Shipyard Labor Strikes Delay Launch of Oceania's Riviera

Oceania Cruises was notified by Fincantieri late last week of construction delays on its new 1,250-passenger Riviera. As a result, the line said today that it's rescheduling the ship's maiden voyage from April 24 to May 16.

Construction on the 1,250-guest ship fell behind schedule when strikes at Fincantieri's shipyard near Genoa, Italy, lasted longer than expected.
 
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this may cause our guests,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, the cruise line's president. “We are working very closely with the shipyard to ensure Riviera is completed to meet Oceania's high standards of quality and service.”
 
“We know that sophisticated international travelers are anxious to welcome Riviera and we regret that labor strikes have caused this delay,” said Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri's chief executive officer. “All of us at Fincantieri are committed to producing a superior quality ship and we will deliver a truly magnificent vessel to Oceania Cruises without further delays.”
 
Riviera's new maiden voyage is a 10-day “Pearls of the Aegean” cruise that includes an overnight aboard ship in Venice before visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Delos, Mykonos and Athens.
 
Guests booked on affected Riviera sailings will have the option of rebooking another cruise and receive a future cruise credit, which ranges from $250 to $1,000 per guest, depending on category of accommodation. In the event guests do not wish to rebook, they will receive a full refund. Travel agent commissions will be protected.

Visit www.oceaniacruises.com