Dream Cruises has announced that Explorer Dream will not be returning to Australia and New Zealand this summer between October 2020 and February 2021 as was originally planned.
The cruise line says the health and safety of its guests and crew are top priority and the company has been working closely with various local and regional authorities to implement precautionary measures across its fleet.
“In light of the global coronavirus pandemic, Dream Cruises has been monitoring the situation and working closely with authorities to support all possible precautionary measures. As always, the health and safety of our guests and crew is our upmost priority” says Brigita Devries, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Australia and New Zealand.
“Regretfully, these unprecedented circumstances have brought us to the difficult decision that we must cancel the planned return Australia and New Zealand deployment for Explorer Dream, meaning all cruises scheduled to depart between 8 October 2020 and 13 March 2021 have been cancelled. We are deeply saddened by this decision however we must take these extraordinary precautionary measures in order to limit the spread of the virus and play our part in recovery. We hope that by acting early, we will minimise the number of passengers affected.”
“On behalf of Dream Cruises, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and we thank you in advance for your kind understanding and support in light of these unforeseen circumstances.”
Guests affected by the cancellations will have the option to receive a future cruise credit towards any Dream Cruises voyage until 31 December 2021 and would receive an additional AUD250 on board credit if they choose this option. Alternatively, they can choose to receive a full refund. Dream Cruises will contact affected passengers via their booking agent.
Dream Cruises says they will be back. “We thank you for your extraordinary support of Explorer Dream’s first ever deployment to Australia & New Zealand recently. We have built wonderful & rewarding relationships with you all and while Explorer Dream will not return to Australia and New Zealand in the immediate future, we will be back & look forward to working with you on those plans,” Ms Devries said.
IMAGE: Explorer Dream in Sydney
