The much-anticipated inaugural sailing of the new Sun Princess has been cancelled due to unforeseen delivery delays.
- Princess Cruises and shipbuilder Fincantieri jointly announced the cancellation of the February 8 sailing.
- The Sun Princess was set to make its debut as Princess Cruises’ largest vessel, carrying up to 4,300 passengers.
- Passengers booked on the cancelled cruise will receive full refunds and a 50% future cruise credit.
- Travel agency commissions will be protected despite the cancellation, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts.
The inaugural sailing of the highly anticipated Sun Princess has been abruptly cancelled, a decision confirmed jointly by Princess Cruises and the shipbuilder Fincantieri. The cruise, originally scheduled for February 8 and departing from Barcelona, was called off due to unanticipated challenges faced at the shipyard, which have resulted in a delay in the vessel’s delivery.
Heralded as Princess Cruises’ largest ship and the first to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), the Sun Princess was set to accommodate up to 4,300 passengers. The ship’s novel features were a significant draw for potential passengers, creating a buzz around its scheduled debut.
Passengers who had secured a spot on this cruise are being offered full refunds alongside a 50% future cruise credit. In recognition of their inconvenience, passengers will also be reimbursed for any pre-purchased onboard services and receive up to $200 per person for air travel amendment fees.
Travel agencies that booked passengers for this voyage will not face financial penalties. Princess Cruises has assured that commissions will remain intact, preserving the agencies’ rightful earnings from this venture. This gesture underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its agency partners despite the unforeseen setback.
In expressing the disappointment shared by both the company and passengers, Princess Cruises’ President, John Padgett, acknowledged the anticipation and excitement that had surrounded this inaugural sailing. The unforeseen delay at Fincantieri, while regrettable, is a challenge they are working diligently to overcome.
The delay of the Sun Princess’s delivery, though disappointing, is being managed with customer and agency interests at heart.
