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Holidaymakers Stage 'Mutiny' And Refuse To Get Off Cruise Ship

Holidaymakers Stage 'Mutiny' And Refuse To Get Off Cruise Ship

The 'mystery' voyage took them to Great Yarmouth and a Dutch 'council estate'

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Angry holidaymakers staged a 'mutiny' during a cruise through Europe which saw them dock at Great Yarmouth and a Dutch port described as a 'council estate'.

So disgusted with the trip, a group of tourists - who had shelled out £1,400 for the 11-night trip - even refused to get off the Balmoral cruise liner.

According to reports in The Sun, some people got into arguments with members of staff because they were so disappointed by the itinerary.

Speaking to the paper, on traveller said : "It's mutiny on here. God knows where we will end up next."

The trip, which is run by tour operator Fred. Olsen, set off from Newcastle last week and was billed as a 'mystery' voyage exploring 'undiscovered gems' which would be a 'holiday to remember'.

Guests complained after their 'mystery' cruise stopped off at Great Yarmouth.
PA

However, it proved to anything but. Rather than soaking up some sun in the Med, guests were treated to a stopover in Great Yarmouth - where some of those on board had come from.

The next stop on the tour was Dunkirk in France, where guests enjoyed the sights of the iconic World War Two battlefield.

They then made the short trip to Antwerp in Belgium, before heading over to Ijmuiden, a run-down port close to Amsterdam.

Another unhappy holidaymaker said they had been on similar tours in the past and never had an experience like this.

They told the publication: "It's been dreadful so far. We've saved up all year and end up in these places.

"Some have said they won't get off the ship at the next destination. They just want it to be over.

Dunkirk was among the stops guests enjoyed.
PA

"When we got to Great Yarmouth a lot of people were very unhappy. Dunkirk is interesting for history but hardly a holiday destination.

"Ijmuiden in Holland, it was like being on a council estate, with cheap shops like Poundland. There have been a lot of complaints and the crew know people are not happy.

"I have been on a mystery tour before and we had Santander, Spain, and Bordeaux, France, which were good."

Another passenger hit out, writing online: "On mystery cruise out of Newcastle a different country every day . . . first port Great Yarmouth.

"I know Norfolk is a little different, but it is still England, unless you know something I don't."

The ship also docked at Antwerp.
PA

The tour company has said they were sorry to see a 'minority' of guests were not happy with their trip.

Martin Lister, head of itinerary planning and destination experience, said: "As over 50 percent of our guests cruise with us time and time again, a Mystery Cruise offers the chance to visit somewhere new.

"It is a shame that a minority feel this cruise has not met expectations. However, we have also received a number of positive comments.

"We hope our guests will continue to get into the spirit of the cruise and are looking forward to those destinations that they have not yet visited."

Featured Image Credit: Fred. Olsen

Topics: Belgium, UK News, Interesting, France, Holiday