A series of cruises scheduled to launch in December from Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, in neighboring Sonora, Mexico, will be delayed by one month, cutting the number of departures in the inaugural cruise season from six to three.

The 11-day cruise — called Treasures of the Sea of Cortez — was set for six departures starting on Dec. 7. But the ship’s arrival to Rocky Point from Europe has been delayed until January due to its maintenance schedule, said John Dennis with Cruise and Maritime Voyages.

He called it a “bump in the road” but emphasized the company’s long-term investment in the Rocky Point cruise.

“We’re committed to this. If we weren’t committed to this, I would be telling you that we gave it our best effort but it’s just too challenging for us," he said. "But that’s not the case. We’re committed for the long term, or we wouldn’t even offer three sailings. And I can’t stress that enough.”

Dennis said news of skeletal remains of nearly four dozen people found near Rocky Point last week has nothing to do with the delay and added the company is already exploring a 2021 season.

He said passengers booked for a December cruise can reschedule to one of three embarkations in January or for expected 2021 dates. Those who can’t reschedule will receive a full refund.