The second cancellation of Sun Princess just days before departure

[Host Mike]

"Princess Cruises announced the cancellation of this Sun Princess’s February 18 departure, marking the second postponement of the ship’s new inaugural sailing.

The news is a letdown for booked passengers, especially those who had already headed to Europe before this weekend’s scheduled cruise."

https://cruiseradio.net/sun-princess-cancelled-before-departure-feb-2024/

[Host Mike]

"Affected customers received an email on Feb. 13 about the latest cancellation, reports Cruise Trade News.

The email from the line’s president John Padgett confirms that the company is still taking delivery of Sun Princess on Feb. 14, but "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.

Guests booked on the 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 per cent future cruise credit (FCC) that can be used on any future Princess voyage booked by Nov. 30, 2024 and sailed by Dec. 31, 2025, the email says.

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

https://news.paxeditions.com/news/cruise/sun-princess-inaugural-cancelled-again-days-departure

[Host Mike]

"It’s a blow for the cruise line, but even more of a blow for the guests who were looking forward to sailing on the ship, especially with the cancellation announced just five days before she was due to set sail."

https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/third-time-lucky-major-new-cruise-ship-has-second-inaugural-cruise-cancelled/

[RichC]

It seems like this is almost guaranteed lately.
I wonder how much else isn't available on the ship even when it does sail?

[Host Mike]

My experience is hot and cold water and plumbing is the number one new build issue.  Then there are air conditioning adjustments to be made.  I've heard that the factory leaves techs on the ship for the first year.  Since the Sun is staying in the Med for a while repairs should be easier.  Princess has accepted the ship so issues are probably fixable in fairly short order.

[RichC]

  Since the Sun is staying in the Med for a while repairs should be easier.  Princess has accepted the ship so issues are probably fixable in fairly short order.

By the time I book it, all the kinks will be fixed.