MSC Group Delays Ship
Delayed for the second time.
Just one day before its debut, MSCs Explora 1 has been delayed.
The line cites that it, along with shipbuilder Fincantieri, need to make further enhancements to the ship ahead of its delivery.
The vessel was scheduled to be handed over tomorrow.
There is no word if this delay will impact the maiden voyage that’s set to take place on July 17 from Southampton.
Explora 1 was initially supposed to debut two months ago but was delayed citing supply chain issues.
Explora Journeys is a separate luxury. brand from MSC Cruises, but is owned by the same parent company.
NCL Pulls Out of Alaska Port
The sudden decision by Norwegian Cruise Line to withdraw its ship, the Norwegian Spirit, from docking in Valdez for the rest of the season has left the Prince William Sound community in a state of shock.
The surprising move, communicated with just three days’ notice and without explanation, led to the loss of an estimated 15,000 visitors expected this summer.
The cancellations have impacted many local businesses that expanded their services in anticipation of the influx of tourists.
Ahead of the season, the city invested over $100,000 in new vehicles and had to lay off workers in light of the diminished visitor count.
Most of the 2024 Alaska will also be canceled over NCL chartering the ship in Asia.