The launch of the much anticipated Sun Princess has been delayed until February 28.

The ship which is being built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard will have to remain in the yard for additional technical work.

This will mean, for cruisers sailing on the February 18 voyage, that their cruise has been cancelled.

The delayed Sun Princess is now scheduled to embark on her maiden voyage on February 28, 2024 from Civitavecchia in Rome.  

The Sun Princess was originally due to set sail on her maiden voyage on February 8.

Affected customers on the new maiden sailing received an email on February 13 about the latest cancellation.

The email from the line’s president John Padgett confirmed the company is still taking delivery of Sun Princess on February 14.

“The ship must remain alongside in the shipyard to allow for additional technical work to be completed.

“We share in your deep disappointment and frustration, and sincerely apologize for the extreme disruption the late cancellation of this voyage creates,” Padgett wrote to customers.

“Rest assured, your booking will be automatically cancelled, and you do not need to take any action to initiate the refund process.”

Passengers on the February 18 voyage will get a full refund and a 50% future cruise credit. Passengers will also get reimbursement for certain travel costs/air change fees. 

The line also confirmed that if guests had already arrived in the region prior to February 14, Princess will reimburse them for the entire cost of their roundtrip airfare.