The line on Wednesday (14 June) insisted the vessel’s maiden voyage would depart as scheduled on 17 July from Southampton following a delivery ceremony on 6 July in Monfalcone. But the line will no longer host members of the press onboard the ship prior to Explora I’s debut sailing.
The vessel will instead sail directly from Italy to Southampton where Explora will host events for UK agents and other key international source markets from 15-16 July.
A spokesperson for the line said: "The maiden journey of Explora I will depart as scheduled on 17 July from Southampton, UK.
"We will host celebratory events for the UK travel advisor community, and other key international source markets, onboard Explora I during the weekend of 15-16 July to see first-hand our new luxury ship before she makes her first sailing to the Arctic Circle."