Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is under fire for making a major itinerary change that left some passengers frustrated and questioning what they signed up for.
Technically, cruise lines have the right to tweak your itinerary, sometimes years ahead of sailing. Sometimes, they'll swap ports or simply adjust the hours in port.
Either way, it can be frustrating, especially since cruise lines aren't legally required to provide compensation under the cruise contract.
Recently, a passenger posted online about a significant itinerary change that altered several of the cruise's planned destinations and its embarkation port, sparking discussion among fellow travelers.
"We can't wait to welcome you aboard Norwegian Star for your upcoming journey departing November 13, 2027. As we prepare to host you for an unforgettable voyage, please note that the cruise will not embark in Tarragona, Spain, due to port availability in Lisbon, Portugal," the email, which was shared on Facebook, reads.
It continues, "Although we coordinate closely with port authorities to confirm every detail well in advance, operational conditions can change, and at times we're informed that space is no longer available... While this shift may be unexpected, Tarragona offers a beautiful welcome of its own..."
As frustrating as that is, most of the itinerary was changed, too. For example, both ports in Morocco were axed from the schedule, along with stops in Funchal, Portugal; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; and Arrecife, Spain.
Instead, the 91,740 gross-ton ship will visit ports in France, Italy, and Malta. The only port of call to remain the same is Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Nov. 21.
Norwegian Star's new itinerary is as follows:
- Nov. 13: Tarragona, Spain, depart 5:00 p.m. (Originally Lisbon, Portugal)
- Nov. 13: Marseille, France, 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. (Originally at sea)
- Nov. 14: La Spezia, Italy, 9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. (Originally Funchal, Portugal)
- Nov. 15: Livorno, Italy, 7:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m. (Originally Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain)
- Nov. 16: Civitavecchia, Italy, 7:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. (Originally Arrecife, Spain)
- Nov. 17: Salerno, Italy, 7:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. (Originally Agadir, Morocco)
- Nov. 18: Valletta, Malta, 11:30 a.m. — 9:00 p.m. (Originally Casablanca, Morocco)
- Nov. 19: At sea
- Nov. 20: Palma Majorca, Spain, 8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
- Nov. 21: Barcelona, Spain, arrive 7:00 a.m.
"This transition brings a new rhythm and perspective to the voyage, shifting from Atlantic and North African ports to a collection of historic Mediterranean cities celebrated for their culture, architecture, and culinary traditions," the email states.
Travelers express frustration over drastic itinerary overhaul
Although cruise itinerary changes aren't uncommon, many commenters agreed that this situation went far beyond the typical port swap or time adjustment.
"I mean I know itineraries have the possibility to change, but that's ridiculous. That's a completely different cruise!" Claire Morris wrote.
Tony Englert agreed, saying, "Those are totally different trips, leaving from different ports?! Come on now!!"
"Oh that to me is totally unreasonable. I can understand just one port but that whole itinerary was very unique and Arecife is a very rare find [on] a cruise [that] should not be missed.," commented Ann Ryder.
On the flip side, many said that Norwegian gave enough notice that it would be easy to cancel and rebook another sailing, especially since the cruise was far enough out that airfare and other travel arrangements likely hadn't been finalized.
Maria Figueroa said, "They provided more than a year's notice. Cancel and book another cruise if you [don't] like the new itinerary."
"It’s a year and a half away, plenty of time to make other plans if this new itinerary doesn’t suit you. Part of cruising life!!" remarked Reeny Tsapos.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a bad reputation for "baiting and switching"
One Facebook user mentioned that NCL is unfortunately known for this sneaky tactic, known as "baiting and switching."
"NCL is notorious for the bait and switch. Sorry this happened to you. Your original itinerary is a bucket list one," said Sandra Washington.
Essentially, passengers book unique itineraries only to see significant alterations, sometimes after the final payment date.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
