Passengers on a planned three-year world cruise - “the cruise that never ends” - have been left high and dry after the company offering the trip-of-a-lifetime, Life at Sea Cruises, was left without a ship.
CNN reported the cruise was originally due to depart Istanbul on 1
November, but the departure was postponed to 11 November and relocated
to Amsterdam, and then rescheduled again to 30 November.
But on 17 November - less than two weeks before the third departure date - passengers were informed the cruise was off.
The cruise company’s owners, Miray International, blamed investor
uncertainty over Middle East security for withdrawing funds needed to
buy the ship, MV Lara, required for the world voyage.
On its website, Life at Sea Cruises promised that passengers – paying
from US$77,026 for the trip – would “experience the world, one country
at a time”.
The cruise promised passengers would visit six continents, 140 countries and 382 ports over 1095 days.
It also highlighted the reaction of one passenger. “I am excited for
no cooking, cleaning or laundry for three whole years. Plus, there’s a
gym and a beauty shop within steps. It’s like I’ve found Nirvana,” wrote
Terri M from Mesquite
CNN reported that some of the cruise ship’s passengers had sold their
homes and possessions and paid thousands for the entire three-year
cruise,
Miray International has promised it will make repayments in monthly
instalments and has offered to pay for accommodation until 1 December
and flights home for anyone stranded in Istanbul.
Life at Sea has been contacted for comment.