A WOMAN has been left disappointed and having to re-think her holiday plans after the Olympic Games got in the way of her luxury cruise.
Jennifer Maxwell and partner Fredrick Moore were looking forward to a two-week cruise to Russia in August.
They booked the £7,000 trip in September last year but have just been told by cruise firm Fred Olsen that the ship, named Braemar, will instead be used to put up workers at this summer’s games.
“I felt gutted because it was something I had planned and looked forward to for a very long time,” said Jennifer, who is an accountant with Hemel Hempstead firm Hillier Hopkins.
“I know the Olympics is a one-off but it just seems a bit unfair. They have obviously had a better offer.”
The couple were offered an alternative holiday that will set sail later in the month and £200 compensation to spend on-board but are unable to take it due to other commitments.
“We are just so disappointed that we just asked for our money back,” said Jennifer, 60.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines will be using the 929-guest cruise ship to provide private accommodation for 34 days from July 12 to August 15.
It has been chartered by the organisers of the Games and will be based in the East London dock close to the main transport hub for workers.
A spokesman for the firm said: “Our guests are extremely important to us, and it is always a very difficult decision to rearrange guests’ cruises when we have taken bookings.
“Guests whose existing bookings on Braemar have been affected have been offered an alternative cruise, together with a goodwill gesture to acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause. Guests who choose not to take up this offer will be given a full refund.”
