A maritime pilot strike in Portugal has forced Ambassador Cruise Line to amend its itinerary for Ambience tomorrow ( 17 September).
The line said would be unable to call in Leixões (for Porto) tomorrow as planned and will instead visit Vigo in Spain, because of the strike.
In a statement on Facebook, Ambassador said: “We have been advised by our agent in Portugal that the Pilots union will be striking between 0700hrs on Monday 16 until 0700hrs on Wednesday, 18 September 2024. As per the port regulations, we are required to take a pilot when entering and leaving the port. As none will be available during our call, I’m sorry to advise that we have amended the itinerary to cancel Leixões and add in Vigo as well as adjust our call timings in Lisbon. We sincerely apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience caused by this change but hope you understand this is outside our control.”
Portuguese website CGTP has added strikes, called by the OFICAISMAR/FECTRANS Union and SINCOMAR, will also take place from 23-25 September and from 30 September to 2 October.
P&O Cruises’ Ventura is due in Lisbon on 25 September and Iona on 2 October.
A spokesperson for the line confirmed there are currently no planned changes to the itineraries. She said: “We are aware of the strikes and will make minor adjustments to the arrival times for both calls to mitigate any impact.”
Other cruise lines visiting Portuguese ports are Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, which is set to call in Funchal, Madeira, tomorrow and also on 24 September.
Fred Olsen’s Borealis also has planned calls in the Azores on 25 September and Matosinhos (Porto) on 30 September.
Travel Gossip has contacted Royal Caribbean and Fred Olsen to see if they have planned any itinerary changes.