The construction of the world's biggest cruise ship was delayed. Citing the impact of the pandemic, the future shipowner Royal Caribbean announced that its newest Oasis Class ship - Wonder of the Seas, would no longer commence operations in China in 2021.
The cruise company didn't provide a new timetable for the newbuild's completion and delivery from the French shipbuilder.
In a statement posted on Royal Caribbean Asia's Chinese website, the company said the construction of Wonder OTS had been delayed due to the impact on the shipyard operation.
“However, we look forward to the arrival of (Wonder of the Seas) after the epidemic has been brought under control as soon as possible.”
Wonder OTS has been under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique (shipyard in Saint-Nazaire France) since April 2019. The shipbuilder has experienced work and supply chain delays in recent months because of Coronavirus-related quarantines.
Royal Caribbean’s announcement comes two weeks after the company announced that the November debut of the smaller (Quantum-Ultra class) ship under construction - the 4198-passenger liner Odyssey of the Seas - had been postponed by 6 months. Odyssey OTS is currently scheduled for delivery in April 2021.
Wonder OTS will be the 5th Oasis-Class ship.