MONFALCONE, ITALY — Delivery of Princess Cruises’ new ship Sun Princess has been delayed, and the Feb. 8 inaugural sailing from Barcelona has been cancelled.

Princess made the announcement yesterday with shipbuilder Fincantieri. Sun Princess is the largest vessel ever constructed in Italy and the first ship of a new platform designed exclusively for the Princess brand.

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

Passengers who were booked on the inaugural sailing 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 that can be used on a future Princess voyage. The FCC must be booked by Nov. 30, 2024 and sailed by Dec. 31, 2025.

Impacted passengers will also receive up to US$200 per person for change fees related to air travel plans.

Princess is also protecting travel agent commissions for the cancelled voyage.