Scenic in hot water over cancelled river cruises
The troubles continue for Scenic as more than a thousand Australians have formally joined class action, claiming they’ve been ripped-off.
NSW Supreme Court class action against Scenic Tours began this week on behalf of 1,265 travellers who had their cruises affected by 2013’s Europe floods across Germany and France, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
According to the paper, the court heard the European river cruise, advertised as a trip of a life time, with its “expensive, luxury river cruises” turned into “cheap, second-rate bus tours” because of extensive flooding in Europe.
“The minute you step on board… you’ll be immersed in all-inclusive luxury,” the Scenic Tours advertisement read.
The SMH cites the passengers travelled with Scenic Tours and Evergreen Tours in Europe between 10 May, 2013 and 14 June 2013 on the promise of a “relaxing” and “once in a lifetime” experience on ships that are “luxury floating hotels”.
However, heavy rainfall in France and Germany in April and May 2013 caused extensive flooding and water levels on the Rhine, Saone, Rhone and Danube rivers rose so high that cruise boats were unable to operate as scheduled for about six weeks.
Scenic Tours is accused of breaching Australian consumer law by failing to cancel or delay cruises, offer alternative tours, or warn of expected disruptions, the paper reports.
The move comes after a number of Australians paid up to $20,000 to travel on rivers across Germany and France, but instead spent hours in “substandard coaches” and stayed nights in “low-budget hotels”.
The leading plaintiffs, Lake Macquarie school teacher David Moore and his partner, Janette Howell, spent their life savings – $26,200 – on what they expected to be a relaxing river cruise through the picturesque French and German countryside, reported by smh.
Instead, they spent hours on what they considered to be sub-standard coaches, including one without a working toilet and air conditioning, according to the report.
Mr Moore, quoted in the SMH, said he opted for a river cruise because spinal fusion surgery he had more than 20 years earlier meant he could not spend extended periods of time sitting down in a bus.
He said Scenic Tours did not give passengers any warning of the significant changes, disruption or delays to the itinerary necessitated by the weather.
Scenic Tours chief operating officer, Damian Thomas, was quick to defend the travel company saying they have no control over the weather, SMH reports.
Scenic Tours said the standard terms and conditions of the contract allowed it to make changes to itineraries, including due to road, river or weather conditions.
The company said it was not liable for any loss, cost or damage, including the failure to perform its obligations, because of a force majeure event such as high water levels.
Furthermore, it said the river cruises were not operated by it but by independent contractors, including Scenic Tours Europe AG, and any claim must be pursued against them.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
The cruise should have definitely been cancelled/postponed, with such significant changes being made. I heard they only offered a $500 voucher for the couple to use on their next holiday with them – how appalling. The customers should receive at least $20,000 back I think! Fair enough that Scenic Tours can’t control the weather – but it was their duty and obligation by law to at least let customers know of the changes that would be happening, and give them an alternative option with them not receiving anything like what they paid for. – Travel student.
…scenic tour should give part of the payment to the travellers…like if they claim it was like a backpacker tour then scenic tours should get a backpack rates from the amount the travellers paid and then give vouchers as refund for future cruise tours.. i think that’s fair..