All International Cruises of Hebridean Canceled

The effect of recession is very vividly seen in the cruise line industry. There were news of loss and decrease of cruise sailings across the world. The latest is the news of cancellation of Cruises by the luxury cruise line Hebridean. It has been reported by sources that Hebridean is ending all its international services because the cruise industry has been largely hit by the recession.

The luxury cruise line has already announced that it is pulling out its sails of the global cruise market with abrupt effect. This move is a blow to the growing UK cruise industry which many people had thought virtually a recession proof cruise line. But the industry is feeling the global meltdown. Besides pulling it outside the cruise line, the up market specialist has also sold its larger vessel of the two. It is a 98 passenger Hebridean Spirit which offered cruise sailings through the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Caribbean and South America.

Mike Deegan, the Managing Director blamed the rising operating costs which he said were partly affected by the declining value of sterling. He said, “We cannot continue to absorb these increases, especially when the vessel has been operating in a very aggressive market where heavy discounting is the norm.” Now Hebridean is left with original ship called the Hebridean Princess. The company is now contacting all persons who booked on Spirit cruise to either get refund or transfer their cruise abroad Hebridean Princess.