HURTIGRUTEN Cruises is offering special “compassionate fares” to Australasian travellers impacted by the repeated cancellations of voyages by One Ocean Expeditions (OOE). Industry concern continues to rise over the future of OOE, which yesterday cancelled a fourth itinerary as it undergoes what its CEO has described as a “difficult period...
HURTIGRUTEN Cruises is offering special “compassionate fares” to Australasian travellers impacted by the repeated cancellations of voyages by One Ocean Expeditions (OOE).
Industry concern continues to rise over the future of OOE, which yesterday cancelled a fourth itinerary as it undergoes what its CEO has described as a “difficult period of restructuring”.
It’s believed that once again no refunds are being offered, with the newly cancelled voyage being an 11-day Falkland Islands cruise due to depart this Sun.
Earlier this week CATO MD Brett Jardine warned agents about OOE (CW 25 Nov), with the industry particularly wary given the lack of transparency around the recent collapse of Tempo/Bentours despite repeated assurances that it was “business as usual”.
Hurtigruten is once again stepping into the breach, via significant fare reductions for pax directly impacted by cancelled cruises, or future potential cancellations this season.
Hurtigruten MD Damian Perry (pictured) said the initiative was in line with the firm’s core values.
“We care…we care about the environment, cultures, oceans, and we care about travellers.”
The offer is being made independently, and will not resolve disputes between OOE and travellers over cancellations.
“Yet we understand the stress this causes agents and travellers.
“Guests may get some comfort that they will travel at a premium standard with one of the industry’s most recognised expedition teams and operations on Hurtigruten, at a heavily reduced compassionate fare,” Perry said.
To apply for a special fare, agents need to email Hurtigruten on Apac.Assist@hurtigruten.com.
“This is not a giveaway, not a refund for their existing booking or a windfall for agents, as nobody wins in these circumstances,” Perry said.
He said Hurtigruten would take a financial hit on these offers, “but we believe it is the right thing to do for the traveller and for the trade to lift its professionalism while rebuilding trust with consumers.
“Our focus is on the traveller and the professional agents in the market that value putting the traveller first,” Perry concluded.
