Topic: Shipbuilder strike delays Oceania ship launch

Oceania have announced that the debut of Riviera has been delayed due to recent strikes at the shipyard in Italy where it is being built.



Her maiden voyage has been pushed back to May 16 from April 24. The two cruises scheduled to take place between April 24 and May 16 have been canceled.

"We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this may cause our guests," Oceania President Kunal Kamlani says in a statement accompanying the announcement. "We are working very closely with the shipyard to ensure Riviera is completed to meet Oceania's high standards of quality and service."

This is the second time in six months they've had to delay Riviera's maiden cruise. The line announced in August that the ship's debut was being pushed back from April 14 to April 24.

Oceania says customers on the cancelled cruises will be contacted direct, or by their travel agents to discuss alternative cruise dates.

Guests who choose to rebook onto a later voyage will receive a credit ranging from $250 to $1,000 per person, depending on category of accommodation.

Those who do not wish to rebook will receive a full refund.

Have you ever cruised with Oceania? If not do you intend to? Are you affected by the recent delay?

Looking forward to our cruise on Marina in March, we cruised on Insignia a couple of years ago and loved it. Shame about the Riviera delays but that's life nowadays.

Been looking at Riviera's journeys and hope to book a cruise on her next year. It's a lovely cruise line if you like smaller ships, great food, fantastic service, you're not looking for West End shows, climbing walls, ice rinks & don't want to wear formal dress. Don't worry though, you won't see anyone wearing FA football shirts!