Grand Princess Late Out of Starting Gate

The world’s biggest and most expensive cruise ship is also . . . late. Last week, Los Angeles-based Princess Cruises canceled the May 14 inaugural cruise of the Grand Princess, saying a few “little things” remain to be finished on the ship, being built in Italy’s Fincantieri Shipyard. Princess spokeswoman Julie Benson said the 2,600 passengers on the 12-day cruise from the English port of Southampton to Istanbul are being offered full refunds (plus a 25% discount on a future cruise) or rebooking. “We feel really bad about this,” she added. Other cruise dates won’t be affected, she said.