Norwegian Escape to Extend Call in NYC to Avoid Hurricane Erin

Posted on 21 August, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Escape to Extend Call in NYC to Avoid Hurricane Erin

The Norwegian Escape is extending its visit to New York City due to the impact of Hurricane Erin on the East Coast.

After repositioning from Miami, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was scheduled to sail from its new homeport on Wednesday.

Initially set to offer a ten-night cruise to the Caribbean and Bermuda, the Escape is now set to remain in New York City for three days before operating a revised itinerary to the Bahamas and Bermuda.

“Due to the impact of Hurricane Erin and the severe weather it’s bringing to the East Coast, we’ve made the difficult decision to change the itinerary for Norwegian Escape’s August 20, 2025, sailing,” the company said in a statement sent to guests.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the change prioritises the safety and comfort of everyone onboard the ship.

“As a result, the Norwegian Escape will remain docked in New York until 5:00 PM on August 21, then anchor in the port before officially sailing at 11:59 PM on August 22, 2025,” the company added.

While the cruise’s original itinerary included visits to Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola and King’s Wharf, the Norwegian Escape is now set to head to Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and King’s Wharf after departing from New York City.

“We understand how disappointing it can be when a long-anticipated vacation is disrupted,” Norwegian added.

“We thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate this situation with your safety and experience in mind.”

According to the statement, shore excursions booked through Norwegian will be automatically cancelled, with full refunds credited to onboard accounts.

Earlier this week, Norwegian Cruise Line also changed the itineraries of the Norwegian Jewel and the Norwegian Aqua due to the impacts of Hurricane Erin.

Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima to Swap Homeports

Posted on 9 July, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima to Swap Homeports

The Norwegian Breakaway and the Norwegian Prima will swap homeports for the 2026-27 winter season, Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement.

After announcing the cancellation of over 40 sailings onboard the ships, the company said that the Breakaway will now offer itineraries from New Orleans, while the Prima will sail from Puerto Rico.

“Due to a fleet redeployment, the Norwegian Breakaway’s sailings from November 8, 2026, through and including March 29, 2027, have been cancelled, and the ship will be repositioned to New Orleans,” Norwegian explained.

“In her place, the Norwegian Prima will sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering the Norwegian Breakaway’s original Southern Caribbean cruises during the same time frame,” the company continued in a letter sent to booked guests.

Bookings for the new itineraries on both ships will be available for booking starting August 8, 2025.

“As passionate cruisers ourselves, we know this wasn’t part of your plan, and we truly apologise for any disruption or disappointment this may cause,” Norwegian added.

The company stated that it’s working to implement the change “as smoothly as possible,” noting that full monetary refunds will be automatically issued to the original form of payment used by guests at the time of booking.

“We recognise that this wasn’t part of your original travel arrangements, and as a token of our appreciation for your patience, we’re pleased to offer a ten per cent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC),” Norwegian added.

According to the company, the credit can be used towards any published sailings through December 31, 2027.

Earlier this month, Norwegian announced the cancellation of over 40 sailings set to take place onboard the Norwegian Breakaway and the Norwegian Prima between November 2026 and March 2027.

The Norwegian Prima was initially set to debut in New Orleans during the 2026-27 season, while the Norwegian Breakaway was poised to debut in Puerto Rico.

Norwegian Epic Completes 15 Years of Service

Posted on 29 June, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Epic Completes 15 Years of Service

The Norwegian Epic recently completed 15 years of service after being delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line on June 17, 2010.

The 150,000-ton vessel was built as a prototype vessel at the STX France Shipyard, currently known as the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, in St. Nazaire, France.

After leaving its building dock, the Norwegian Epic embarked on a series of pre-inaugural cruises before setting sail from Southampton, England, for a seven-night crossing to New York City.

Continuing its maiden season celebrations, the vessel was christened by entertainer Reba McEntire on July 2, 2010.

After additional celebrations in New York City and Miami, the Epic officially embarked on its inaugural season on July 10, 2010.

Sailing from PortMiami, the ship offered a series of alternating seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Ports of call included Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Costa Maya, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Roatán, Honduras.

In 2011, the Norwegian Epic repositioned back to Europe for its first summer season in the Mediterranean, before returning to Miami ahead of the 2011-12 winter season.

Earlier this year, the 4,200-guest ship underwent a significant refit at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France.

As part of the project, the ship debuted new venues, including an expanded Vice Beach Club and a refreshed Kids’ Aqua Park.

Other changes include the addition of eight new staterooms, as well as the debut of a new hot tub and enhanced exterior decks.

After completing its renovation, the Norwegian Epic embarked on a summer season in the Mediterranean.

Sailing from Civitavecchia, a port near Italy’s capital city of Rome, the ship is offering nine- and ten-night cruises to destinations in Greece and Malta.

Ports of call being visited include Valletta, Heraklion, Santorini, Piraeus, Katakolon, Argostoli and Mykonos.

In November, the Norwegian Epic repositions to the Southern Caribbean for itineraries departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico.