Norwegian Cancels Cruise Due to Propulsion Problem
The April 12 Panama Canal sailing of Norwegian Star has been canceled due to a technical issue with the ship's ABB-manufactured azipod propulsion system, according to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line.
The Norwegian Star was originally scheduled for a 15 night cruise to the Panama Canal out of Los Angeles to Miami with port stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas, Puntarenas, Panama Canal, Cartagena, and Ocho Rios.
The ship will remain out of service until April 26, 2015 so repairs can be made to the Azipod systems. Norwegian said a technical issue was to blame for the propulsion problem. The Norwegian Star is a 91,000 gross ton, 2,350 passenger cruise ship that entered service in 2001.
All passengers booked on the sailing will receive a full refund of their cruise along with a 50 percent future cruise credit. "Norwegian Cruise Line sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this itinerary change and would like to thank our guests for their understanding," the line said in its statement.
The Norwegian Star late last month emerged from a two-week dry-dock renovation that included “an Azipod hydrodynamic upgrade” and other technical improvements including state-of-the-art silicone paint on the hull that improves fuel efficiency, thrusters and stabilizer maintenance; and ballast and bilge piping replacement.