Neonyx Cruises has postponed its inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean and is now set to welcome its first guests in summer 2025, according to a spokesperson.
The start-up was pushed back due to unforeseen delays in the refurbishment of the Goddess of the Night, he told Cruise Industry News.
The 2,700-guest vessel has recently returned to Greece after a charter operation in Italy in June.
That charter saw the Goddess of the Night in Brindisi to serve as a floating hotel during the 50th Summit of the Group of Seven (G7) as part of an agreement with the Italian government.
However, the operation was terminated due to complaints about poor sanitary conditions onboard, and the ship was seized by local authorities.
According to a report from Reuters, prosecutors ordered the impoundment to further investigate alleged deficiencies and potential fraud in public supply.
Officially revealed in late May, the Greece-based cruise line plans to offer adults-only cruises to the Greek Isles and Turkey.
Sailing from Piraeus (Athens) and Cesme, the proposed three- and four-night itineraries were to feature visits to Mykonos and Santorini.
Onboard, Neonyx promised a product that focuses on parties and nightlife, featuring a “lineup of world-famous DJs” to transform the vessel into a “floating electronic/dance music festival.”
Now docked in the Greek port of Elefsis, the Goddess of the Night formerly operated as the Costa Magica.
After nearly three years out of service due to the pandemic, the 2004-built ship was sold by Carnival-owned brand Costa Cruises in February 2023.
Acquired by Seajets, the 103,000-ton vessel remained in a layup status in Greece until April, when underwent a drydock at the İÇDAŞ shipyard in Turkey.