An exclusive offer to embark on a three-year cruise around the world, which faced some uncertainty earlier this year, is now back on track with a larger ship. However, prices have also increased, raising concerns among current and potential passengers. The new twist in the sales pitch is that passengers must board the ship, MV Lara, at a port outside the United States. This allows Life at Sea Cruises and its parent company, Miray Cruises, to avoid the cost of a performance bond required by the Federal Maritime Commission for cruises departing from U.S. ports.
Previously, the voyage was set to take place aboard the MV Gemini, with prices ranging from $29,999 to $109,999 per year, depending on the type of cabin. However, the management team of Life at Sea Cruises, including the managing director, Mikael Petterson, left amid a dispute over whether the Gemini was suitable for the trip and the status of the FMC bond. This led to concerns among passengers, with some opting to cancel their bookings. Miray Cruises, though, denied the claims made by Petterson and continued to assert that the trip would proceed as planned. However, Miray Cruises is now using the MV Lara instead of the MV Gemini. The Lara can accommodate up to 1,250 passengers, offering more space and comfort.
Prices for the cruise have increased since the change of ship, with inside cabins now priced at $38,513, a more than 28% increase compared to the initial price for the same option on the Gemini. As a result, passengers who initially booked the cruise on the Gemini have been transferred to the Lara at the original price they paid. However, Miray Cruises encourages residents to book their voyages as soon as possible, as prices will continue to rise gradually.
Despite the changes and uncertainties surrounding the cruise, some passengers, such as Shirene Thomas of North Carolina, have decided to go ahead with their bookings. Thomas, a retired social services worker and avid traveler, sees the cruise as an opportunity to visit all the countries on her bucket list. While she had concerns about the initial plan and the staff turnover at Life at Sea, Thomas believes the company has been transparent and communicative, addressing any fears or doubts passengers may have had. She is also excited about the volunteer and humanitarian opportunities the cruise will offer.
There are, however, concerns about the lack of a performance bond held by Miray Cruises. By changing the departure port from Miami to Istanbul or Barcelona, the company avoids the need for a bond. Miray CEO Kendra Holmes explains that bonding requirements only apply in the U.S., and since most residents prefer to embark in Europe, few passengers would benefit from the bond anyway. While some passengers remain apprehensive, Holmes assures that Miray Cruises will refund money if the cruise is canceled.
Overall, despite the alterations and uncertainties, many passengers are still eager to embark on this extraordinary three-year cruise experience.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
