Unravelling the ยฃ400,000 Portland Cruise Cancellation Mystery: A Deep Dive into Protest Impact
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๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ – 12:00, 21.01.24
In a not so surprising turn of events last July 2023, the cancellation of a cruise by Princess Cruise Lines has ignited a controversy, with claims from Princess Cruise Line that protests led to an estimated ยฃ400,000 loss. While accusatory fingers point at local Weymouth residents, Alex Bailey and Kate Robson, our investigative undercover reporters hint at an elaborate stockpile involving multiple protests. Are they equally responsible for the financial setback?
Delving into the intricacies, the protests under scrutiny were spurred by concerns from two distinct groupsโNo To The Barge and Stand Up To Racism Dorset (SUTRD). No To The Barge is primarily focused on matters related to the Bibby Stockholm, an asylum seeker housing facility, while SUTRD actively opposes racism. How do these groups contribute to the purported ยฃ400,000 loss?
While the initial assertion linked the financial setback solely to Mr Bailey and Mrs Robson, our investigative research unveils a more nuanced scenario. Princess Cruise Lines encountered protests from both groups, prompting us to question the equitable distribution of blame for the considerable economic impact.
An article from Dorset Echo in 2018, citing CEO Bill Reeves, provides insights into the economic impact of cruise passengers.
According to the article, each visitor was anticipated to spend ยฃ55. The larger Norwegian Breakaway, with four thousand passengers, was estimated to contribute around ยฃ200,000. However, the Regal Princess in 2023, with 3,600 passengers, purportedly generated double that amount, reaching ยฃ400,000. This notable contrast raises suspicions, especially considering that inflation alone may not be a sufficient explanation.
Digging deeper, we employ fundamental mathematical principles to scrutinise the presented numbers. Our calculations, based on the assumption of 100% spending by passengers in Portland and Weymouth, reveal a notable discrepancy. The resulting figure, ยฃ198,000, appears unrealistic when considering the diversified spending patterns of passengers disembarking from the Regal Princess.
It is crucial to acknowledge that passengers often extend their excursions beyond Portland and Weymouth. Utilising shuttle bus services or engaging in tours to local attractions such as Abbotsbury Swannery, Athelhampton House, Bovington Tank Museum, Cerne Giant, Corfe Castle, and venturing further to Forde Abbey in north Dorset or Stonehenge, they contribute to the local economies along their journey.
This multifaceted spending behaviour emphasises the inaccuracy of assuming a complete allocation of spending within Portland and Weymouth. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic impact, it is imperative to consider the broader scope of passengers’ destinations and expenditures beyond the immediate vicinity.
Moreover, doubts emerge regarding the assumption of 100% passenger disembarkation from a fully catered vessel. Adding up crew spending and revenues for local operators and suppliers, the ยฃ200,000 mark seems impractical. The port’s press release, despite mentioning ongoing efforts, has yet to disclose crucial information as of January 2024.
As we conclude this investigation, it becomes clear that blame for the cruise cancellation’s economic impact should be shared among the protesting groups. The financial numbers don’t add up, urging a closer look at the undisclosed details surrounding the cancellation.
We reached out to Kate Robson, Susan Phoenix, Stephen Cobb, Teresa Churchill, and Patricia Rider for comment, as they constitute the remaining leadership of the No To The Barge campaign group. Additionally, we contacted Heather Joans, the most active member of SUTRD, and several other local groups. However, as of the initial publication, none of them have replied to our inquiries.
Our pursuit for truth continues, aiming to set the record straight amid attempts to singularly attribute events to two individuals. Stay tuned for further revelations as we untangle the complexities surrounding this controversial crusade and these two groups.
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