ResidenSea, Ltd. has announced that The World`s Asian itinerary planned for this spring has been cancelled, as a result of the…
ResidenSea, Ltd. has announced that The World`s Asian itinerary planned for this spring has been cancelled, as a result of the health concerns raised by the persistent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Asia. As reported by the World Health Organization this week, nearly 1,500 cases of SARS have been reported throughout Asia.
Remaining in Australia through April 24, The World will then be redeployed to North America for voyages along the west coasts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada. In view of these circumstances, we feel it prudent to defer our visit to Asia at this time, said Robert Riley, president and chief executive officer of ResidenSea, Ltd. We are very disappointed to miss Asia`s incredible ports of call, but at the same time we`re excited to have this opportunity to spend more time in North America. Our voyages along the west coast were very successful last year, and we expect the same in 2003.
The World`s new itinerary in May, June and early July take guests and residents from Hawaii to Los Angeles, sailing down the coast for sun and surf throughout the Mexican Riviera; back up along the Californian coast and Oregon, visiting destinations such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Catalina Island, Monterey, Sausalito, San Francisco and Astoria; then north to Victoria and into British Columbia, with a round-trip voyage from Vancouver calling in Nanaimo, Campbell River and Tahsis. After calling in Sitka and Kodiak in early July, The World will resume its original 2003 itinerary on July 11 in Anchorage, Alaska.
Guests who are currently booked on voyages between April 24 and July 11 have an opportunity to reschedule for a later date and receive a bonus voyage credit valued at 20% of their original voyage value, which may be used for cruising additional nights onboard The World. Voyages must be rescheduled by May 15, 2003, with all travel completed by December 30, 2003. Travel agent commissions will be protected on the original voyage; plus agents will receive an additional 2% bonus commission for the rescheduled voyage, including any additional nights which guests may book using their 20% bonus voyage credit. Guests also have the option of receiving a full refund on their original voyage. If guests choose this option, travel agent commissions will be protected on fully paid bookings.
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