Expedition cruise company One Ocean Expeditions has entered into administration following a tumultuous last few months.
A statement issued over the weekend by one of its partners overseas, Swoop Travel, said One Ocean Expeditions had announced it “will be entering into a formal business administration process”.
“This latest news has brought clarity for booked customers in terms of now knowing the options. Swoop are working with our customers to help find the best outcome for each one,” the statement read.
Travel Weekly has since attempted to contact the cruise company’s Australian office, only to receive an automated voice message saying that the office is now closed.
One Ocean Expedition’s collapse doesn’t exactly come as a shock, having flagged back in October last year it was working to restructure the business.
This came amid reports that the company was facing claims of failing to pay staff, as well as allegedly struggling to refund passengers and booking companies for a trip to Antarctica that was cancelled in September.
On 6 January, One Ocean Expeditions issued a statement to customers informing them that it was unable to operate its voyage on 17 January.
“One Ocean Expeditions has been working diligently to restructure the business in an effort to avoid entirely shutting down, so that we can continue to serve you, our valued partners and customers, and provide further options,” the statement read.
The company also advised it had signed a partnership agreement with a “qualified, reputable operator”.
“Under this agreement, we will be able to provide a range of alternatives for clients who have been affected by our difficulties.”
Hurtigruten was originally speculated to have been One Ocean Expeditions’ new partner, having offered support to its affected passengers just last month. However, the company has denied signing any deal with its rival.
The collapse of One Ocean Expeditions comes just after Excite Holidays entered into voluntary administration on Friday.
