By
Alex Smith |
Sea Cloud Cruises will put new ship Sea Cloud Spirit into service later than previously planned after safeguarding restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic forced the shipyard in Vigo, Spain to halt work for several weeks.
The ship’s three masts, which were manufactured in Poland, have arrived at the shipyard but have not yet been installed and work to complete the interior fittings had to be paused. While some operations have resumed in compliance with hygiene and distancing regulations, European subcontractors and suppliers are still unable to return to the country due to entry restrictions. As a result, the vessel will no longer be able to embark upon her maiden voyage on 29 August, so Sea Cloud Cruises will publish a new date as soon as the shipyard is able to give a delivery date.
“Until the crisis hit, the entire project was on schedule, allowing us to accept firm bookings for all voyages,” said Daniel Schäfer, managing director of Sea Cloud Cruises. “We know how much our guests were looking forward to travelling with us, and we greatly regret the delay caused by the worldwide pandemic.”
Due to the delay, Sea Cloud Spirit will now no longer cross the Atlantic as originally scheduled, instead remaining in the Canary Islands until April 2021.
“Guests will have the option to enjoy the beautiful weather in the Canary Islands this winter on the Sea Cloud Spirit,” said Schäfer. “Those who feel wanderlust again, can still continue to explore the Caribbean with our other two ships. This follows the philosophy of Sea Cloud Cruises, offering the same extraordinary experience to guests on all three ships, so that they can choose their voyages according to the desired cruising area.”