Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Sky Farewell Cruise Cancelled

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the farewell cruise of the Norwegian Sky, which was scheduled to depart from Greece on September 9, 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the decision is related to security concerns in the Middle East region.

The 19-night voyage was scheduled to transit the Suez Canal and the Red Sea before arriving in Muscat, Oman.

“After careful review, and with the safety and security of our guests and crew as our guiding priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this sailing,” the company added.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty in the region, we no longer have the level of confidence needed to deliver the experience you expect and deserve.”

Norwegian stated that the decision to cancel the cruise, though difficult, was guided by the safety and well-being of its guests and crew.

After departing from the port of Piraeus in Athens, the Norwegian Sky was scheduled to sail to Greece, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia before arriving in Oman.

The itinerary included visits to Rhodes, Alexandria, Port Sokhna, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Jeddah and Aqaba, as well as transits of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Acquired by Cordelia Cruises in 2025, the Norwegian Sky is scheduled to be delivered to the India-based cruise line this October.

“We know this is not the news anyone was hoping to receive. Throughout this process, many of you have shown remarkable patience, flexibility, and understanding, and we are truly sorry that this voyage can no longer move forward as planned,” Norwegian added.

The company said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the cruise fare paid to the original form of payment used at the time of booking.

Norwegian will also offer passengers a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 50 percent of the current voyage fare, which will be added to a 15 percent FCC issued earlier due to itinerary changes.

The company said that the new credit may be used toward any published Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2027.

Guests who purchased airfare through the company will have flights automatically cancelled and refunded.

For passengers with independent travel arrangements, Norwegian is offering up to $300 per person to cover airline change or cancellation fees that are not reimbursed by either the airlines or travel insurance providers.

Norwegian had already adjusted the itinerary of the cruise in July, cancelling visits to destinations in the Arabian Gulf.

Initially scheduled to end in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the cruise was also cut short from its original 21-night length.

NCL Offers First Look at Great Tides Waterpark Ahead of Opening

NCL Offers First Look at Great Tides Waterpark Ahead of Opening

Norwegian Cruise Line revealed the first images of the Great Tides Waterpark on its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, ahead of the official grand opening on Sept. 4, 2026.   

“With just one month until the grand opening of Great Tides Waterpark, we’re excited to give guests a first look at what will become one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destination experiences that can only be enjoyed when sailing with us,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.  

“From adrenaline-pumping attractions and family-friendly activities to unique dining experiences and places to relax, Great Tides Waterpark will showcase the innovative design, scale and adventure that await guests visiting the island. Together with our ongoing enhancements across Great Stirrup Cay, we’re creating even more ways for guests to enjoy their day in paradise without compromise. This beautiful island offers something for kids and adults alike, whether they’re a thrill seeker, in search of relaxation, or simply want a little bit of both.” 

The Great Tides Waterpark will feature 19 waterslides including industry-first cliff jumps and The Great Slide in Cliffside Cove, as well as other attractions such as Splash Cay for kids and the Wandering River, a dynamic river with an immersive tunnel. 

Complementing these enhancements, the island’s brand-new two-berth pier is officially open. 

Beyond the adventures, Great Tides Waterpark will serve slow-smoked barbecue dishes at Low Tide Smoke, cold-water seafood at Catch of the Cay, handcrafted desserts at Tidal Treats, and more. 

Drinks will be served at Grotto Bar, located at Cliffside Cove or the Floataway Bar located in the heart of The Wandering River.

Adult-only spaces, such as the Vibe Shore Club, will feature premium loungers and private bar.

Video- Norwegian Sky cruises into Liverpool

Video- Norwegian Sky cruises into Liverpool

Norwegian Sky arrives into the Historic Port of Liverpool, on a misty morning. Sky is on her farewell tour before she leaves the fleet in 2027.

Ship Overview & Highlights

The Norwegian Sky is designed for a laid-back, traditional cruising experience. Despite its age, it underwent comprehensive refurbishments to keep up with modern amenities, including the addition of high-speed Starlink internet. 

  • Guest Capacity: ~1,944 guests (double occupancy).
  • Crew: 899 crew members.
  • Length: 258 meters (846 feet).
  • Decks: 9 passenger-accessible decks.

Onboard Dining

NCL’s signature “Freestyle Cruising” means there are no assigned seating times or rigid schedules, letting you dine whenever and wherever you choose. The ship features a mix of complimentary and specialty dining options: 

  • Complimentary Venues: The Palace and Crossings (Main Dining Rooms), the Garden Cafe (Buffet), and The Local Bar & Grill (casual pub fare).
  • Specialty Venues: Le Bistro (French), La Cucina (Italian), and Cagney’s Steakhouse. 

Bars, Entertainment & Activities

With numerous bars and lounges, there are plenty of spots to unwind or keep the party going.

  • Nightlife: Champs Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and the Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar. The Bliss Lounge serves as a venue for trivia and games during the day, transforming into a lively nightclub late at night. 
  • Relaxation: The ship boasts an award-winning Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, as well as a central pool deck featuring jacuzzis and a stage for live music. 
  • Family Features: The Splash Academy, a kids’ pool/jacuzzi, a video game room, and teen hangout areas.

I have sailed on her sistership Norwegian Star and they are wonderful, friendly, and with a great crew, we wish Sky and the crew all the best in the Indian cruise market for Cordelia Cruise.