The 'Isle of Mull' return was pushed back a little further. CalMac's expectation was to have the evacuation slides repaired and be ready to re- enter service by June 25. That represented a 10 day extension on the original plan, which would have seen her return by June 15. Due to the knock-on effect of delays to the 'Finlaggan's over-haul, that date was pushed back another four days to June 29. The ferry will be heading for dry-dock in Greenock on May 24, to have her new marine evacuation slides fitted. That gives five weeks to have the work done, to return just before the peak month of July. All those with affected bookings should be contacted by CalMac.
News
TAURUS
Two Russian fishing companies, including the whitefish giant Norebo, are suspected of having participated in a Russian-state espionage program. Now the EU is imposing sanctions. The "Taurus" and the shipping company are accused of extensive espionage in the EU. The Murmansk-based "Norebo JSC" and "Murman Seafood" are accused of carrying out espionage and sabotage against critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The EU claims that the vessels of the two shipping companies have been involved in monitoring both civilian and military infrastructure in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Norebo is also said to have received several loans from the Russian state-owned bank Sberbank.
VOLODYMYR VOROBYOV
The "Volodymyr Vorobyov" was detained in Tekirdag on May 8, 2025: Detained in Tekirdag with 47 deficiencies, seven of which being regarded a seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Fire safety - Fixed fire exthinguishing installation Missing 2) Fire safety - Fire detection and alarm system' Not properly maintained 3) Fire safety - Remote Means of control (Machinery spaces) Inoperative 4) Life saving Appliances - Launching arrangements for survival craft Not properly maintained 5) Life saving Appliances - Emergency equipment for 2-way communications Batteries expires 6) Structural conditions - Steering gear Not properly maintained 7) Alarm - General alarm Inoperative. The vessel was released again on May 21 and headed to Altinova, where it arrived on May 22 for permanent repairs. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
COSTA FAVOLOSA
During the 'Costa Favolosa's last Northern Europe cruise, several guests complained of symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness. The Costa Cruises shipping company responded immediately with a comprehensive hygiene plan and assured that the situation is under control. The seven-dacruise, which departed from Hamburg on May 3, t2025, took the ship to Le Havre and South Queensferry and to Newhaven near Edinburgh. On May 18,, a comprehensive disinfection campaign was launched in the Scottish port after several passengers reported typical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In an official message to guests, the shipping company announced increased cleaning measures. Passengers were asked either to stay in their cabins or to temporarily leave the ship to ensure efficient hygiene procedures. Captain Valentino Savarese appealed to passengers to practice thorough hand hygiene and avoid physical contact as much as possible. Restroom use should also be limited to their own cabin. The exact number of passengers affected remained unclear. Costa Cruises emphasized that the situation is under constant monitoring. The cruise will continue as planned. The full 19-day cruise began on May 3 in Marseille and ended on May 22 in Hamburg.
OCEAN VICTORY
The 'Ocean Victory', operated by the newly formed Spanish cruise line Alma Cruceros, was detained in the Port of Malaga following a legal request from the ship's general agent, Grupo Lantimar. The ship remained docked with all crew on board while authorities and company representatives awaited the next phase of the procedure.Alma Cruceros, which began its maiden voyage on April 18, 2025, had established itself as a provider of luxury Mediterranean travel. Its inaugural itinerary departed from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and ended in Malaga, after which the company only made two additional voyages before an abrupt operational suspension. On May 9, travel agents were notified of the cancellation of a scheduled departure on May 11. Despite promises of more information, the ship has remained idle since that date. Alma Cruceros has not issued an official statement regarding the detention of the 'Ocean Victory' or the future of its cruise operations. There are reports suggesting the company could face imminent suspension of payments and the possible termination of crew contracts, although these figures have not yet been confirmed by official sources. The 'Ocean Victory' is owned by SunStone Ships and was chartered by Alma Cruceros for seasonal sailings in the Mediterranean. During the off-season, the ship was scheduled to operate under the Albatros Expeditions program in Antarctic waters. Originally conceived as a high-end product aimed at a wealthy clientele, but faced with increasing commercial pressure, the cruise line revised its pricing model, reducing weekly fares from approximately USD 6,750 per passenger to approximately USD 2,250, adopting a boutique cruise approach with broader appeal. Industry sources have linked Alma Cruceros' difficulties to a combination of complex logistical requirements and poor financial performance. These factors, combined with limited operating time and a rapid adjustment to its market positioning, appear to have contributed to the ship's current detention and the overall uncertainty surrounding the brand's viability.