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French strikes delay Norwegian Spirit refurbishment

Norwegian Cruise Line has been forced to cancel a planned preview sailing of refurbished ship Norwegian Spirit.

The vessel was due to come out of dry dock after a $100 million revitalisation at the Chantier Naval de Marseille ship yard on February 11.

But ongoing strikes in France have forced the operator to postpone plans to bring the ship back into service.

In a message to guests due to join the ship on a special preview sailing, the company said: “Due to the extended labor [sic] strikes in France over the past two weeks, coupled with our desire to deliver an exceptional vessel for our guests to enjoy from the first day they board, we are extending Norwegian Spirit’s extensive renovation.

“These unanticipated events require us to modify her first post-dry dock sailing.  As a result, the scheduled preview voyage has been cancelled.

“While we are disappointed to not have the opportunity to immediately showcase the ship at this time, we look forward to introducing her to you soon so you can experience everything she has to offer.”

The preview sailing will now begin on February 14 in Civitavecchia, Italy, Norwegian announced.

Norwegian Spirit entered dry dock on January 2 for a nearly 40-day renovation.

Work on the 2,000 capacity vessel, which entered service in 1998, has given it 14 new venues, additional staterooms and an expanded Mandara Spa.

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