Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has been forced to delay the launch of its first ocean-going ship for a second time.
The company blamed the “continuing financial issues” at the Uljanik shipyard in Pula, Croatia, pointing in particular to a strike by specialist engine and systems commissioning workers.
This has delayed the completion of the Scenic Eclipse, Scenic said in a statement.
As it stands, the first sailing date has been put back to April 13th next year, an already amended date from late January.
“Scenic has been in constant contact with the shipyard, workers representatives and the government to ensure the completion of the ship as soon as possible,” explained a statement.
“Due to those efforts, more than 600 workers are still on board each weekday.
“The progress on the ship’s interiors and other areas of the final build stage have seen far less impact from the industrial action, and continue to progress at good pace.”
The 228-passenger luxury vessel, featuring helicopters and a submarine for prime viewing in the Arctic and Antarctica, was originally due to enter service in August this year.
The operator is offering full refunds and 25 per cent discounts on a future cruise for those booked on the vessel.
“Scenic acknowledges the regrettable impact this has on guests and understands their disappointment at this change in sailing date,” continued the statement.
“Scenic has committed to providing guests a full refund for the cost of their Scenic Eclipse cruise and consideration of any other reasonable associated costs incurred with their travel plans.”