The French cruise start up Compagnie Française de Croisières has been forced to delay the start of its operations from February to May, the company said in a statement.

Supply chain problems and difficulties in obtaining essential materials needed in the refurbishment of the former Holland America Line vessel Maasdam that the French company has  renamed Renaissance lie behind the decision, it said.

The first cruise of the ship is now scheduled to depart on 14 May and head for Ireland, it noted.