Cruise West - A World Voyage Nightmare

Can you begin to imagine booking a 335 day world cruise, and mid way being told that your cruise is cancelled? Well that's exactly what happened to passengers on the Spirit of Oceanus who booked sailing on the epic “Voyage of the Great Explorers” cruise.

Well here's what's going on . . . Cruise West fails to renew their bond!

Cruise line members have to post $1 million in security - in the form of a bond or letter of credit. The bond is held in a trust account by USTOA, and used only for reimbursing consumers for tour payments or deposits lost in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business.

USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) has made the grim announcement  - “Effective September 11, Cruise West is no longer a USTOA member, and as such, no longer participates in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.”

Any cruise passenger who made reservations prior to Sept. 11, 2010 may be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client deposits and payments made after that date will not be covered by the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program.

On the company's website Cruise West says it is continuing “to work towards a restructuring of the company and its operations.” Don't hold your breath!

Unfortunately passengers who do not have insurance will probably end up losing their money. And even if you do have insurance, the particular policy may not cover a cruise line going under financially.

Passengers Stranded As Cruise Line 'Restructures'