Cruise line in administration
Classic International Cruises has been placed into voluntary administration, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of Australians.
Lawler Partners, who have been appointed as administrators, are calling on customers with cruises booked on the MV Athena cruise ship to contact them to make a claim.
CIC Australia had been in talks to replace the Athena after it was impounded in France over debts, but talks in Europe broke down.
A replacement ship could not be found to reach Australia in time to commence a summer season of sailing.
In a statement the administrators said, "A backup was found, however, CIC Australia was notified on 30 October 2012 that a final agreement may not be reached because of delays prior to the scheduled departure of the cruise from Marseille, France on 12 November 2012.
"Upon receiving this news the management of CIC Australia sought immediate advice in relation to CIC Australia’s financial affairs and placed the company into administration."
Lawler Partners said it would be providing travel agents with regular updates as further information becomes available "and we encourage customers to contact their travel agents in relation to their future travel arrangements".
The Athena, which has been operating in Australian waters for several years, was due to sail seven cruises out of Fremantle and four out of Adelaide in the coming months, with 6,000 passengers booked on the cruises.
It was one of three CIC ships stranded overseas over unpaid debts and crew wages.
Ian Jarrett
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