TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Wagon Group’s Keelung–Ishigaki ferry route launch has been delayed.

The route was expected to start by December, but no launch date has been announced so far, CNA reported. Wagon Group General Manager Hung Yu-hang (洪郁航) said the inaugural ceremony will hopefully be held at Keelung Port before the end of January. The maiden voyage is also expected to be in late January, and full service will begin before Lunar New Year, he said.

Hung said the vessel, Yaima Maru, is largely ready, but interior work on the passenger cabins is still unfinished. After refurbishment is completed, the ship must undergo inspection and sea trials. The ship can hold 545 passengers and will have 122 cabins.

Hung said tickets will be available two weeks before the route begins. Travel agencies will package the product and be commissioned to handle sales.

Wagon Group previously announced that there will be seven cabin types, ranging from shared rooms accommodating four to 15 people to private suite-style cabins with beds. The lowest-priced option, a 15-person shared dormitory, will cost NT$2,800 (US$89.11) one way, excluding port service fees and other taxes.

The most expensive option is the Royal Suite, priced at NT$10,500 per person one way, also excluding port service fees and taxes.

Hung said that off-season pricing is set to remain in effect through the end of February, and whether it will be extended will require further discussion with the Japanese shipowner.