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6,000 cruisers hit as CIC Australia goes into in administration

Replacement for impounded Athena could not be found in time

Thousands of Australians have been left stranded following the colapse of Classic International Cruises.

CIA Australia has been placed into voluntary administration, and Lawler Partners, who have been appointed as administrators, are calling on customers with cruises booked on the MV Athena cruise ship to contact them to make a claim.

Athena was impounded in France over unpaid debts

Since Athena was impounded in France over unpaid debts, CIC has been trying to find a replacement but one could not be found that could reach Australia in time for the summer season.

Lawlers said in a statement: “A backup was found, however, CIC Australia was notified on 30 October 2012 that a final agreement may not be reached because of delays prior to the scheduled departure of the cruise from Marseille, France on 12 November 2012.

“Upon receiving this news the management of CIC Australia sought immediate advice in relation to CIC Australia’s financial affairs and placed the company into administration.”

The Athena, which has been operating in Australian waters for several years, was due to sail seven cruises out of Fremantle and four out of Adelaide in the coming season.

More than 6,000 Australians have been affected by the collapse of the company.