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Riveradvice otkazao celu sezonu.
These last two months the consequences of the coronavirus, and the measures taken against it, have paralyzed political and social life throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
Due to border closures and entry bans, air traffic, and the travel industry in general, have come to a standstill.
As recently as January we rejoiced over the high bookings for our managed river cruise vessels, and both we and our customers entertained justified hopes for an excellent business year.
Complying with our role as ship manager and service provider, the fleet has been serviced and renovated the past winter and the usual crew meetings (training, kick-off etc.) have been carried out as always.
Despite excellent seasonal preparations no ship was able to start the season.
The tour operators were forced to cancel all travels for the months of March, April and May, and it is to be expected that travels with European guests will have to be suspended until July.
Even worse, guests from overseas will not be able to travel to Europe until at least September, if at all.
Economically speaking, since our customers (tour operators and ship-owners) are not generating revenue, none of the usual earnings reach River Advice, and still won't for many more weeks to come.
In order to counteract this economical and existential threat we had to take drastic measures as early as March to survive, affecting Crew and land-based employees alike.
As a consequence, without a season start in sight, seasonal contracts could not commence and therefore no governmental contributions in Switzerland, France or Cyprus could be requested.
In all this misery we retain hope that we can sail with some ships from this summer onward and that by no later than the 2021 season all vessels of the European river cruise industry will run again in full operation.
We are working hard on a Corona exit strategy to be prepared for all eventualities once operation will be possible again later this year to ensure the health of our passengers and Crew on board.
We are very sad to write this information and will do our utmost to ensure that together we can live up to our pre-Corona successes in 2021.
Good health to you and your loved ones.
Thank you.