Luxury line Silversea has had to cancel the first half of its wave season Down Under on the Silver Muse.
The season, which was due to start on December 21, has been pushed back to resume in February 2022.
Silversea MD Asia Pacific, Adam Radwanski said the move was necessitated “in light of ongoing ambiguity from State and Federal governments on the return of cruising in Australia”.
“While the Government has made positive indications about cruising’s return, including verbal commitment to end the cruise ban on 17 Dec, no concrete decision has been made.
“Also, the lead time required to bring a ship into Australia requires 60-90 days minimum,” Mr Radwanski told travel agents.
“Silversea is still committed to delivering a domestic season in Australia, and eagerly anticipates the green light from the relevant authorities in the coming weeks,” he said, with
“The economic contribution of Silversea’s domestic cruise season is incredibly high, and well into the millions of dollars,” he said.
“We hope to support the local economy when the season is permitted to operate.”
Passengers on cancelled voyages are being offered a 15% saving on fares if they switch to any voyage in 2022/23/24 apart from a Silversea world cruise.
Alternatively, a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) worth 110% of the total booking amount can be used to reserve a cruise within 24 months for all open sailings.
Silversea’s FCCs are fully transferrable to family and friends, can be used partially and applied to more than one new booking, the company said.
Members of the line’s Venetian Society loyalty program will accumulate days on both the cancelled voyage as well as any new booking if they select the FCC or voyage switch option.
A cash refund option is also available.
