The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC) has postponed its planned launch date by three weeks, from 6 August to 31 August 2022, citing delays caused by external strikers.
In the latest setback for the 298-passenger ultra-luxury ship, Evrima, RCYC confirmed it has faced “ship completion interruptions” fuelled by “a prolonged metalworkers strike” in a region of Spain not far from where the vessel is being completed.
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“The highly disruptive protests have impacted the finishing process, causing the company to reschedule its inaugural voyage,” RCYC said in a statement.
Evrima will now enter service from Athens, Greece on its scheduled 10-day Greece to Italy itinerary departing 31 August. The voyage will sail to Parga and Corfu in Greece, overnight in Dubrovnik, and call at Korcula and Rovinj in Croatia, Koper in Slovenia before concluding in Chioggia (near Venice) on 10 September.
The finishing touches on Evrima are being completed at the Astander Shipyard, in Santander, Spain. RCYC, its subcontractors, and the Astander Shipyard are not involved in the metalworkers’ disagreement.
“However, violent protestors repeatedly gathered at the shipyard’s gates, making it difficult for workers and subcontractors to safely access the facilities. We have since been able to resume completion work on Evrima,” the cruise line said in a statement obtained by LATTE.
“After making significant progress on Evrima and recently conducting a series of successful sea trials, it is upsetting to have faced interruptions that are outside of our control, however, the safety and wellbeing of those working on the ship are our top priority,” said Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Impacted guests and their travel advisors are being contacted by the cruise line. They are being offered the opportunity to either reschedule their voyage later in 2022, 2023 or 2024, or to discuss reimbursement options.
Evrima is the first of three vessels being built under the brand name synonymous with Marriott’s top-of-the-line hotels and resorts chain. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second and third ships, Ilma and Luminara, are being constructed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, in France, and will launch in 2024 and 2025.