{February 3, 2010}  VICTORIA, BC - Consumer Protection BC is advising consumers that NewWest Special Projects LP, of Alberta, has announced the cancellation of its charter of the Norwegian Star. The cancellation includes the pre cruise, scheduled for 6-10 February from LA to Vancouver, the post cruise, scheduled for 2-6 March from Vancouver to LA and Vancouver stay for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

NewWest Special Projects LP has stated that they will be issuing refunds and that guests who have booked directly with them should contact NewWest at 1-877-254.2010 or 1-780-450-1555.  Please view the complete statement from NewWest Special Projects here.

Rebooking accommodation:

We advise consumers who booked through a travel agency to contact their respective agency for assistance with alternate accommodation. 

Members of the 2010 Tourism Consortium are working with destination management companies and the hotel community to find accommodation for Games spectators stranded by the cancellation of the Norwegian Star cruise ship chartered by NewWest Special Projects LP.

Additionally, the Tourism Consortium is recommending that individuals and groups affected can contact suppliers directly via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit tourism websites at www.2010destinationplanner.com; www.tourismvancouver.com;  www.whistler.com or www.hellobc.com to find accommodation options for the Games period.  Please click here to see the News Release issued by Tourism Vancouver.

Getting a refund:

All consumers affected by the cancellation are advised to pursue the following avenues to attempt to obtain a refund:

1. If consumers booked and paid using cash/check through a travel agency, they are requested to contact their respective agency who may assist them with respect to a refund.
2. If they purchased travel services with a credit card, call or write to the credit card company to determine if the charges can be reversed.
3. If they purchased separate travel insurance, call the insurance provider to see if it will cover the costs of the undelivered services.

If consumers are unsuccessful in getting a refund and booked through a licensed BC travel agent, they may be eligible to claim under BC’s Travel Assurance Fund for the services not provided by the cancellation of NewWest Special Project’s charter of the Norwegian Star.

BC’s Travel Assurance Fund:

The Travel Assurance Fund, under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the BC Travel Industry Regulation, protects both consumers and travel agents licensed in British Columbia in their transactions. The Fund provides compensation for consumers who did not receive the contracted travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.

To be eligible to claim against the Travel Assurance Fund, consumers must:

• Have booked through a licensed BC travel agent or wholesaler.
• Have proof that they completed the above steps (#1-3) and not received a refund.
• Ensure that all relevant documentation is included in their Travel Assurance Fund claim form.
• Submit their claim within six months from the date the travel services were not received.

There’s a lot to know about the Travel Assurance Fund, please click here for more information about the Fund and eligibility.  For questions about the Travel Assurance Fund, please contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.

Are you a BC travel agent or wholesaler? Please view our notice to licensees for information specific to you.