The debut of Princess Cruises’ latest ship is being pushed back after the cruise line and shipbuilder Fincantieri agreed to a delivery delay. It means the inaugural 10-day voyage has been canceled. It was scheduled to depart from Barcelona on February 8.
“We understand this news is disappointing. We recognize the anticipation that surrounded this sailing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this cancellation causes,” said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises.
Guests booked on the sailing are entitled to a full refund and a 50% future cruise credit (FCC). They will also receive up to $200 per person for any relevant fees related to flight changes. The cruise line says it will safeguard travel agent commissions.
No official reason has yet been given for the delay. The amended maiden cruise is scheduled for ten days later on February 18. This will be a 10-night voyage departing from Civitavecchia, Italy. The 4,300-guest 175,500-gross-ton ship is the largest ever built in Italy and the largest in the Princess fleet.
It will also be the first powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sun Princess is the first in the new Sphere Class of ships.
New features debuting on Sun Princess include a top deck pool area with a glass dome that can be transformed into a nighttime entertainment venue. Fincantieri recently held the keel laying ceremony for Princess’s second LNG-powered ship, Star Princess.
