QM2 Pod Damaged, Ship Still Sailing

Queen Mary 2 was berthed at Port Everglades yesterday for an unexpected port day after the ship hit the side of the underwater channel at the port while departing for a cruise. The ship returned to dock while a technical assessment of the damage to one propulsion pod was made. The ship's 2,543 passengers spent Tuesday night onboard the ship and on Wednesday took shore trips around Fort Lauderdale. Cunard Line said the damaged pod is on the ship's port side, and while it does not control maneuverability, it does control the speed at which QM2 can sail. This damaged pod will be taken out of commission for the time being, until permanent repairs can be made. Meanwhile, Cunard planned to continue Queen Mary 2's voyage on Wednesday evening, but at a lesser speed. One less pod does not compromise safety, the line said, nor should the impact of the reduced speed materially change future journeys. Because of the long delayed departure from Fort Lauderdale, the itinerary's first leg, which ends in Rio on January 27, will be affected. Details of a revised itinerary and passenger compensation will be communicated soon, the line said. Fort Lauderdale was the second port on Queen Mary 2's 38-day sailing around South America. The ship departed New York Jan. 15 and will arrive in Los Angeles Feb. 22.