Pearl Seas Delays Launch Amid Dispute with Shipyard

Pearl Seas Cruises, which expected to launch its first ship on a maiden voyage this year, has put off its start-up due to litigation with the shipbuilder, Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“Pearl Seas has rejected the ship from Irving Shipbuilding because it does not meet the requirements and hasn’t been approved by regulatory bodies,” said Tim Beebe, vice president-marketing for Pearl Seas. “We are currently in litigation over these matters. A significant amount of work needs to be completed before the ship is suitable for passengers. Because this matter is still in litigation, we are not commenting any further on this.” A call to Irving Shipbuilding was not immediately returned.

The ship, the Pearl Mist, is a 6,000-ton, 214-passenger vessel that would sail in the Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, New England and the Caribbean. The ship was to have a spa, elevators to all five decks, Internet access throughout the ship, and oversized suites (302 to 580 square feet) with private balconies and large opening picture windows.