Changes to ‘Spirit and the Princess’ rail and sail journey
Princess Cruises have announced an extended pause in operations, cancelling all Australian and New Zealand sailings up to 31st May 2021. Regrettably, this means that Sapphire Princess is no longer able to operate the cruise portion of our postponed ‘Spirit & the Princess’ rail and sail package, rescheduled earlier this year from April 2020 to March 2021.
As the historic ‘Spirit of Progress’ rail journey was such an important element of this package, we will still operate the inaugural southbound trip on the train, with the majority of other original inclusions, substituting a return flight from Melbourne to Sydney for the cruise and providing a partial refund.
Please read the following details and Q&A’s relating to the new rail package and options for your booking. Then complete our options form HERE to confirm your choice.
What does the new Spirit of Progress rail package include?
The new rail package will still include the historic Inaugural Southbound journey on Spirit of Progress from Sydney to Melbourne with all inclusions originally offered on the train, in Albury and Melbourne with an Economy class flight back to Sydney on the 25th March 2021 replacing the cruise. There will also be a partial refund, reflecting the shorter duration of the journey.
Inside cabin bookings: $250 per person twin share ($500 single)
Oceanview cabin bookings: $300 per person twin share ($600 single)
Balcony cabin bookings : $350 per person twin share ($650 single)
Suite bookings: $450 per person twin share ($750 single)
You will be asked for your bank details to facilitate this refund during the online form completion process.
Note: the partial refund takes into account the cruise cancellation, shorter tour duration and additional flight.
If I wish to cancel, am I able to use all the money I have paid towards a future Rail or Rail & Sail journey with Cruise Express?
Yes, if you no longer wish to travel in March 2021 on the revised journey, you can receive a Future Rail Credit (FRC) for the full value of all money paid to Cruise Express PLUS a bonus of $250 per person. Your FRC may be redeemed against any Cruise Express operated Rail or Rail & Sail trip between now and the end of 2022. We currently have four rail packages available for sale in 2021 with more new departures in planning and to be released in coming weeks.
Note: if your FRC covers the entire cost of a future trip you may use any surplus funds towards another!
Please visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au for more details.
What if I wish to cancel completely, can I get a full refund?
In preparation for our original ‘Spirit and the Princess’ journey in April 2020, the majority of funds received were expensed in readying the historic Spirit of Progress train and in reserving the hotel accommodation and other services for the planned tour.
Services have been carried forward by our suppliers for us to use in conjunction with this inaugural rail journey but are not available to us as refunds. As advised above, if you wish to cancel, you will receive a partial refund or be eligible to request the full value of your trip as a Future Rail Credit (FRC) with a $250 per person bonus.
How do I make my choice?
Once you are clear on your options click the link HERE and you can choose the option that best suits you.
Need more information?
Head Office - Sydney
Central Coast NSW
Perth WA
Contact us if you would like to arrange a face-to-face or virtual meeting.
