In a stunning turn of events, Life at Sea Cruises has canceled its highly anticipated three-year global cruise, leaving passengers in a lurch. The cruise, which was set to offer an unparalleled experience of circumnavigating the globe over three years, has been called off due to the company's inability to secure a ship.
Originally scheduled to depart from Istanbul on November 1, the cruise faced multiple delays and changes in departure points, finally settling on a November 30 departure from Amsterdam. However, just weeks before this date, passengers were informed that the voyage would not take place.
Many passengers, who had made significant life changes such as selling homes and quitting jobs in anticipation of the journey, are now stranded and facing uncertainty. The company has promised refunds, to be paid in installments starting mid-December, but this offers little solace to those who have upended their lives for the cruise.
Life at Sea Cruises had planned to purchase the AIDAaura from AIDA Cruises and rechristen it as the MV Lara. However, after prolonged uncertainty and delays, Celestyal Cruises announced the acquisition of the AIDAaura, leaving Life at Sea without a vessel.
The company's former CEO, Kendra Holmes, who resigned shortly before the cancellation, addressed passengers in a video, acknowledging the cancellation. Meanwhile, Vedat Ugurlu, the owner of Miray Cruises, which owns Life at Sea, expressed regret over the situation, citing financial constraints and investor withdrawal as the primary reasons for the cancellation.
Passengers have expressed their disappointment and frustration, with many feeling betrayed by the company's failure to deliver on its promises. The cancellation not only disrupts their immediate plans but also leaves them with significant financial and emotional distress.
Life at Sea Cruises' future remains uncertain, with the company still expressing hope for launching a long-term cruise in the future. However, for the passengers affected by this cancellation, the dream of a three-year global cruise has turned into a distressing ordeal.
