The Unraveling of the Three-Year Cruise

In April 2023, George Fox excitedly prepared for a three-year cruise around the world with Life at Sea, scheduled to depart from Istanbul on November 1. However, his excitement turned to frustration when his bank initially refused to wire the payment for the cruise, citing concerns about the transaction’s risk. After overcoming this hurdle, Fox and over 100 other passengers eagerly anticipated the voyage, having invested significant amounts, with some paying over $300,000.

The dream, however, took a nightmarish turn as Miray Cruises, the Turkey-based company behind Life at Sea, canceled the cruise just two weeks before the delayed departure. Promised full refunds in three monthly tranches, passengers expected the first installment by December 22. As of now, only a few have received any money, and the majority, including Fox, remain empty-handed. Miray acknowledges the repayment issues and now pledges to reimburse all customers in full by February 15.

The Life at Sea cruise, initially envisioned as an affordable, three-year journey around the world, had captured the imaginations of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The concept involved utilizing an older, smaller ship, the MV Gemini, for an extended voyage offering a floating apartment lifestyle. Fares started at $30,000 per person per year, covering accommodation, food, drinks, laundry, and health care.

Passengers, drawn by the prospect of a unique and affordable adventure, quickly signed up, even selling homes and property to fund the trip. The cruise was initially set to take place on the MV Gemini, but complications arose during preparations, leading to a change of plans. Miray sought a larger ship, the AIDAaura, but faced challenges securing the vessel. Sales manager Mikael Petterson, who had overseen the successful booking of 285 out of 400 cabins, resigned amidst the turmoil, causing a rift within the company.

Miray, determined to salvage the venture, shifted focus to the AIDAvita, the sister ship of AIDAaura, intending to reuse the customized interiors. However, financial struggles and failed attempts to secure investors led to the cancellation of the cruise. Passengers were left in the lurch, having sold homes and liquidated assets in preparation for the journey.

Some passengers, like Bonnie Kelter, narrowly avoided financial disaster. Having put her house up for sale to fund the cruise, Kelter’s sale closed two weeks after the cancellation, sparing her from losing money but leaving her without a home.

The aftermath of the Life at Sea debacle has led to legal disputes, with former sales manager Petterson facing a defamation lawsuit, and Miray facing a lawsuit from four members of the original sales team demanding nearly $600,000 in damages. Passengers, uncertain about the company’s financial status, have expressed doubts about receiving full refunds.

Miray’s CEO, Kendra Holmes, resigned amidst the turmoil, and Miray’s current COO, Ethem Bayramoğlu, attributes the delay in reimbursements to passengers disputing transactions through their banks. He assures that funds are frozen by the banks to secure payback and pledges full refunds by February 15.

In the meantime, passengers, left in limbo, await resolution, some traveling together, while others express disillusionment and even initiate legal actions, questioning the initial intentions and handling of the cruise project. Miray has offered affected passengers a free Mediterranean cruise as a gesture of goodwill, while pledging to launch a new Life at Sea cruise in November. However, uncertainty lingers as passengers contemplate their next steps, and skepticism surrounds Miray’s ability to fulfill its promises in the wake of the failed venture.