Silversea Apologizes for Dark Canal Tour

[rogue]

PANAMA CITY, Panama, March 29 (UPI) -- Silversea cruise line says it was not its fault, but is sorry for escorting guests on a sightseeing expedition through the Panama Canal in the dark.

A couple who was on the voyage feels Silversea's offer of 20 percent off their next cruise is insufficient compensation, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

"My wife and I have just spent more than $32,000 and 15 days of our lives on a cruise to fulfill a lifetime ambition to see the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal. The Silversea cruise was headlined as the 'Panama Canal Experience,' but the ship went through the canal in total darkness," the disgruntled tourist, identified by the British newspaper only as R. Mew, said.

The cruise line maintained it had no control over the time of day it traveled through the canal because of complications with Panamanian authorities.

"The unique offer of a 20 percent discount on a future cruise was offered as a gesture of goodwill to Mr. and Mrs. Mew as they have been loyal repeat guests of Silversea," a company spokeswoman said.

[JoeyandDavid]

hmmmm.....I don't know what to say about that.... interesting story .. thanks Howard!

[sailingrose]

I'd be pretty mad too since the canal is a special thing you don't do everyday. Not sure what the answer is.........

[KeithnRita]

It kinda reminds you of the Griswolds when they finally get to Walley World and it's closed!

[TheSkipper]

I'm surprised that Silverseas handled it this way. I've always had good relationship with them. IMHO, a discount predicated on a future cruise is nothing.

[lashl]

If I had spent 32 thousand to see the Panama Canal I'd would at least expect a flashlight!

[hazelson]

If it was totally out of Silversea's control then I think the 20% was a good offer - they could have offered nothing.