TRAVELERS have been left hanging after a major cruise line suddenly canceled months of sailings on four ships.
Passengers planning trips will have to find a new adventure to embark on after the cruise line decided to cancel their tickets and instead “offer modified and enhanced itineraries.”
Over 50 cruise sailings have been canceled for next year (stock image)[/caption]
The changes are partly due to port availability (stock image)[/caption]
Norwegian Cruise Line is switching up the plans for its ships Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Getaway.
This means over 55 sailings have been canceled as the cruise line shakes up its plan for the next two years.
Guests who bought tickets for cruises on the four ships will be issued a full refund and a 10% off credit for a future purchase.
NCL is a cruise line based in Miami, Florida, that offers flexible trips to over 400 destinations across the globe.
The schedule change is caused by the four ships getting assigned new locations or homeports, according to the cruise line’s statement.
NEW HOMEPORTS
First, the Gem and the Dawn are swapping homeports between November 2026 and March 2027.
The Gem is moving to Tampa, while the Dawn is leaving from Jacksonville as the ships take on new itineraries.
“Norwegian Gem will sail Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Tampa, Fla. ranging from four to 11-day itineraries offering a wider variety of options for guests,” NCL said in a statement.
“Norwegian Dawn will sail shorter voyages to the Bahamas from Jacksonville, Fla.”
The ships will also set sail to NCL’s private island in the Bahamas more often.
The luxurious island, Great Stirrup Cay, is also seeing multiple upgrades starting next year, including a waterpark.
‘PORT AVAILABILITY’
Norwegian also announced that they’re axing several sailings on Norwegian Getaway between November and December 2026.
Plus, Norwegian Joy will also lose some trips in December 2026.
Both of the ships, just two of the 21-ship fleet, hold over 3,000 passengers.
The company said the canceled trips were due to “port availability.”
However, NCL pointed out that the new sailings will have better itineraries for long cruises during the holidays.
“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world,” the cruise line said.
“While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize voyages to meet guest demand or due to changing port availability.”
The new itineraries on the vessels will be available to book in the near future, NCL said.
The cruise line didn’t immediately return The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
