PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Victory I casino cruise ship scheduled to set sail for the first time Thursday from Port Canaveral has not yet received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard and has canceled its maiden voyage.
About 700 people booked tickets for the five-hour excursion.
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?We?re waiting for the final paperwork in Washington, D.C.,? spokesman John Picano told Local 6 News partner Florida Today on Wednesday.
Picano said the Coast Guard has not demanded any improvements or additions to the vessel.
?There are no technical issues,? he said. ?It?s just paperwork.?
Coast Guard maritime regulations are designed to prevent accidents and loss of life at sea. Inspectors are rigorous in enforcing them.
The 700 would-be passengers were notified by telephone that the trip was canceled, Picano said.
However, cruises could begin ?at any moment,? he added.
The operators of Victory Casino Cruises initially predicted a November 2010 opening, before the date was pushed back several times.