Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Escape is experiencing a technical issue impacting her speed and will be several hours late returning to New York on Wednesday, September 24.
- This will not only delay debarkation, but also delays embarkation for the next departure, a 5-night Bermuda cruise. Embarkation will now be from 4-8 p.m.
- At this time, there is no change to the ship’s next itinerary, but further details may be made available to guests after embarkation.
Norwegian Escape has enjoyed a good visit to Bermuda for her 5-night, September 19 sailing, despite the looming presence of Hurricane Gabrielle (which missed the island by a good margin). Now, however, the ship has encountered different difficulties.
As she returns to New York, a technical issue is impacting the ship’s overall speed and she cannot keep up the appropriate pace for an on-time arrival. This now means the vessel will not be debarking on Wednesday morning as expected.
Satellite tracking currently shows Norwegian Escape making approximately 16 knots (18 miles per hour). The ship’s typical top speed is 23 knots (26 mph).
Norwegian Cruise Line informed guests of the delayed arrival and how it will impact their post-cruise plans.
“Norwegian Escape is now expected to arrive in New York at approximately 2:00 p.m.,” the notification said. “We understand how important timely travel plans are and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Typically, Norwegian Escape would arrive and dock before 7 a.m., with debarkation beginning between 7:30-8:30 a.m. once all customs and security clearances are received.
To help guests adjust how they return home following the now-somewhat-longer sailing, both phone lines and internet access onboard have been opened so guests can adjust their plans.
If guests purchased flights through Norwegian Cruise Line, those plans will be updated for the ship’s new arrival time and confirmed to individual guests. Airport transfers for those flights will be likewise adjusted.
Guests who have independent airfare arrangements will need to contact their airline for rescheduling. The cruise line is advising that guests opt for flights after 7:30 p.m. to ensure plenty of time for debarkation and reaching the airport.
Norwegian Cruise Line will also provide up to $300 (USD) reimbursement for any non-refundable or not-covered airline change or cancellation fees. Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement consideration.
If guests only purchased airport transfers (not along with airfare), those transfers have been automatically cancelled and will be fully refunded. Those guests will need to make alternative arrangements to head for the airport after debarkation on Wednesday afternoon.
Embarkation for Next Cruise Delayed
Because of Norwegian Escape‘s late arrival, it follows that the next cruise will be similarly delayed for embarkation. That is the ship’s September 24, 2025 departure, also a 5-night Bermuda sailing.
The cruise line has alerted booked guests to the change, noting that embarkation will now begin at 4 p.m., more than four hours later than typical.
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“To help ensure a smooth embarkation, we kindly ask all guests to arrive between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.,” the cruise line said. “Please note that the terminal will not be open for guest arrivals before 4:00 p.m., and early arrivals will be turned away.”
If arriving guests purchased transfers from the airport to the cruise terminal, those transfers will remain on the original schedule. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage, then guests will be able to enjoy extra time in Manhattan before check-in begins at 4 p.m.
The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is just a mile from Central Park and there are many, many amazing attractions to explore in the near vicinity, including Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and Times Square.
If guests have booked pre-cruise hotel accommodations through Norwegian Cruise Line, their transfers will now depart at 4 p.m. in line with the new embarkation timing.
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To be clear, the “technical issue” is only affecting the ship’s speed. There is no impact to the ship’s safety, navigational systems, or onboard operations.
A similar issue impacted Norwegian Getaway in May 2024, also while sailing from New York. Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway are sister ships in the cruise line’s Breakaway class.
At this time, there is no change to Norwegian Escape‘s next itinerary. If the schedule changes, guests will be notified onboard.
