Magellan cruise firm enters administration

Ship was regular visitor to Dundee for five years

A CRUISE firm which sailed from Dundee has entered administration after coronavirus impacted its ability to operate.

South Quay Travel & Leisure Limited, which traded as Cruise & Maritime Voyages, started the liquidation procedure on Monday night.

The Essex-based company employs about 4,000 people with sales offices in Australia, France, Germany and the US.

Evening Telegraph publisher DC Thomson had partnered with the firm for planned Best of Norway and Scottish Isles cruises this year.

These bookings are covered by UK travel trade association ABTA, which gives customers protection when a travel company goes out of business.

The administrators said the action was “likely to result in the redundancy of the UK employees and an uncertain future for those employees in the wider group”.

The company, which formed 10 years ago and had a fleet of six ships, had previously been forced to suspend all its sailings from March 13 till August 25, resulting in the cancellation of 50,000 holidays.

In a statement, CMV chief executive Christian Verhounig, apologised to “loyal and hardworking” staff and travel trade partners, thanking them for their support.

The first DC Thomson Travel cruise venture on the ship Magellan had been due to depart this summer before being rescheduled to 2021. The Magellan has been a regular visitor to Dundee since her inaugural 2015 season.

Craig Houston, head of enterprise at DC Thomson Media, said: “The challenges being faced by the travel industry are worrying, and I’m saddened to hear the news of Cruise & Maritime Voyages entering administration.

“We have worked closely with the team there to offer DC Thomson Travel customers exciting destinations with a quality cruise partner.

“It’s disappointing to know our customers won’t be able to enjoy what would have been a brilliant travel experience.”

Anyone who has made a booking should refer to the website abta.com/news/south-quay-travelleisure-ltd.

The ABTA guidance states: “South Quay Travel & Leisure Limited – trading as Cruise &

Maritime Voyages – sold mainly cruise packages which are protected by ABTA.

“They also sold a small number of flight-inclusive packages which are protected by the CAA’s ATOL scheme.

“Please be aware all bookings that have not taken place are cancelled.

“Customers who have booked a package holiday provided by South Quay Travel & Leisure Limited – trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages – through a travel agent should contact the travel agent in the first instance for further advice as they may have made alternative arrangements for you.

“If you booked a non-flight package holiday (eg a cruise without flights) it is protected by ABTA or by your credit or debit card issuer.

“If you paid South Quay Travel & Leisure Limited – trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages – directly using a debit or credit card you will need to submit your claim for a refund to your card issuer.”