The line acquired Experience from Costa Cruises in July 2020, then Costa NeoRomanica. It had been due to debut for Celestyal in March 2021 before the pandemic ensured these plans were pushed back to March 2022.

However, the line will resume operations in the spring with its two existing ships – Crystal and Olympia.

In a statement, the line said it had decided to "defer" its planned growth in capacity to focus on "regaining momentum" in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

Additionally, Celestyal said the sale would boost the line’s liquidity and help provide the "continued solid financial foundation" needed to ensure a successful restart.

Guests booked on Experience will be contacted by the lime and re-accommodated onboard Celestyal Crystal sailings.

"Due to current market conditions resulting from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Celestyal Cruises has reviewed its forward-looking capacity requirements," said the line.

"After careful thought and consideration, the company has sold the Experience and will continue to operate the same-sized fleet that has served it well prior to the pandemic.

"The decision to sell the Experience will also provide the company with enhanced liquidity, which in combination with zero third-party debt forms the continued solid financial foundation to ensure a successful restart in March 2022."

Celestyal said Crystal and Olympia had both received "significant investment" in recent years allowing it to improve guest experience onboard both ships and bring that experience in-line with the Celestyal brand vision.

"The move to defer the company’s capacity growth allows the business to focus on regaining its momentum in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, while continuing to explore opportunities for its fleet rejuvenation ambitions when the time is right," the line added.