Oceania Riviera – SOURCE: Oceania Cruises

The launch of Oceania Cruises new ship Riviera has been delayed by three weeks after construction has fallen behind schedule due to industrial action at Fincantieri's shipyard near Genoa.

For the second time in six months, the maiden voyage has been put back from 24 April to 16 May causing the cancellation of two cruises set for April for the 1,250 passenger sister ship to Marina.

Those guests affected by the cancellations will be contacted through their travel agent, of directly if they didn’t booking through an agent, to discuss their options.

The company is offering a future cruise credit ranging from $250 to $1,000 per passenger depending on category of accommodation or a full refund to those who do not wish to rebook, with travel agent commissions protected, Oceania said.

The president of Oceania, Kunal Kamlani stated the cruise line was working very closely with the shipyard to ensure Riviera is completed to meet Oceania's high standards of quality and service and sincerely regrets any inconvenience that this may cause guests.