestyal Journey arrives in its new homeport of Doha, it will offer seven-day return sailings to the United Arab Emirates.
A Celestyal spokesperson said: ‘The Celestyal Journey suffered a minor incident while docking in Kusadasi, Turkey.
‘The bottom of the ship made contact with a ferry ramp in the harbour. There were no reports of injuries on board or ashore and the ship suffered no damage.
‘The cause of the incident is being investigated. The Heavenly Journey continued to Crete according to the planned route.’