| Aurora “postpones” Australia season

AURORA Expeditions Chief Executive Officer Monique Ponfoort said the company has taken a “leadership position to deliver a clear and committed pathway forward,” by announcing the continued suspension of operations until Nov (CW breaking news).

Yesterday’s announcement is being described as a “postponement, not a cancellation,” with Ponfoort telling Cruise Weekly that while Aurora continues to receive positive support from its discussions with state and federal governments to bring Greg Mortimer (pictured) down under, the cruise line “remains unable to give clarity to passengers on departure voyage dates”.

The postponement of the start of Aurora’s potential spring and summer 2021 sailing season from Australia will be in place until the situation is clearer, but Ponfoort said the cruise line “remains committed to operating a full Antarctic Peninsula program starting in Nov 2021”.

Guests who have booked a voyage on the suspended program will be able to receive a full refund, apply their deposit toward another booking, or leave it as a credit with Aurora.

“Our loyal guests, crew and trade partners are our number one priority,” Ponfoort said.

Providing certainty for the industry demonstrated the “utmost respect to both the Government and our guests, staff, expedition team and our travel trade partners.

“We are so looking forward to getting back to what we do best – endlessly exploring on our ships designed for discovery – and returning to Antarctica in our 30th anniversary year as a world leader of polar expeditions in Nov 2021,” she added.