NCL Itinerary Changes

[Kendall James-Vargas]

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced several Greek Isles itinerary changes for upcoming cruises. The cruise line didn't give any explanation why the changes were made. It seems like the cruise line has made many itinerary shifts due to environmental factors, such as reducing its carbon footprint.

Does anyone have any insight as to why these changes have occurred? The constant changes seem to be continually disappointing loyal guests.

[Linda Reiss]

I went on the cruise Norwegian Escape it's very disappointed with all the changes that was made while we were at sea for support that we were supposed to stop at we didn't for someone known reason I just heard that there was something going on at the Port that we were supposed to go into and we weren't allowed that's the first port so instead they took us to Nassau Bahamas I believe that ended up being like a 3-hour stay which we didn't get out there's really nothing to see in the Bahamas then another report we were supposed to stop at c a y we didn't stop at that Port either related to the factor they said that the waves were too choppy for the tender to take us over to the port so here we are back at Sea again staying at sea that we didn't see yes I get it I understand you can't play with Mother Nature however frustrating part about it is three other ships that were out with us we're able to go into port and people were getting off on the tender go into the island we stayed out and see it was really no complementary things being done for us and then also we had a man on board that had a heart attack we tried doing CPR on them had to call in help from the island besides the help that was supposed to be at bored to revive him which was unsuccessful he passed away had to be taken out in the body bag family to follow it's very sad which was a 4-Hour delay leaving the port no compensation was given to us you have to change the itinerary two times we were out at sea most of our whole trip we paid extra for the Wi-Fi pack and was told that we could use our phones which I did and ended up with a $300 phone bill from my phone company not knowing why because all this time I thought I was covered I really didn't think they had that much fun things for older adults to do as far as activities are concerned.the best I love to do is casino,the smell of smokers was discussed. Why would they allowed people to smoke.they should have a smoking rm.let each other blow the cancer smoke around to each other.another thing I couldn't do.very unfair to us that they didn't have smokers room. they had a cigar.rm to smoke cigars ,which doesn't bother us, non smoking people.we also bought bar package.the drinks were so watered.down.food was good.entertaiment was fair.Ive been on many different  cruises never have I been on Norwegine lines.we were not happy campers.The only thing that saved us was having a beautiful balcony my husband played his guitar, sang

The guest on either side of us joined in.so we had our.own 3 balcony   party.I was disappointed in many ways.no more Norwegian causing for us.no compensation for anything fir us.Sad but true.my husband and I very disappointed. We sailed ESCAPE from port Canaveral 1/7 thru 1/14.,The crew were very nice our rooms kept clean.that was a,+++.Hoping future passengers have a good sailing. Thank you.Linda Reiss/Tim Gray

 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@Linda Reiss Thanks for sharing your experience! It's truly such a shame you had to experience all of these changes to your pre-scheduled itinerary. The weather definitely seemed to play a factor in some of these changes. I can't believe you only had three hours at Nassau! It's hard to do any exploring with such a limited amount of time there. 

What a sad experience! That's so upsetting someone ended up passing during your Norwegian Escape itinerary. It just brings such grief during what is supposed to be a relaxing cruise vacation.

I hope your phone company shows you grace and refunds you some of that! I always try to put my phone on airplane mode and turn on the Wi-Fi to make sure it isn't using any roaming service. Out of networks calls/messages are very costly!

Unfortunately, many cruise lines do allow smoking in the casino. I have been through some non-smoking casinos, and I do prefer those. The smoke absorbs in the walls and carpeting so it's hard to avoid. 

I love that you brought a guitar onboard! My husband plays guitar, but he has never thought to bring it on our cruise vacation. Do you usually carry it on with you?

I'm glad the cruise staff was pleasant! It makes the experience so much better. I also love Port Canaveral. Some of the beach restaurants at the port are delicious! 

[Helene]

On 1/25/2023 at 10:09 AM, Kendall James-Vargas said:

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced several Greek Isles itinerary changes for upcoming cruises. The cruise line didn't give any explanation why the changes were made. It seems like the cruise line has made many itinerary shifts due to environmental factors, such as reducing its carbon footprint.

Does anyone have any insight as to why these changes have occurred? The constant changes seem to be continually disappointing loyal guests.

Agree.   We are loyal guests and have been very disappointed with the changes to our itinerary for our sailing leaving Feb 6 out of NYC.  We booked this cruise based on the stops.  
Also, we were totally messed up with our booked excursions for all of the ports.    We are disapponted in NCL’s rudeness to us in seeking answers to what happened.   We were hung up on by their Shore Excursion dept three times.   They seem to care less recently about how they treat returning loyal latitude members.   It may be time to check out Holland again and RCL.  

[3Sisters]

@Linda Reiss I don't enjoy when the ship has a smoking casino. I actually try to avoid walking through the area entirely. The smell ruins the environment. There are other things to enjoy on a cruise ship, so when its a smoking casino I just opt out of the experience entirely. Honestly, cruise lines (such as Carnival Cruise Line) are noticing that many guests aren't pleased with a smoking casino and are beginning to offer non-smoking casino options. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-adds-separate-non-smoking-casino-on-three-ships/53411

@Helene What changes have been made for your February 6 sailing? That is only 4 days out now! I'm curious if they gave any sort of explanation. I have heard Norwegian Cruise Line has been giving guests the excuse that environmental factors are playing a role in the constant itinerary changes. Many loyal guests are opting to move their loyalty elsewhere. It's a shame. The cruise line should be more respectful to its guests! Which ship will you be cruising on?

[bombarc]

The NCL Getaway has bypassed Bermuda and is now in Miami.  Does anyone know why there was a change?

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@bombarc I think I may actually have the answer for you! It looks like NCL Getaway is going through a whole shift of itineraries. 

https://www.cruisehive.com/itinerary-change-and-port-swap-for-norwegian-cruise-ship/94942

Recently NCL Getaway shifted its projected itinerary due to weather. This could likely be the reason for the recent change.

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-ship-changing-destination-due-to-weather/93637

[bombarc]

The NCL Gem is also bypassing Bermuda and is heading back to New York.  Bermuda was supposed to be the last port of call this week.  That is 2 ships this week.  What is going on?

.. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@bombarc It's so bizarre both Norwegian Cruise Line ships are dodging Bermuda. I wonder what actually is going on. Are other cruise lines avoiding the area as well? It could be weather related.

[StevenMC]

The NCL Sky just sent notices out to booked passengers for the Apr 26 9 Day Cruise to the Caribbean that the itinerary has changed.  Two ports were reversed, but 8 hours were cut out of the port visits which only totaled 57.5 hours in the first place.  If the result of the sustainability is to reduce the carbon foot print, then the fuel ($$$) savings should be returned to the guests who are burdened by this change.  I understand changes due to weather, and political strife, but sustainability issues which are goaled for 2050 do not have to be thrust upon customers who have already booked a cruise.  Or at least, make the changes during the period prior to the 120 day cutoff.  Then I would have the choice to accept the change or move to a different cruise or cruise line.  This is NOT a way to treat your income sources.

 

Edited February 28, 2023 by StevenMC

[kefthecruiser]

NCL today released its financial results for year end 2022. It was much worse than expected, losing over $1 per share. The company is highly leveraged with debt, much more so than CCL or RCL. So, I would suggest all the itinerary changes are really about cost cutting (fuel savings), under the guise of sustainability. I guess in a way it is a sustainability issue from the sense of whether or not NCL will remain an independent company.

Just my 2 cents; cruise on my friends

[3Sisters]

@StevenMC I'm glad you were at least notified about these itinerary changes! That's an interesting thought, money being given back to cruise guests due to this circumstance. I'm sure sustainability is a factor here but likely a way to save money as well. Cruise lines are working hard nowadays to financially recover from the loss in previous years. I think many cruise lines are using sustainability as an excuse to change itineraries without a true reason. Guests definitely want a reason as to why their itinerary changed, so I think many cruise lines are just throwing out "reducing emissions" to dodge the truth. I think Norwegian Cruise Line is doing this the most out of all of the cruise lines. It's not the first time I'm seeing this sort of complaint. 

It actually is happening again on an upcoming NCL itinerary. https://www.cruisehive.com/itinerary-changed-port-cancelled-for-norwegian-cruise-ship/95342

@kefthecruiser I think you are spot on. This is pretty intuitive reasoning. Do you have reason to believe that Norwegian Cruise Line would no longer be an independent company? 

[kefthecruiser]

@3Sisters First the disclaimers - I am not a financial adviser nor do I provide financial advice. I do not have any special insight into NCL. I own 100 shares of CCL so I can get a onboard credit. whew. I'm just a retired guy who invests, I'm doing ok - haven't cut my cruise budget yet!

I've been watching stocks for awhile and it just looks to me that NCL will need some entity to come in and take over. NCL can also continue as an independent, expectations are that the 2nd quarter this year will be profitable, but it will take a long time for NCL to be financially strong. Right now, their debt is clearly junk status. A recession that people keep suggesting would put NCL over the edge (bankrupt). On the other hand "The Street" has a buy rating on the stock.

It's all clear as mud.

[3Sisters]

@kefthecruiser Your disclaimer cracked me up! I hope you don't ever have to cut your cruise budget. That's a really wise observation. I wonder which group would be a good buyer candidate. Yes, the cruise line could truly benefit from some support, and the financial position it's in would likely have it entertaining any offers that may come its way. I like the way you put it!

[davidE]

NCL is no longer including Venice, Italy on its cruises. Venice is closing off their lagoon to large ships sure to environmental conservation. NCL tried anchoring outside the lagoon and tendering people, but apparently the trip on the tender was horrible, rough, and took like 45min. 

They are now docking in Trieste and offering to bus people over to Venice. But it's a 2.5hr ride! We just sailed on the Gem and found out the itinerary change when we got onboard. It was sad for us as my wife and I were celebrating our 25th anniversary and were looking forward to a romantic gondola ride.  We opted to stay in Trieste for the day instead. It was beautiful, but not Venice.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@davidE Wow, I had no idea about this. Venice is a very popular cruise spot, so I'm sure many avid cruisers are bummed about this. Maybe tendering the the lagoon was too far off a trip to from ship to shore. That's a shame! Trieste is another gem of a town but it's certainly not as popular as Venice. It's a dream of mine to get onboard a gondola ride in Venice. Have you done this type of experience before? 

[Hw6]

They did the same thing to us. We booked inside passage for Alaskan cruise, my first cruise. Booked in Ñovember for June cruise, in January they sent an update, we would be out to sea. I called and asked why and was told they can do it and it happens all the time. No reason given. So I said we booked early to get the inside passage for the sights. I was told you will still see the same because they cruise at night. They changed our ports 6 days before our trip. We didn't even see the glacier, it was the last thing we were to see and then the next morning early we were to dock at 5:00 AM. No explanation for any of it. No compensation for the changes. It couldn't have been weather, we really had the same weather everyday. An Alaskan cruise is for the beauty of it not just a cruise! When we were waiting to disembark, people were talking and very upset. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Hw6 That would make me so upset! Why did the cruise line end up waiting so long to notify passengers of this change? I can't believe you didn't see the glaciers! That was probably the highlight of the itinerary you booked. NCL has some gall to continue treating loyal guests this way. I think guests deserve some sort of explanation for such a significant change. I wish NCL would do better. I'm sure that many guests have a bad taste for the cruise line now. Guests will start catching on to this trend of disappointment.