Does the inaugural sailing of a new ship always get pushed back?

[Cherries Jubilee]

I didn’t become a real cruiser until 2018 ish, so I wasn’t paying attention until Horizon’s delays. I don’t remember if Panorama was pushed back and Mardi Gras is a special circumstance due to covid.

 

Are ship start dates usually delayed? I’m only asking because I’m considering Carnival Celebration for my birthday in January of 2023. She’s not supposed to sail until November of 2022 which means she only has to have a short push back to throw off my birthday plans. It might be safer for me to book a ship that has already been finished and sent out to sea if delays are fairly normal.

[BlerkOne]

I expect Celebration to launch on time. Technicians will probably still be finishing things up on the Transatlantic.

 

I remember Carnival Freedom was going to launch EARLY, so Carnival had to throw together a pre-inaugural cruise in a hurry. The really ticked off some people who thought they were going to be on the first sailing 

 

If Carnival starts cruising in July like everyone is expecting, things should fall in place.

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I was on the Panorama inaugural and it launched as scheduled.

[Cherries Jubilee]

Thank you. I can’t even imagine how mad people were about Freedom cruising early! I’ve seen how many times people will rebook to get on that first cruise. I’m sure it’s a great experience but I like to wait until the cruise line works out any kinks myself. I thoroughly appreciate those reviews the first passengers write

[BoozinCroozin]

Missed Mardi Gras by a week