Aurora Expeditions has postponed the start of its potential spring and summer 2021 sailing season from Australia until there is greater clarity on travel start dates.
However, the expedition cruise line said it remains committed to operating a full Antarctic Peninsula program from November 2021.
Guests who have booked a voyage as part of the Australian spring/summer 2021 sailing program will be able to get a full refund or apply their deposit towards another voyage or leave their deposit as a credit with the company for a future voyage.
Aurora Expeditions CEO Monique Ponfoort said the line has been working closely with state and federal governments to bring a vessel into Australia.
“We continue to receive positive support for this and we thank each government for its constructive engagement,” she said.
“Aurora is still working to finalise staff and quarantine arrangements, but remains unable to give clarity to passengers on departure voyage dates. As a consequence, we feel it is best to postpone the current itinerary of voyages until that certainty is achieved.”
Ponfoort reiterated that the line’s decision on its Aussie program is a postponement rather than a cancellation.
“Our loyal guests, crew and trade partners are our number one priority,” she said.
“In these challenging times of uncertainty surrounding travel start dates, we have taken a leadership position to deliver a clear and committed pathway forward with the utmost respect to both the government and our guests, staff, expedition team and our travel trade partners.
“We are so looking forward to getting back to doing what we do best – endlessly exploring on our ships designed for discovery – and returning to Antarctica in our 30th anniversary year as a world leader of polar expeditions in November 2021.”
Aurora Expeditions CEO Monique Ponfoort will be speaking at Travel DAZE 2021 next week. Click HERE for more info.
Featured image source: Aurora Expeditions/Scott Portelli
