ATHENS — Celestyal Cruises has issued a statement about the sale of one its ships, the Experience.

The cruise line says it has sold the ship due to current market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As reported in May 2021, Celestyal had targeted March 2022 for its first sailings on the Experience. The vessel joined Celestyal’s fleet in 2020 as its flagship.

“Celestyal Cruises has reviewed its forward-looking capacity requirements. After careful thought and consideration, the company has sold the Experience and will continue to operate the same sized fleet that has served it well prior to the pandemic,” says the statement.

The decision to sell the Experience will provide the company with enhanced liquidity, which in combination with zero, third party debt forms the continued solid financial foundation to ensure a successful restart in March 2022, notes the company.

Celestyal says it will continue operating the Celestyal Crystal and the Celestyal Olympia. 

“Both vessels have seen significant investments in recent years, which have not only improved the guest experience but have aligned the vessels with Celestyal’s brand vision. The move to defer the company’s capacity growth allows the business to focus on regaining its momentum in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to explore opportunities for its fleet rejuvenation ambitions when the time is right,” says Celestyal.

The cruise line adds that customers currently holding bookings on the Experience will be contacted by Celestyal and re-accommodated on future sailings on the Celestyal Crystal.