The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Chantiers de l’Atlantique are expected to soon announce an agreement.

In a statement emailed to Cruise Industry News on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for the cruise brand noted: “Evrima is currently in the final phase of construction at the Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain, and we look forward to working with the team there on the finishing touches.”

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Paris with executives from Chantiers and Ritz-Carlton present, pointing to news coming from the French shipyard, which could mean newbuilds. 

The Evrima is now set to debut in August after multiple delays. 

Other shipyards told Cruise Industry News that Ritz-Carlton executives had recently done site visits in Europe, looking for a long-term partner.

After announcing its intention to enter the cruise industry in 2017 for a 2019 start, the luxury brand was plagued by delays at the Barreras Shipyard in Spain, where the Evrima was under construction.

With the yard going insolvent, investors behind the company had to step in to secure the ship which was then moved to another shipyard in Spain.

Original plans called to build a series of three ships at Barreras, meaning a separate newbuild program could follow soon.

Update: A statement from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was added to this story.