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Updated Wednesday, August 11, 2010 9:44 am TWN, The China Post news staff

Some of the passengers onboard Star Cruises' ship, the SuperStar Libra, disembark in Keelung, yesterday, after their journey was cut short by a typhoon. About 800 of their fellow ...

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Cruise tourists in protest after storm

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Some 800 passengers refused to disembark a cruise ship for two and a half hours yesterday in Keelung because they were not happy with the offer of a 50 percent refund after their journey was cut short by a typhoon.

The protesters believed they were entitled to a full refund as Star Cruises had ended their four day trip onboard the SuperStar Libra from Keelung to Naha, Japan, a day early because of safety concerns as Typhoon Dianmu edged towards Japan.

They were also not satisfied by the company's decision to keep them inside the ship during the whole trip because of the storm.

Star Cruises' offer to return half of the fees plus free coupons fell on deaf ears as the protesters continued to barricade themselves on the ship, waving handwritten banners. Some of the passengers who disembarked also showed their disapproval by tearing up their cruise ship tickets.

　　However, the atmosphere was not altogether tense, as some of the passengers began to play when they spotted reporters, according to a news report by the Chinese Television System. Some waved, some smiled, and some kept snapping their cameras, the CTS reported.

　　Keelung Harbor Bureau sent officers to the protest site to prevent the situation from escalating. The bureau also pointed out that similar itinerary changes due to weather concerns are not uncommon and believed the passengers and the company should sort out their disagreements between themselves.

　　The protest ended last night after the protesters agreed to the Star Cruises' alternative offer of a free Keelung-Naha trip for all affected passengers. Those who are not interested in taking the free trip could choose a 50 percent refund plus a 35 percent discount for other trips instead.

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Comments

August 11, 2010 mcj5067@

Typical Taiwanese attitude, any excuse to get a total free ride! There is nothing you can do about nature. I would have thought an insurance fee would be included so the passengers can claim for these unforeseen circumstances. I say they were at see for 3 out of 4 days, I think 1 day refund or discount on next trip is fair.

August 11, 2010 johnny.brian@

Yeah, typical Taiwanese attitude, always think of themselves first and complain a lot. It is rightfully to postpone the last day trip due to natural disaster. Insensible Taiwanese tourists.

August 12, 2010 pietpompies7@

Typical arrogant Taiwanese attitude. Basically they're a bunch of cheap crooks. Same thing used to happen on commercial aircraft. Slightest delay or what ever, & they would refuse to leave the aircraft after landing unless they were compensated.