There's disappointing news for passengers booked on Princess Cruises's Sun Princess inaugural voyage ... and perhaps cruises after that. Princess and Italian ship builder Fincantieri have announced a delay in the delivery of what will be Princess's largest ship.

The postponement has led to the cancellation of the ship’s debut voyage, a 10-day sailing originally set to depart from Barcelona on Feb. 8. The cruise line has been largely mum on the reasons for the delay or how long it will last. 

Sun Princess is the first ship of a revolutionary new platform designed exclusively for the brand. Obviously, many people who booked the cruise will be disappointed. 

“We understand that this news is disappointing, and we share in that disappointment. We recognize the anticipation that surrounded this sailing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this cancellation causes,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

Full refunds will be issued for fares and any additional services purchased in advance, and any travel agent commissions will be honored, according to the company. 

It's a fair guess that the delay is the result of supply chain issues or the challenges posed by the new build of a vessel that's the first in a new line of ships. Such vessels often have newly designed interiors and features on board that are new for the shipyards constructing them.