An NCL-Norwegian cruise ship was stuck in Barcelona Spain with thousands of travelers onboard. Norwegian Pearl was also forced to cancel her next voyage, disappointing thousands of cruisers planning to board the vessel in Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy on Friday, July 5.
The NCL ship began the fated trip in Amsterdam on June 22. It then arrived in Barcelona on July 2 and was unable to leave. Passengers were told that a planned stop in Monaco had been canceled, and a visit to Palma had also been missed.
Norwegian Pearl is suffering a propulsion issue that requires travel at a slower cruising speed. Due to the difficulties, the ship remained in Barcelona for an extra night. NCL Pearl is scheduled to arrive in Rome at 6:00 a.m. on July 5. Many of the guests onboard have arranged flights home from Italy's capital.
The next voyage, which was due to depart from the port in Rome, Civitavecchia, on Friday was canceled. The sold-out cruise was planned to take in ten ports of call, including Dubrovnik, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Naples, Monaco.
In a statement, NCL announced:
“On July 1, 2019, Norwegian Pearl, which is currently sailing a 13-day repositioning cruise from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, experienced a mechanical issue which necessitates that she travel at a reduced speed. As such, she did not call to Palma, Majorca, and instead sailed directly to Barcelona where further assessments were made.
"After review, the ship will now remain in Barcelona an extra evening and will sail to Livorno, Italy, on July 3, 2019, missing her call to Monte Carlo. She will conclude her voyage in Rome, Italy. Due to necessary repairs, Norwegian Pearl’s upcoming Greek Isles and Italy sailing departing on July 5, 2019, will be canceled."
The company has offered passengers a 50% refund and 50% future cruise credit, valid for 24 months.
For other Norwegian Pearl accidents and incidents see at the ship's CruiseMinus page.