TCF waits as cruise claims mount

TCF waits as cruise claims mount
By admin


The Travel Compensation Fund has has been asked by administrators of Classic International Cruises to wait 24 hours before processing $40,000 worth of consumer claims against the stricken cruise line.

Lawler Partners believe they will have a better idea tomorrow if a replacement vessel can be found for the Athena, which was due to depart Marseille for Perth on November 12. The Australian season is due to begin on December 18.

The development comes as the financial position of CIC, which is headquartered in Portugal, became ever more confusing with several of its vessels, including Athena, impounded for non-payment of fees.

It is thought that between 5,000 and 7,000 passengers may be affected by the possible demise of the Australia season. Most of the claims submitted to the TCF have been from those with bookings from Marseille and those due to depart on Australian cruises in December.

“We are waiting to see what happens tomorrow,” TCF chief executive Glen Wells said.

The administrator was unavailable to comment at time of going to press.

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