The introduction of the new Sea Cloud Spirit is being delayed due to a slowdown in the shipyard it is being built as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. According to Sea Cloud Cruises, the 452.7 ft.-long, three-mast, full-rigged ship is being built at a shipyard in Vigo, Spain, which had a work stoppage for several weeks due to the shutdown of the country.
Operations have resumed in small groups, in strict compliance with increased hygiene and clearance regulations although the European subcontractors and suppliers involved in the project have not yet returned to Spain due to entry restrictions. The maiden voyage was scheduled to start on August 29 and the new date has yet to be announced.
“Until the crisis hit, the entire project was on schedule, allowing us to accept firm bookings for all voyages,” reports Daniel Schäfer, managing director of Sea Cloud Cruises, in a statement. “We know how much our guests were looking forward to traveling with us, and we greatly regret the delay caused by the worldwide pandemic.”
As a result of the postponement, the Sea Cloud Spirit will not cross the Atlantic heading to the Caribbean in mid-November as originally scheduled, instead will remain in the Canary Islands until April 2021. “Those who prefer to be closer to home, can still continue to explore the Caribbean with our other two ships,” said Schäfer.
The company will publish its 2021 catalog this summer that will include all voyages on the three ships. The cruise line’s flagship ship, Sea Cloud will be 90 years old this year and her younger sister Sea Cloud II will turn 20.
For more information, go to seacloud.com. Fore more future booking opportunities, visit #AmazingDaysAhead.
