The Suspense Builds over Endless Cruise
There’s a swirl of uncertainty engulfing the pledged three-year around-the-world cruise titled “Endless”, powered by the AIDAaura cruise ship. Reports suggest that the deal between Carnival Corporation’s Aida and Life at Sea Cruises from Miray Cruises could be on the rocks or might have already capsized. Though hindered by delays, Life at Sea Cruises remains optimistic about launching its venture, promising a delayed start of just a fortnight at most.
Postponed Handovers and Financial Hoops
The voyage-promoting firm, Life at Sea Cruises, has acknowledged the delay in transferring funds to Carnival Corporation but assures resolution soon. German tax authorities have also reportedly shown interest in the purchase. The ship has been anchored in Bremerhaven, Germany, since its farewell cruise ended on September 21. The scheduled handover on September 29 has been repeatedly deferred, creating an atmosphere of suspense.
Voluntary Departures and Awaits Comeback
Life at Sea’s crew made headlines when they voluntarily disembarked the AIDAaura, citing impracticality to remain aboard before the official handover. The hopeful company has hinted that they plan to return to the cruise ship sometime next week. However, this setback isn’t the company’s first; their ambitious plan to launch a 1,095-day cruise visiting 382 ports has already seen its fair share of hurdles.
Specifics of the Endless Cruise: Pricing and Plans
Initially, the voyage was priced at $30,000 per year, and the Gemini, a smaller craft, was unveiled as the cruise carrier. However, the plan was altered in June to incorporate a larger and more comfortable vessel for the extensive journey. Consequently, the pricing saw a hike – going as high as $115,000 for three years, with the most luxurious cabins demanding nearly $600,000. Dubbed as the Lara, this larger ship boasts 42,289 gross tons, houses 627 cabins that can accommodate 1,266 passengers, and promises a spacious experience by capping the occupancy at 80 percent.
Anticipations, Anxieties, and Arrangements
Despite the delay drama, the website still displays November 1 as the departure date from Istanbul, with stops in Barcelona on November 5 and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, on November 15. However, new reports hint at a potential later start from either Amsterdam or the Bahamas. Meanwhile, CNN managed to connect with several eager passengers who had secured bookings and were making final arrangements for their departure. These prospective voyagers are on tenterhooks, waiting for word from the company, while Miray strives to make necessary arrangements during the delay.
AIDA’s Cruise Journey: A Retrospective
Earlier in 2023, AIDA remarked on the retirement of AIDAaura, a 20-year-old vessel being the brand’s third cruise ship, with it marking the fourth relinquishment of a cruise ship from the brand since the pandemic outbreak in 2020. AIDA’s pioneer ship was sold and is currently serving in the Black Sea as Astoria Grande, embarking from Russia. The second ship, AIDAvita, remains dormant in Tallinn, Estonia as Avitak. A precedent ship operated briefly pre-pandemic and later was sold and christened the Ambition, which began service in 2021 in the UK.
