Celebrity Cruises Millennium hits rocks - cancelled next cruise

Celebrity Cruises has had to take a ship out of service after it hit rocks off the South of France.

The $350 million Celebrity Millennium is not due to re-enter service until July 24 after its propellers struck a submerged rock following what the company described as an electrical malfunction.

Three of the four blades on the starboard propeller and one on the port propeller were damaged and need replacing following the incident while the 1,950-passenger ship was anchored off Villefanche a week ago.

The line has had to cancel the remaining portion of the cruise and the next sailing which was due to depart on Thursday (July 12).

The company originally thought divers could complete repairs while the seven year old ship was docked but has decided that the work needs to be conducted in dry dock.

President Dan Hanrahan said: "We deeply regret having to cancel these sailings and apologize to our guests for the disruption this will casue them. We will continue to aggressively address the repairs and retunr the ship to service on July 24."

Message from Phil

This is obviously a decision that has not been taken lightly by Celebrity and my thoughts are especially with those who are travelling with their children for their family summer holiday.

There are little if any family cabins available this summer but we will continue to check for anyone who calls the team at Save'n'Sail on 01253 341014.

Phil