Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has again decided to delay the maiden voyage of the company's first superyacht - Evrima. The brand's (and boat's) debut was originally scheduled for April 22.
The company attributed its decision to the impact of the pandemic, which hit the entire travel industry. Evrima is due to sail in July for the first time.
In December 2019, Ritz-Carlton Cruises and Oaktree Capital Management (part of Oaktree Capital Group Holdings) signed a deal to finance the Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Barreras (Vigo Spain) in order to ensure the delivery of Ritz-Carlton's first ship (Evrima).
The cruise company also signed with CESCE (Spanish Export Credit Agency) to cover the newbuild's cost overruns and to secure the 2nd yacht's construction. This way, the shipyard was also saved from bankruptcy.
Due to the shipyard's financial difficulties, Evrima's delivery was ~6 months delayed (from November 2019 to June 2020).
"The safety and well-being of our guests continues to be the top priority," the executive president of Barreras said.
“We have decided to reschedule our first trip. Knowing that our guests are eager to travel the Mediterranean, we have adjusted our autumn itineraries to include more "crossings" through the area.
"More than ever we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard Evrima in July, and we hope to bring you an exceptional experience."
That first voyage is currently scheduled to depart from Venice Italy on July 24th and end in Piraeus-Athens Greece. The 7-night Adriatic Sea itinerary visits Dubrovnik Croatia (overnight July 26-27) and Corfu Island Greece (Kerkyra overnight July 28-29). The voyage starts with an overnight in Venice (July 24-25).