Princess Cruises’ extremely anticipated new ship, Solar Princess, will now be delayed and the vessel’s inaugural crusing, scheduled to depart Barcelona on February 8, 2024, has been cancelled.
The information comes as a mutual resolution between Princess Cruises and Fincantieri, the shipyard constructing Solar Princess in Monfalcone, Italy. Few particulars in regards to the cancellation can be found presently, and to date, solely the inaugural 10-night crusing is impacted.
Solar Princess Delayed
The brand new 175,500-gross-ton Solar Princess, first in what guarantees to be the revolutionary Sphere class of vessels for Princess Cruises, was to have been delivered to the cruise line this month. That supply has now been delayed and the ship’s inaugural crusing has been cancelled.
“We perceive that this information is disappointing, and we share in that disappointment,” stated John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We acknowledge the anticipation that surrounded this crusing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this cancellation causes.”
The character of the delay has not been disclosed, however might be associated to any variety of components. Provide chain points could also be impacting supplies on the shipyard, labor shortages or disputes may decelerate ending work on the vessel, or there could also be testing or inspection points that have to be rectified earlier than the ship will probably be prepared for supply and crusing.
The inaugural cruise was to have been a 10-night “Grand Mediterranean” crusing from Barcelona with visits to Palma de Mallorca, Messina, Athens, Ephesus, Crete, and Naples earlier than arriving in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on February 18.
As a result of solely the inaugural crusing has been cancelled presently, the delay for the ship’s supply and debut is probably not lengthy. The second cruise deliberate for Solar Princess is one other 10-night “Grand Mediterranean” itinerary visiting Naples, Santorini, Ephesus, Athens, Messina, and Palma de Mallorca because the ship will make her method from Rome to Barcelona. No adjustments have but been introduced for that cruise.
Friends booked on the ship’s second deliberate crusing or any upcoming voyages within the subsequent few weeks will need to keep in shut contact with Princess Cruises in case the delay is prolonged to impression additional sailings.
Refunds and Credit score Provided
Friends who had already booked the extremely anticipated inaugural voyage will probably be receiving full, 100% refunds of their cruise fare, taxes, port charges, and different pre-paid onboard purchases, similar to spa reservations, shore excursions, specialty eating, drink packages, or WiFi packages.
All friends can even obtain a 50% future cruise credit score (FCC) primarily based on the cruise fare that can be utilized on any future Princess Cruises crusing, on any vessel within the fleet. The brand new cruise have to be booked by November 30, 2024 and have a crusing date no later than December 31, 2025.
Learn Additionally: Two Sphere-Class Princess Cruise Ships to Sail Mediterranean in 2025
Princess Cruises can also be providing as much as $200 per particular person to cowl any change or cancellation charges associated to flights. Correct receipts and alter payment documentation have to be submitted for that reimbursement to be thought of.
Friends who’ve made impartial preparations for excursions at ports of name throughout the crusing might want to contact their tour operators to inquire about cancellations or refunds.
Delays Not Uncommon
Whereas the last-minute notification of the cancellation – simply two weeks earlier than Solar Princess was to have welcomed her first friends – is a shock, it isn’t uncommon for brand spanking new cruise ships to be delayed and inaugural sailings to be impacted.
This has been very true throughout the previous few years with the knock-on impact pandemic shutdowns, labor shortages, and different components have had, creating important impacts on shipyard operations.
Earlier this month, the itinerary for the inaugural Solar Princess crusing was adjusted, however that change is unrelated to the delay and cancellation.
