Tag Archives: ship

Norwegian Changes Escape Itinerary Due to Speed Issue

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Norwegian Changes Escape Itinerary Due to Speed Issue

Norwegian Cruise Line is adjusting the itinerary of the current cruise onboard the Norwegian Escape due to a speed issue affecting the ship’s propulsion.

According to a statement sent to guests, the cruise will drop two of its planned ports of call, adding a visit to a new destination.

“We know how much anticipation and preparation go into creating the perfect getaway, and while we try to maintain the original itinerary as much as possible, occasional adjustments may be necessary to optimise your voyage or accommodate certain circumstances,” Norwegian said.

“Rest assured, these decisions are made thoughtfully and with your experience at the heart of it,” the company added.

After sailing from New York City on Saturday, the Norwegian Escape is currently offering a repositioning cruise to New Orleans.

The 14-night sailing originally included visits to eight destinations across the Southern, Eastern and Western Caribbean.

“Due to a required adjustment that slightly reduces our sailing speed (don’t worry, everything’s smooth and safe onboard), we’ll be swapping San Juan, Puerto Rico, and George Town, Grand Cayman, for an extra day at sea and a stop at the beach-lover’s paradise of Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic,” Norwegian added.

The company also said it made changes to the timing of port visits, providing guests with “as much time in each destination as possible.”

The adjusted itinerary now features visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Norwegian also said that shore excursions booked through the company for dropped ports of call will be automatically cancelled. Guests will receive a full monetary refund to their onboard accounts.

In destinations that underwent schedule changes, the company is also working to adjust tours to match revised port dates and/or times.

“If we’re unable to make it work, the impacted excursions will be cancelled and a full refund will be automatically credited,” Norwegian stated.

Oceanwide Expeditions Completes Upgrades on Ortelius

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Oceanwide Expeditions Completes Upgrades on Ortelius

Oceanwide Expeditions has completed two maintenance and upgrade projects on the Ortelius, improving the vessel’s operational speed and increasing fuel efficiency, the company said in a press release.

The fitting of new propeller blades and hull blasting forms part of an ongoing investment into the expedition fleet as part of a broader ESG and sustainability strategy.

The company stated that during a dry dock in September, four new bronze propeller blades were built and fitted by Dutch Propeller Repairs BV (DPR), replacing the existing stainless steel propeller blades that had been in place for several decades.

Previously, during a May dry dock, hull blasting was performed on the Ortelius’s hull, removing accumulated paint layers and reestablishing a smoother, more consistent hull surface.

Piet Vink, chief vessel officer at Oceanwide Expeditions, said: “With the completion of both projects, the Ortelius is now more ready than ever to take guests into some of our planet’s most extreme environments.”

“Both upgrades directly improve fuel efficiency and operational consistency, which, in turn, helps us further reduce operational emissions. We are delighted with the professionalism and high standards of our partners, including DPR and Shipyard Reimerswaal, in completing both projects during busy docking periods,” added Vink.

According to the company, these upgrades enhance the polar capabilities of the Ortelius.

Both projects were completed at Shipyard Reimerswaal, a long-time partner of Oceanwide Expeditions, which facilitates drydocking, restocking and maintenance for the fleet on a biannual basis.

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions to Merge

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Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions to Merge

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions are set to merge their operations ahead of the 2026 season in the Arctic.

The two expedition brands joined forces earlier this year, coming together under the same ownership group.

While the merger was confirmed in a social media update, additional details of the joint operation will be announced in mid-October.

“We are very excited about our future in the expedition cruise industry, which we intend to lead through innovation, collaboration, and leading responsible tourism initiatives,” Polar Latitudes stated.

The brand added in a social media update that the merged operations will be highlighted by operating “the most fuel-efficient fleet” in polar areas.

In an interview with Luxury Australian Travel Trade News (Latte), Albatros Expeditions’ CEO Patrick Shaw said that the new company will be named Polar Latitudes Expeditions.

Shaw will reportedly serve as CEO of the newly created entity, having previously served as CEO and President of Quark Expeditions.

“Given this exposure and experience, I have been in a unique position to appreciate the possibilities that this merger affords, and I am honoured and delighted to be a part of this transformation,” he told Latte.

He noted that the new brand will operate “more durable, efficient and expertly led” ships, highlighting the company’s field staff training and integration with communities.

Polar Latitudes currently operates the Seaventure for seasons in Antarctica, while Albatros Expeditions sails the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros.

The Ocean Albatros operates for the brand on a year-round basis, offering expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Chartered from SunStone Ships, the Ocean Victory sails for the brand seasonally, offering itineraries in Antarctica and South America.

Polar Latitudes Expeditions’ new website is expected to launch in mid-October, when the company is also set to organise a series of online events for trade members and customers.