Oda had no intention that strawhats would say goodbye to Going Merry, but he decided it since enemys' ships were getting stronger. Jump Festa 2014 (2013)
Oda had planned that strawhats would say goodbye to Going Merry within 1 year after chapter 303 (Skypiea arc finished in chapter 302), but it ended up coming true after 3 years… ONE PIECE 10th Treasures (2007)
…ugh wait what??