Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the resumption of cruising in Australia and the projected status of Australian interstate and international borders has forced UK-based cruise line, Tradewind Voyages, to cancel its maiden 2022/23 summer season in Australia of the world’s newest and largest sailing ship, Golden Horizon.
Instead, Australians are being invited to travel to the Mediterranean or Caribbean in 2022 or 2023, when outbound travel regulations allow, to sail aboard the spectacular tall ship.
The British company said long-term planning was needed to operate and market voyages in Australia and ongoing, restrictive conditions and lack of clarity here for cruising and freedom of travel made the season unviable to operate. But there were hopes Golden Horizon could grace Australian shores in the summer of 2023/24 if restrictions cleared well before then.
Tradewind Voyages said Golden Horizon, launched in Europe in July this year, would be based in the Mediterranean from April-October, 2022 and again in the northern summer of 2023, with plans for her to sail in the Caribbean in the northern winter of 2022/23 instead of Australia.
Details of the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons will be released in coming months with hopes Australians can travel to either destination in 2022 or 2023 to sail on the ship once outbound restrictions are eased.
As the exclusive Australian partner for Tradewind Voyages, Cruise Traveller has already contacted all Australian guests and travel agents affected by the cancellation and is processing full refunds.
“While we have had to advise hundreds of booked guests of the changed program for Golden Horizon, it has been more than encouraging for so many of them to clearly indicate they are keen to sail on her in the Mediterranean in 2022 or 2023,” said Cruise Traveller Managing Director, Craig Bowen. “As I have come to expect from Tradewind Voyages, they have managed the delivery of these unavoidable changes with total professionalism and commitment to the Australian market,” Mr Bowen said.
Designed to recapture the golden era of sailing ships, the new, 162m-long Golden Horizon boasts golden masts that soar 64m above the sea and support 6300 square metres of billowing sails. The majestic square-rigger boasts a gourmet cuisine restaurant, three pools, gym, library, spa sanctuary, four bars and a marina platform.
While brand new and luxurious, the graceful ship retains the charm, adventure and romance of an historic ship with an onboard ambience that is intimate, relaxed and casually elegant. Committed to sustainability, the ship is powered solely by nature whenever possible, providing an authentic sailing experience.
