German operator TUI Cruises has cancelled a second sailing of the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 because collision repairs at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven are taking longer than anticipated.
The operator confirmed late last week that the vessel's 14-night Norway cruise scheduled for November 14–28 would not operate.
Mein Schiff 3 has been at the yard since November 1 for damage assessment and repairs.
"It has become apparent that the work will take more time," the company said.
TUI Cruises plans for the ship to resume regular service on November 28 with a departure from Bremerhaven to Oslo and Kiel. The company said this reflected the current position and that it would inform guests and sales partners as early as possible should the plan change.
The cruise ship was departing Bremerhaven with tug assistance at around 17:30 local time on October 25 when, according to police, a gust pushed it against two containerships moored at the Stromkaje. None of the 2,428 guests and 922 crewmembers aboard Mein Schiff 3 was injured.
Police reported damage to the cruise ship's lifeboats, their cranes, and its outer hull.
The larger containership, MSC Victorine, sustained a 10-metre tear along its port side, while the smaller vessel suffered lighter damage. None of the three ships took on water.
The collision had already forced the cancellation of a 20-night Canary Islands round trip from Bremerhaven that was due to return on November 14.
Police have opened administrative offence proceedings against the cruise ship's captain over a possible breach of the duty of care. Germany's Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation is also preparing an investigation report.
