Holiday plans for some Singaporeans were disrupted this week with the last-minute postponement of preview sailings for the new cruise vessel, World Legacy. Passengers learned of the delay just days before their scheduled departures.
Disrupted Holiday Plans
Ms. Lo, a 41-year-old executive, recounted to The Straits Times that her family of four had booked a cruise departing on December 21st. They were informed of the postponement on December 17th, after noticing a pending refund transaction of $196 from Dragon Cruise – a company listed in contact information on World Cruises’ website – in her banking app.
World Legacy had initially announced on November 18th that preview voyages would begin on December 18th, with passengers embarking via ferry from the Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront Centre. However, Shin Min Daily News reported on December 20th that sailings would begin on December 19th, a detail that ST has sought clarification on from World Cruises.
Ms. Lin, 33, told Shin Min Daily News that her family of eight had also been anticipating a two-day, one-night trip departing on December 21st, a rare opportunity for a full family outing. Several customers have also expressed their disappointment on World Legacy’s Facebook page.
World Cruises Response
In a statement on December 20th, World Cruises attributed the postponement of sailings between December 19th and 22nd to “operational requirements.” The company stated that all affected passengers were informed and would receive a full refund, as well as a cruise voucher valid for any World Legacy sailing within 12 months.
World Cruises confirmed that refunds have been processed and their customer service team is contacting passengers directly. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience, stating its priority is to ensure a high-quality onboard experience.
The World Legacy vessel boasts more than 300 cabins and is marketed as a “hybrid between flexible day-cruise destination and a hassle-free multi-night escape.” As of December 20th, the earliest available date to book tickets for a cruise is December 23rd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the postponement of the World Legacy cruises?
World Cruises attributed the postponement of sailings between December 19th and 22nd to “operational requirements,” as stated in a December 20th response to queries from The Straits Times.
What are affected passengers being offered?
Affected passengers are receiving a full refund to their original payment method, as well as a cruise voucher of equivalent value for a future sailing on World Legacy, valid within 12 months.
What is the pricing structure for World Legacy cruises?
Round-trip ferry tickets, inclusive of meals, start from $38, while cabin rates begin at $50, according to a November 18th statement from World Cruises.
As World Cruises works to resolve these initial operational challenges, will potential passengers be willing to risk another disruption for the unique cruise experience offered by the World Legacy?
