Norwegian Cruise Line Not Off to a Good Year Start

Just when it seemed safe to book a cruise without worrying about cancellations, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellations of sailings onboard eight cruise ships, including some as far out as April 23, 2022. At the same time, the line is bringing Norwegian Pearl back to port after only two days.

Norwegian Pearl, which departed Miami on January 3 for an 11-day Panama Canal cruise is expected to arrive back to port today. A letter sent to passengers onboard indicated that “several” instances of COVID-19 positive cases were identified among the crew.

Guests will receive a full refund, as well as access to several re-booking bonuses including an FCC valued at 100% of the cruise fare paid that can be used for any voyage through May 31, 2023.

Passengers scheduled to depart today on Norwegian Getaway awoke to the disappointing news that their cruise has been canceled “due to COVID-related circumstances.” 

The ship had been scheduled to sail a nine-day Caribbean itinerary that included stops in Curacao, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic. Both Curacao and Aruba previously refused Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships entry in December when a tiny percentage of crew and passengers tested positive for COVID-19.

Passengers will receive a full refund. The ship’s next sailing on January 14 is scheduled to depart as normal.

Citing the “health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit,” Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled sailings on eight additional ships.

Cancellations include:

All Norwegian Sky cruises with embarkation dates through and including February 25, 2022

All Pride of America Hawaii cruises with embarkation dates through and including February 26, 2022

All Norwegian Jade cruises with embarkation dates through and including March 3, 2022

All Norwegian Star cruises with embarkation dates through and including March 19, 2022

All Norwegian Sun cruises with embarkation dates through and including April 19, 2022

All Norwegian Spirit cruises with embarkation dates through and including April 23, 2022

Affected passengers will automatically receive a refund of their cruise fare in the original form of payment for the amount paid. Additionally, a 10% off Future Cruise Credit will be added to their account as of January 7. This discount can be used to make a booking from January 7 through January 7, 2023, and can be applied towards any sailing through May 31, 2023.

For affected reservations paid using a previously issued Future Cruise Credit, the full value of the FCC will be re-applied to the passenger’s Latitudes account with seven days.

Source: Travel Market Report