Princess Cruises pushes back launch of new ship following review

Affected guests will be given several options: book any Princess cruise worldwide, including onboard the new Star Princess, sister ship Sun Princess or any other Princess ship.

Guests who choose to rebook with receive future cruise credits and onboard credits depending on the cruise they select. 

Customers will also have the option to cancel and receive a full refund of the cruise fare. 

The line confirmed that it will protect travel agent commissions on all bookings that have been paid in full. 

Princess president John Padgett said: “Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests.” 

This is not the first time Princess has been forced to delay the launch of a Sphere-class vessel this year. In February, the line postponed the launch of Sun Princess twice to allow for additional work to be completed. 

The 4,300-passenger ship finally set sail on 28 February – 20 days later than originally planned.