P&O Cruises has delayed Arvia’s maiden voyage due to “reasons beyond our control”.
The 5,200-passenger Excel-class ship – sister vessel to Iona, which launched last year – was slated to launch on December 9.
However, the line said Arvia’s first sailing would now depart on December 23 and visit Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, before repositioning to the Caribbean in January.
A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: “Whilst we know this is disappointing for those guests who were booked to travel on December 9, we will not compromise on the high standards of build, interior design and service for which P&O Cruises is known.”
The launch of Arvia is one of a number in the sector to have been delayed in recent months.
Last week, Explora Journeys announced maiden vessel Explora I would launch in July, rather than May as initially planned.