Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that the third and fourth Prima-class ships, already scheduled however not but underneath building, can be delayed as a consequence of provide chain points impacting shipyard supply schedules.
This follows the information in mid-August that the second ship within the new class, Norwegian Viva, was additionally to be delayed and had six preliminary sailings canceled.
Prima-Class Ships Delayed
Within the lately launched third quarter monetary report, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings famous that the third and fourth Prima-class ships would have “adjusted supply schedules … as a consequence of shipyard constraints.”
The 2 ships haven’t but begun building, however can be constructed on the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, in northeastern Italy, the identical shipyard that constructed Norwegian Prima and is at the moment constructing her first sister ship, Norwegian Viva.
This delay displays the continued difficulties with cruise ship building, as shipyards are affected by provide chain points which are impacting building schedules.
Workforce points may additionally be a part of the difficulties, if the expert staff essential to finish the work on high-tech vessels are unavailable as a consequence of well being and security protocols, staffing challenges, or different points.
The corporate’s third quarter report additionally cited “Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and different macroeconomic occasions” as impacting new ship builds for all of Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s manufacturers, together with Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises. Whereas additional delays are anticipated, the corporate doesn’t count on to want to cancel any ordered ships.
The third vessel was deliberate to debut in late 2024 and the fourth in mid- or late 2025. Now, the ships will doubtless be a part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in early 2025 and early 2026, respectively. Names haven’t but been introduced for the third or fourth vessel.
It’s not recognized whether or not the delays may even affect the fifth and sixth ships within the Prima class, for now, slated to debut in 2026 and 2027. It’s doubtless too far prematurely of these ships’ building schedules to make such predictions.
In regards to the Prima Class
The revolutionary Prima class debuted with Norwegian Prima when she was christened in Iceland on the finish of August.
With a brand new energy-efficient hull design, a extra decentralized format, custom-made structure, elevated eating and retail choices, unique Broadway leisure, and way more, the ship is a brand new feel and appear for the cruise line, whereas sustaining wonderful service and excellent facilities.
Only a few of the firsts onboard embrace the primary three-level go-kart observe at sea, the primary charcoal sauna at sea, a digital artwork assortment, and new elevated eating ideas, together with completely curated specialty eating places.
Provide chain points additionally delayed Norwegian Prima‘s inaugural crusing, however the ship is now on her inaugural tour, providing restricted sailings from numerous homeports, earlier than she is going to homeport from Port Canaveral for the majority of the winter Caribbean season.
Within the spring, Norwegian Prima will provide a number of Bermuda itineraries from New York earlier than repositioning to Europe for the 2023 summer time season.
