Havila Voyages’ second vessel Havila Castor will enter service a month later than planned due to “challenges with an electric motor”.
The Norwegian coastal cruise line confirmed the 640-passenger ship will start operating from Bergen on May 10, rather than April 7 as originally scheduled.
Havila blamed problems with the vessel’s motor which meant it had not been able to carry out sea trials near the Turkish shipyard where it was been built.
Bent Martini, the line’s chief executive, apologised to passengers, but added: “We very much look forward to welcoming them on board in future and are contacting them to discuss an alternative voyage.”
Maiden vessel Capella debuted in December and Martini said: “We’ve had a lot of feedback from satisfied guests who are enjoying the good food, large cabins and appreciate the ship’s large windows showcasing the regions it sails through.”
Havila is yet to confirm exact launch dates for the its third and fourth ships – Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux – which are scheduled to enter service by 2023.
But Martini said: “We assume that Havila Polaris will start operating in the third quarter and Havila Pollux in the fourth quarter of this year.
“At this stage we are doing everything we can to ensure we can put these ships into operation as quickly as possible, for the benefit of all who will travel and work on board.”
Martini added that the Norwegian government had not requested replacement ships be found to fulfil contractual obligations during the delays.
The family-owned line agreed a 10-year government funded contract in 2020 to operate along the Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes.