Have any questions? Call us: Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cruise ships and cruise ship excursions to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of cruise ship accident compensation claims.
Introduction
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas experienced an engine malfunction on November 7, 2024, leading to an unexpected delay in Yokohama, Japan. The incident has left over 500 Russian passengers stranded with expired transit visas, prompting intervention from the Russian Embassy and discussions with Japanese immigration authorities.
Details of the Incident
The ship, carrying approximately 3,500 passengers, encountered the engine problem while on a 7-night round-trip voyage from Shanghai to Japan. The malfunction necessitated repairs, extending the ship’s stay in Yokohama and delaying its return to Shanghai. Among the passengers are 538 Russian nationals whose transit visas have expired.
Operational Context
The Russian Embassy in Japan is actively working with Japanese immigration services to facilitate the departure of the stranded passengers. Japanese authorities have indicated a willingness to cooperate and have conditionally approved a transit route allowing the passengers to fly from Tokyo to Shanghai and then onward to Russia, pending a formal request from Royal Caribbean. The Russian Union of Travel Industry is also optimistic that visa-free travel arrangements may be possible.