A recent port swap by Norwegian Cruise Line has led to the cancellation of an entire season’s sailings for two of its popular ships, raising concerns among travelers.
Passengers booked on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima will be affected, with the disrupted sailings occurring between November 8, 2026, and March 28, 2027. The information came directly from letters sent to those who had made reservations.
New Homeports for Norwegian Ships
In the restructuring, the Norwegian Breakaway, which was initially set to operate out of San Juan, will now be homeported in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Prima is slated to take its place in San Juan, with its first impacted sailing expected to set sail on November 15, 2026.
Reason for the Change
Norwegian Cruise Line has not disclosed the specific reasons behind this significant port change, leaving many passengers seeking clarity. Nevertheless, the cruise line has taken steps to address the inconveniences caused by these cancellations.
Compensation for Affected Travelers
Travelers whose sailings have been canceled are eligible for refunds, along with a 10% discount on any future bookings made through December 31, 2027. This offer aims to ease the frustration of affected guests and encourage future travel with the cruise line.
Itinerary Details
The original itineraries are set to remain available on the newly assigned ships, opening for reservations starting August 8. The itineraries from San Juan will feature destinations in the southern Caribbean, while those departing from New Orleans will explore the western Caribbean.
Distinct Features of Each Ship
With differing sizes and amenities, the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Breakaway cater to varied cruising preferences. The Prima, launched just three years ago, has a smaller capacity of 3,099 passengers and boasts 20 decks and four outdoor pools. In contrast, the Breakaway, built in 2013, can accommodate nearly 4,000 passengers and features 18 decks along with two outdoor swimming pools.
In a letter dated July 7, Norwegian expressed empathy for its customers, stating, “As passionate cruisers ourselves, we know this wasn’t part of your plan, and we truly apologize for any disruption or disappointment this has caused. We want to assure you that we’re here to make this process as smooth as possible.”
For additional details, travelers can visit the official Norwegian Cruise Line site or consult their travel agents for further assistance regarding their bookings and options.
