Spain strike delays Ritz-Carlton's Evrima debut to Aug. 31Spain strike delays Ritz-Carlton's Evrima debut to Aug. 31

This is a setback from the planned Aug. 6 launch in Piraeus.

The company cited 'highly disruptive protests' by metalworkers in the Cantabria region, where Evrima’s finishing touches are being completed at Astander Shipyard in Santander, the capital.

Work has resumed

'The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, its subcontractors and the Astander Shipyard are not involved in the metalworkers' disagreement,' the company said in a statement. 'However, violent protesters repeatedly gathered at the shipyard’s gates, making it difficult for workers and subcontractors to safely access the facilities. We have since been able to resume completion work on Evrima.'

'Interruptions outside our control'

'After making significant progress on Evrima and recently conducting a series of successful sea trials, it is upsetting to have faced interruptions that are outside of our control, however, the safety and well-being of those working on the ship are our top priority,' said Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Cruises published from Aug. 31 onward are to operate as planned, with only the voyages from Aug. 6 to Aug. 30 impacted.

The company is reaching out to travelers and their travel advisors.

Passengers may reschedule in 2022, 2023 or 2024, or discuss reimbursement options with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Limited space on some 2022 voyages

'We do have limited space available on some of our remaining 2022 voyages as well as those in the Caribbean in early 2023, but will work with our impacted guests to find a new voyage that works both with their schedule and destination preference,' a spokesperson told Seatrade Cruise News.

Their price will be protected if they reschedule in 2022, 2023 or 2024 within 12 months, with their original cruise fare honored for the same suite category and cruise duration.