Issue Date:  -  Friday, 17 September 2004

Around the world cruises - Consumer watchdog checks company’s ability to deliver

Kewdale company Safezone Pty Ltd trading as Around The World Cruises (ATWC), has been the subject of numerous enquiries to the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection about their ability to provide and run cruises over the coming months.

Information that consumers have paid up to 80% of fares as deposits up front, along with ATWC’s first ship falling through have triggered an investigation to find out if the company is in a position to meet its responsibilities to consumers.

“I have been advised by ATWC that they have taken deposits of $400.00, which for some of the shorter cruises represents around 80% of the total cost of the cruise.

“In general the Department recommends that consumers pay deposits of around 10%”, Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said. 

“I understand that ATWC has made considerable efforts to secure a new vessel after the first one became unavailable.  ATWC has advised the Department that for cruises scheduled up to March 2005, it has secured a replacement vessel, which is of a higher standard than the original vessel. 

“The availability of adequate funds to run future cruises is clearly a critical issue for ATWC.  However ATWC has assured the Department that it will have covered any shortfall in funds within 2 months of commencing its cruise holiday program”, Mr Walker said.

The Department will continue to monitor the situation and to seek assurances from ATWC as to its financial viability.

Passengers with any concerns should contact Consumer Protection for advice on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.