Dream Cruises has pulled the deployment of Explorer Dream in Oceania waters for the upcoming summer, between October 2020 and February 2021. The cruise line cited “ongoing concerns” surrounding the coronavirus pandemic for the decision to withdraw its upcoming Australia and New Zealand season.
“In light of the global coronavirus pandemic, Dream Cruises has been monitoring the situation and working closely with authorities to support all possible precautionary measures. As always, the health and safety of our guests and crew is our upmost priority,” said Brigita Devries, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Australia and New Zealand.
“Regretfully, these unprecedented circumstances have brought us to the difficult decision that we must cancel the planned return Australia and New Zealand deployment for Explorer Dream, meaning all cruises scheduled to depart between 8 October 2020 and 13 March 2021 have been cancelled,” Devries said.
She said it was necessary for Dream Cruises to play its part in taking these “extraordinary precautionary measures” to limit the spread of the virus.
“We hope that by acting early, we will minimise the number of passengers affected.”
The cruise company reiterated that it has “maintained the highest preventative hygiene and sanitation standards” on board its fleet to safeguard guests and crew.
Guests affected by the cancellations will have the option to receive a future cruise credit towards any Dream Cruises voyage until 31 December 2021 and would receive an additional AU$250 on board credit if they choose this option. Alternatively, they can choose to receive a full refund.
Dream Cruises will contact affected passengers via their booking agent.
While Explorer Dream will not return to Australia and New Zealand in the immediate future, Dream Cruises says it “will be back”, which may imply the line’s new mega ship, Global Dream, will be deployed down under in the future.
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