Danielle, Earl Force Itinerary Changes for Cruises

Graphic from NOAA / NHC

Bermuda, and most of the Northern Leeward Islands are under Tropical Storm Watches, which means the closing of cruise ports in those areas. Cruise itineraries are being affected, and the first announcment of changes has come - from Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL has posted that he Norwegian SPIRIT will tentatively arrive at Bermuda a day late; the Norwegian EPIC will sail to the western rather than the eastern Caribbean; and the cruise line is considering a possible itinerary change for the Norwegian DAWN, as well.

Announcements of changes by other lines are likely forthcoming. Check with the cruise line websites for subserquent news, or log on to http://www.cruiselinefans.com/ , and check the forums for individual cruise line, or see the DANIELLE, EARL- Cruise Line Updates thread on the Hurricane Watch forum.

While a delayed arrival at, or the missing of a port, on a cruise can be a bit disappointing, Cruising Musings is mindful that having your HOME affected by a tropical system can be a lot more than a minor disappointment. Please keep those in Bermuda, and especially the Antilles in your thoughts over the next couple of days.

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Tomorrow's Norwegian Dawn Sailing CANCELLED!

Tomorrow's sailing of the Norwegian Dawn has been cancelled. The following notice appears on the NCL website:
Miami - Nov 28, 2009 --- Important Travel Update: Please be advised that Norwegian Dawn's 5-Day Western Caribbean sailing from Miami, Florida on Sunday, November 29, 2009 is cancelled. Guests can call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm Eastern Time and Monday to Friday from 8am to midnight Eastern Time and a Norwegian Cruise Line representative will be available to assist in answering questions.

Word is that the Dawn has 'lost power' not once, but twice , and was eventually escorted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, by a Coast Guard vessel. NCL arranged for special flights back to Miami, where passengers are being given sleeping accomodations tonight, and transportation to airport or parking lot tomorrow.

Sources also say Norwegian Cruise Line is offering those passengers whose cruise ended in San Juan compensation in the form of a 75% refund of their cruise fare, and a future cruise at a 50% discount. Those who were booked on the Dawn's cancelled cruise will get a full refund, and a 50% discount on a future cruise.