On Wednesday, Kristina Cruises cancelled all this winter’s cruises to Spain’s Canary Islands. Some 2500 customers will be left high and dry by the decision.

The cruises cost between 1200 and 2500 euros per person.

The company said that it intends to return all cruiseship passenger payments but a process for doing so has not yet been clarified. Director Mikko Partanen says that the company will inform customers as soon as reimbursement methods are finalised.

"We’re working hard to determine how to refund the payments,” says Partanen. "When it’s clear, refunding will begin. We are ready and waiting with an addressed envelope for every customer. When we have information, we’ll approach each customer by personal mail.”

Customers should be proactive

The FCCA has not yet commented on what rights customers may be entitled to regarding refunds. It expects to gain more knowledge after Kristina Cruises undergoes corporate restructuring. The authority advises customers to closely monitor the company's web pages and press releases.

“Of course, responsibility for the dissemination of information falls on Kristina Cruises, but the customer should contact the company first,” says Director of Communications Laura Salmi.

According to Partanen, Kristina Cruises falls under  FCCA guarantees which apply to all Finnish travel agencies.

“The guarantee applies to advance payments from customers,” says Partanen. “This ensures that customers will get their money back.”

Kristina Cruises and the FCCA  are now awaiting the setting in motion of corporate restructuring procedures.The firm filed an application for corporate restructuring to the South Karelia district court on Thursday.