Princess Cruises has announced a significant delay in the delivery of its newest ship, the Sun Princess, leading to the cancellation of its anticipated inaugural sailing. Originally scheduled for February, the maiden voyage has been postponed due to unforeseen issues at the Fincantieri shipyard.
The highly anticipated inaugural sailing of the Sun Princess was set to commence on 8th February from Barcelona. However, due to a mutually-agreed delay between Princess Cruises and the shipbuilders, Fincantieri, the cruise has been cancelled. This decision was necessitated by unexpected challenges at the Italian shipyard, which are currently being addressed.
Passengers booked on this inaugural journey are being offered compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay. They will receive a full refund and a 50% credit towards future cruises. This includes additional reimbursement for pre-purchased onboard services and up to $200 per person for any air travel modification fees. Notably, agency commissions will be protected, acknowledging their role in securing bookings for the cancelled voyage. “The delay was not caused by our travel agency partners,” the cruise line asserted, reinforcing their decision to maintain agent commissions.
Reports indicate that Fincantieri, the shipbuilding company, encountered unforeseen challenges that have led to the delay. These issues have impacted the completion timeline, affecting the ship’s readiness for the scheduled departure. Efforts are being made by the shipyard to resolve these problems efficiently. Fincantieri remains committed to delivering a state-of-the-art vessel that meets all operational standards associated with Princess Cruises.
John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, expressed regret over the disruption caused by this unforeseen delay. He stated, “We understand that this news is disappointing, and we share in that disappointment.” The cruise line’s focus remains steadfast on resolving these issues promptly and ensuring that future passengers receive the experience they anticipate.
Princess Cruises has reiterated its commitment to passenger satisfaction despite the setback. By offering substantial compensation and safeguarding agency commissions, the cruise line aims to uphold its reputation for excellent customer service. The cruise line is actively communicating with affected customers to address their concerns and facilitate convenient rebooking where possible.
While the immediate inaugural cruise has been cancelled, future plans for the Sun Princess remain ambitious. As the largest vessel in the Princess fleet and the first to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), the ship is expected to carry up to 4,300 passengers. The innovative design and enhanced passenger capacity are central to future voyages planned for the Sun Princess.
The cancellation of this cruise is limited solely to the inaugural journey from Barcelona. Princess Cruises has not stated the exact number of UK passengers affected by this cancellation, and they continue to work towards rescheduling the ship’s launch.
This delay, although unforeseen, highlights the challenges inherent in modern shipbuilding projects. Princess Cruises, along with Fincantieri, is working diligently to overcome these issues, ensuring that future voyages of the Sun Princess proceed smoothly and meet customer expectations.
