Radisson Seven Seas' 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner will enter dry-dock for 24 days this month to undergo repairs to one of the two pods in its pod propulsion system - a significant design innovation that creates a smoother, quieter ride for guests but has also required adjustment in most of the new ships employing the advanced
21st century technology. As a result, the line has had to cancel the vessel's April 22, 26 and May 9 cruises. The vessel is expected to return to service on May 26, where it will commence a seven-night voyage from Venice to Rome.
The unscheduled dry-dock is viewed as a preventive as well as corrective measure. Alstom Marine & Rolls Royce Marine - joint manufacturers of the Seven Seas Mariner's Mermaid Pod Propulsion system - have advised the cruise line that bearings in one of the pods have suffered damage and will fail unless prompt action is taken. Given that a failure of the bearings would lead to the failure of the entire pod, the line decided to place the vessel in dry-dock immediately.
Other ships, such as Celebrity's
Infinity and Summit, which employ similar systems have also had to be temporarily dry-docked for repairs to pod bearings.