Royal Caribbean’s ‘Odyssey of the Seas’ delivery has been put back by six months.
Currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany the new cruise ship had been due for delivery this Autumn with a maiden voyage planned for November.
The second of RCI’s Quantum Ultra Class ships, building work was slowed at Papenburg due to the coronavirus, as well two minor fires during construction work.
“In the wake of COVID-19, our initial global suspension and its subsequent extensions, we understand the uneasiness all of this has caused both for you as a travel advisor and, of course, your clients whose vacations have been regrettably disrupted.
“The health crisis has unfortunately also impacted shipyard operations, as well as our supply chain. As a result, the debut of our newest fleet member, ‘Odyssey of the Seas’, will be delayed, resulting in the unfortunate cancellation of all sailings between 5th November, 2020 – 17th April, 2021.” the company said in a blog.
Meanwhile, Saga Cruises 56,000 gt ‘Spirit of Adventure’ was due for delivery from Papenburg this summer. However, Saga said that the ship will now enter service on 5th November, with an inaugural cruise from Southampton to the Mediterranean.
In addition, Carnival’s large newbuilding cruise ship ‘Mardi Gras’ has also been delayed.
She will now enter service on 6th February, 2021 out of Port Canaveral.
‘Mardi Gras’ will be the first Carnival vessel to be powered by LNG and is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku yard in Finland.
Originally due to start cruising on 31st August, 2020, she also faced construction setbacks late last year, when her scheduled delivery date was moved to November, 2020.
Another Carnival vessel, ‘Carnival Radiance’, ex ‘Carnival Victory’, arrived in Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz for conversion work just as the pandemic hit Spain, resulting in the suspension of nearly all shipyard work.
Carnival has said that it was looking for a shipyard to continue work on the conversion project.
Originally due to enter service this May, the vessel isn’t expected to be completed until spring, 2021, the cruise line said.
