Scenic Group has shelved the rest of its scheduled departures aboard Scenic Eclipse for 2021.
The decision affects Scenic Eclipse sailings from 1 October until 31 December 2021, and specifically this year’s Central America, South America, and Antarctica itineraries.
The Australian luxury cruise and travel company cited the current situation in South America regarding borders and COVID-19 travel advisories, along with Australian outbound international border forecasts among the reasons for suspending another three months of ocean sailings.
Scenic Group’s river cruise programs in Europe and Asia have also been withdrawn for the month of August 2021.
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In an updated COVID Advisory, Scenic said: “Whilst there has been encouraging progress made with vaccination programs in Australia and New Zealand over the past few months, including many other countries, the timeframes for the vaccination roll-out continues to vary significantly for each region.”
“Based on the continuing international travel restrictions, emergence of new COVID variants, quarantine requirements, attraction closures and extension of lock-downs impacting Australian and New Zealand travellers, it is currently impossible for us to offer our scheduled Europe and Asia river cruises and international tours with departures for Australian and New Zealand guests from 1 to 31 August 2021.”
“Further, due to the ongoing border closures within South America and no announced date for review, we have also made the decision to suspend the Scenic Eclipse Central America, South America and Antarctica departures from 1 October until 31 December 2021.”
Scenic has, consequently, delayed its upcoming Antarctica season until January 2022. Scenic Eclipse‘s program will now recommence on 7 January with its popular 13-day Antarctica in Depth voyage, operating roundtrip from Buenos Aires.
Scenic noted that the suspension of the rest of Scenic Eclipse‘s 2021 schedule is “completely out of our control”, emphasising that the cancellations due to the pandemic are a “Force Majeure Event, as defined within the Scenic Group terms and conditions”.
A Future Travel Credit (FTC) Voucher for the full amount paid to date for an impacted Scenic Eclipse departure up until 31 December 2021 will be provided to guests, valid for travel commencing by 31 December 2024.
Australian and New Zealand guests with a Europe and Asia river cruise departing from 1-31 August 2021 will be provided with an FTC Voucher valid for travel commenced by 31 December 2024.
Upon expiry of the FTC Voucher guests can apply for a cash refund equal to the amount paid, Scenic noted.