The company that had planned to bring a Norwegian cruise ship to Vancouver as a "floating hotel" for the Olympics issued a statement late Tuesday saying that the trip is cancelled.

"It is with regret that Newwest Special Projects LP is announcing the cancellation of its charter of the Norwegian Star," the statement read.

"We sincerely apologize to the guests who have booked with us for this inconvenience. Newwest will be issuing refunds."

The cancellation includes the pre-cruise scheduled for Feb. 6 to 10 from Los Angeles to Vancouver and the post-cruise scheduled for March 2 to 6 from Vancouver to Los Angeles.

The company had recently slashed prices from $1,300 a night to $275.

But slow sales and higher-than-expected expenses forced the cancellations, the company said.

Among those affected are 11 children coming to Vancouver for the Olympics through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The children were scheduled to stay aboard the Norwegian Star.

Now the foundation is scrambling to find the children alternate accommodations.

"This is a big deal for us. We didn't see this coming. Everything was in place for these wishes," said Ross Hetherington, executive director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's B.C. and Yukon branch.

To contact Make-A-Wish's B.C. and Yukon branch, click here.

Guests who have reservations should call 877-254-2010 or 780-450-1555.

Those seeking refunds are being asked to email the following information to info@vancouver2010cruiseship.com.

  • Name of passenger (first, middle, last)
  • Dates of travel
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Fax number
  • Email address
  • Booking method (online, phone, travel agent, etc)
  • Payment method (credit card, check ,etc)

With files from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber