Stranded Norwegian Gem Guests to Sail From Barbados Nov. 17

Guests staying in Barbados since a technical malfunction forced the Norwegian Gem to stop there are set to depart tomorrow, a representative of Norwegian Cruise Line tells Travel Agent.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Gem suffered a technical malfunction in the ship’s Azipod propulsion system that restricted the ship’s speed from full capacity during its 11-day eastern Caribbean cruise that departed New York October 31. As a result, the ship was forced to conclude its cruise in Barbados instead of returning to New York as scheduled.

Norwegian arranged for flights to return guests to New York by Sunday, November 12, accompanied by members of the cruise line’s dedicated CARE guest assistance team, and made hotel arrangements for those who required overnight accommodations in the city. Several guests, however, were unable to fly due to medical conditions, and Norwegian accommodated those guests at nearby resorts in Barbados with all meals included.

“Norwegian has secured and provided complimentary common medications for those guests who required additional dosage prior to their return, and continues to work with local providers to make every efforts to source additional medications as necessary,” the cruise line said in a statement provided to Travel Agent.

The Norwegian Gem’s technical issue has since been addressed and all guests currently in Barbados are due to be transported to the vessel November 17. The ship will set sail later that evening for New York, with arrival in the city scheduled for November 21.

“Norwegian appreciates our guests’ understanding and patience with this unforeseen technical issue and is providing all care and extensive support as needed to ensure our guests are comfortable and well taken care of as they return to New York,” the cruise line said.

Related Stories

Strength in Europe Bolsters NCLH Earnings, Despite Weather Disruptions

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Australia, New Zealand Itineraries

Travel Leaders Network Hosts “Elite Event” Aboard the Norwegian Epic

Going Green: Norwegian Adds Emission-Reducing Tech to Ships