Unfortunately this post may also need a subhead of “When Good Cruiselines Go Bad.”

The  latest  update on Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is not promising.  The line, which had hoped to resume operations  with one ship by the middle of last month has instead canceled sailings until at least December 8.  Windjammer is hoping to resume sailing Legacy – and use the profits from Legacy to resume sailing it’s three other ships in the Spring of 2008.

Before Legacy can return to service, Trinidad’s Maritime Services Division must first conduct an audit of Windjammer’s management company – and that audit has not taken place yet.

While the line vows to process refunds for those affected quickly, some would be Windjammer clients are being told that they might not see refunds until April.  Adding to the trouble is a lawsuit filed by credit card processor NCMIC who is looking to be reimbursed for chargebacks from customers seeking refunds from canceled sailings.   The lawsuit alleges that Windjammer is continuing  to sell cruises but is unable to provide those cruises.

Also of concern is that Windjammer’s website (which was down when we posted our update in October) makes no mention of the line’s financial difficulties, legal troubles, or even that sailings have been canceled.  The site is still accepting bookings – with payment via PayPal…

We recognize that Windjammer needs to take in deposits in order to have any hope of restarting operations, but if you’re considering a booking with the line we STRONGLY advise that you look in to third party travel insurance in the event that Windjammer is unable to return their fleet to operation.

Leave a Reply

All comments at The Mail Buoy are moderated.

Thanks for stopping by!