Princess Cruises on Wednesday took delivery of its already-delayed Sun Princess from Fincantieri, which was building the ship on an entirely new ship platform designed by the shipyard exclusively for the cruise line. That said, additional work in the shipyard is still required and its February 18 voyage has been canceled as a result.
Initially, the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess was set to debut on February 8, sailing on a 10-day voyage from Barcelona but, following a mutually agreed delay between Princess and Fincantieri, that sailing was canceled. Now, due to the further debut, the February 18 voyage has also been canceled. The ship, Princess says, “needs to remain alongside in the shipyard to allow for additional technical work to ensure an outstanding vacation is delivered.”
The new inaugural voyage is slated for February 28 from Rome.
Guests who were booked on the February 18 voyage will receive a full refund of the cruise fare along with any additional onboard services that were pre-purchased, as well as a 50 future cruise credit (FCC) that can be used on a future Princess voyage. (That FCC must be used by November 30, 2024 for sailings by December 31, 2025.)
The cruise line is also offering financial reimbursement for select travel costs for guests who have already arrived ahead of their sailing and for guests who have not yet started their travel as it relates to changes fees for flights. .
As well, Princess will be protecting travel advisor commissions.
Sun Princess is the largest vessel ever constructed in Italy as well as the largest for the cruise line. It will offer the most balconies on any Princess ship; The Dome, a “transformational” entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini; and the Arena!, the most technologically advanced Princess theater design, among others.
Related Stories
Princess Announces Second “Love Boat” Themed Cruise
Carnival Corporation Orders First Newbuild Ship in Five Years