Day trip turns into drunken nightmare
HORRIFIED passengers who took a cruise from Garlieston to the Isle of Man have told of their outrage at the "nightmare day" they had to endure.
Drunken teenagers, no seating, rude staff and a disregard for health and safety are just some of the problems that plagued the trip on the Balmoral.
Pamela Freeman, of Minnigaff, said: "The whole day was one long nightmare and a really poorly organised or supervised one at that. Never again."
She said: "The whole boarding situation was disgusting and at no point was the queuing in line with any health and safety protocol.
"I feel there should have been some sort of barrier next to the harbour wall, as this was left open and I am surprised nobody stepped of the edge when shoving to the front."
Once Pamela and her friends made it onboard on Saturday, they were shocked at the age of people being served alcohol in the bar. She said: "At the bar they were never challenged for ID. Instead, from start of sail, to end, they were constantly served a flow of alcohol. They were all well intoxicated before reaching Douglas.
"At that point, I said to my husband that if the group were to be drinking in Douglas as well, there would be some trouble on the return journey as there was no security in place."
In Douglas, the group made their way ashore to take a trip on the famous steam train - but were met with hostility from the purser who was dealing with tickets for the trip. Pamela said: "He refused to tell my friend when she asked the length of the steam train trip because he said he didn't want to repeat himself 100 times and she would just have to wait.
"His total attitude the whole day and towards all I heard him speak to was disgusting. The staff on the way back were also rude when needing to pass by as they would just shove past customers without some much as an excuse me." The return sailing was a choppy one, causing many to lie down in any available space. Pamela said: "There was vomit all over the place and no one to clean up. How the journey went by without a serious injury or fatality I do not know."
Police were called to Garlieston to meet the Balmoral as it docked. Several others complained to The Gazette that their trip had been ruined by drunk youths and rude staff.
One said: "We were even asked to spend our big notes on the Isle of Man because they wouldn't have enough change on the return journey."
Police said: " As the boat docked, a number of disturbances took place in and around the harbour area. We are seeking assistance in identifying those who were involved in this."
A spokesperson for the Balmoral said they would be happy to deal with Mrs Freeman's complaints if she contacts their customer services department.
emma.barlow@gallowaygazette.com
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Weather for Newton Stewart
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
