Market Conditions Force Royal Caribbean To Delay Launch Of New Cruise Ship
2020 was supposed to be the year that Royal Caribbean launched its newest ship, the 4,900-guest Odyssey of the Seas. But with the recent downturn in travel, which has resulted from the coronavirus pandemic, the company is now postponing the launch until April 2021.
CruiseRadio.net reports that Royal Caribbean sent a letter to travel agents to inform them of the decision. “The health crisis has unfortunately also impacted shipyard operations, as well as our supply chain. As a result, the debut of our newest fleet member, Odyssey of the Seas, will be delayed, resulting in the unfortunate cancellation of all sailings between November 5, 2020 – April 17, 2021,” the letter said.
Those affected by the delay will either receive a future cruise credit worth 125 percent of their ticket price or a full refund.
The delay is just the latest in a long string of cruise industry disruptions which began in March. The industry has endured dozens of delays and cancellations, refunded millions of dollars, and still suffers uncertainty as to when it will be able to return to normal operations.
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