Princess Cruises has cancelled next month’s inaugural voyage on new ship Sun Princess because of delays at the shipyard.

Princess President John Padgett said: “Princess Cruises and [ship builder] Fincantieri have mutually agreed to delay delivery of Sun Princess, the largest vessel ever constructed in Italy and the first ship of a revolutionary new platform designed exclusively for the Princess brand.

“The postponement has regrettably led to the cancellation of the ship’s inaugural 10-day voyage, originally set to depart from Barcelona on February 8th.

“We understand that this news is disappointing, and we share in that disappointment. We recognise the anticipation that surrounded this sailing, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this cancellation causes.”

Guests who were booked on of the inaugural voyage 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 (FCC) that can be used on a future Princess voyage and up to $200 per person for change fees related to air travel plans. 

Princess said it will protect travel agent commissions.