Hundreds of customers have been left out of pocket after Monaco-based travel agency Star Croisières filed for cessation of payments on 1st August, leaving cruise passengers unable to board trips they had already paid for.
The collapse has affected at least 260 travellers, with losses ranging from €2,000 to over €30,000, according to figures cited in Monaco-Matin. The travellers had booked a variety of Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises through the agency, some of which were due to depart in the coming days.
Many passengers only discovered their bookings were invalid when MSC Cruises refused to honour the reservations, citing unpaid invoices from the now-defunct agency.
Marlène M., who had paid €7,500 for a family cruise scheduled to depart on 10th August, told France Télévisions: “We’re artisans who work hard to afford holidays like this. Now it’s all fallen through and nobody seems to care.”
The crisis reportedly surfaced over the weekend, when multiple cruise passengers began receiving last-minute notifications stating their bookings were not confirmed. In some cases, MSC Cruises initially requested full payment again from passengers who still wished to travel.
Several affected customers have confirmed they paid twice in order to salvage their holiday plans.
Early estimates suggest that total financial losses could amount to €400,000, though that figure may rise as additional claims are made.
Solutions begin to emerge
After mounting media pressure and customer backlash, MSC Cruises issued a statement on Monday evening, confirming that it would now honour bookings for customers able to provide proof of full payment to Star Croisières. Those who had only paid a deposit would be permitted to complete their payment directly with MSC.
“We understand how disappointing and distressing this situation can be for customers who were looking forward to their holiday,” said the Geneva-based company in a statement to Monaco-Matin. “Our teams are mobilised to support each customer through these procedures.”
Meanwhile, Costa Cruises had already agreed to honour bookings from customers who could present valid, paid invoices.
In a message sent to clients, Star Croisières blamed its collapse on “deep financial imbalances inherited from Covid-19”. The agency officially filed for cessation of payments on 1st August, and a hearing is expected to take place before the Monaco Commercial Court in the coming days.
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