The first departure by Carnival Corporation’s new ‘social impact’ brand Fathom was cancelled after new tests were required on the ship Adonia (pictured) by the US Coast Guard.
A ‘soft launch’ sailing to the Dominican Republic was due to have left from Miami on Sunday.
But an inspection of the 704-passenger P&O Cruises’ ship being used to launch Fathom halted the departure.
The company said: “The ship arrived in Miami directly from dry dock offshore. As Adonia is now based in Miami and subject to inspections by a new inspection agency, the US Coast Guard, the ship underwent a number of tests that had not been previously performed on the ship.
“The tests with the US Coast Guard that took longer than expected.
“Unfortunately, the company has learned additional testing will be required and as a result must cancel the soft-launch sailing.”
All passengers are being provided full reimbursement of expenses and credits toward future cruises, according to Fathom.
“We very much regret the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused our guests,” a statement said.
“This week’s sailing was designed as a soft launch sailing run to help finalise preparation in advance of the official inaugural Fathom sailing on April 17.
“The official inaugural Fathom sailing will depart on April 17 as scheduled.”
Adonia has been specially adapted and carries a new Fathom livery following a period in dry dock in the Bahamas.
The ship is set to become the first operated by a US company to serve Cuba in more than 50 years with seven-night cruises from Miami due to start on May 1, alternating with sailings to the Dominican Republic.