Disney has cancelled 12 cruises because COVID-19 issues at the shipyard mean that its new ship isn't ready

• Disney Cruise Line cancelled 12 trips with its new ship because the pandemic delayed construction.
• The company making the Disney Wish in Germany told DCL that the ship wasn't ready.

Disney announced that it has cancelled 12 trips with its latest cruise liner because the ship isn't finished due to COVID-19 at the shipyard.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) said in a statement on Thursday that the debut of the Disney Wish ship will happen six weeks later than initially planned.

The company that is building the ship in Germany told DCL that it needs more time to finish the ship because the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the country came "at a critical point in the production process," DCL said in the statement.

The Disney Wish, which was scheduled to start its maiden voyage on June 9, will now set sail on July 14, DCL added.

DCL President Thomas Mazloum said in a YouTube video: "We understand your disappointment and the inconvenience this may cause... I want to assure you we will work with you to select another option."

DCL said it's offering a 50% discount for any guests who had their sail date moved because of the disruption. If guests can't make the new date, Disney will offer another date with a 50% discount before the end of 2023 or the option of a full refund.

Disney has halted bookings for the Disney Wish until February 8, DCL said.