Sun Princess Debut Delayed, Inaugural Cruise Canceled

Princess Cruises and Fincantieri have mutually agreed to delay the delivery of Sun Princess, the first first-in-its-class ship for Princess in several years and the largest vessel ever constructed in Italy. As a result of the delay, the line has canceled the ship’s inaugural 10-day voyage, originally set to depart from Barcelona on Feb. 8, 2024. The ship’s new inaugural sailing will depart Feb. 18. 

“We understand that this news is disappointing, and we share in that disappointment,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We recognize the anticipation that surrounded this sailing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this cancellation causes.”

Guests who were booked on the inaugural 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 sailing. FCC must be booked by Nov. 30, 2024 for a cruise that concludes its sailing by Dec. 31, 2025.

Affected guests will also receive up to $200 per person for change fees related to air travel plans.

Princess is also protecting travel advisor commissions for the canceled sailing.

Since COVID-19, the cruise industry has seen a slew of cruise ship delays, most caused by supply chain issues. Prior to today’s announcement, the most recent delay was to the launch of Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady. That ship was pushed back several months from December 2023 to late 2024.

TMR toured Sun Princess in the Fincantieri shipyard back in December. At the time, the ship seemed on track to meet its scheduled delivery. Neither Princess nor Fincantieri has yet given a reason for the delay.