Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Epic pushes back its San Juan departure from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
- It is due to a temporary airspace closure caused by tensions between the US and Venezuela.
- The rest of Norwegian Epic’s itinerary remains unchanged.
It’s been a chaotic weekend of flight cancellations and delays for cruisers following the US attack on Venezuela, which resulted in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closing airspace in Puerto Rico and impacting travel across the Caribbean.
The 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, is among several cruise ships affected. The cruise line has informed booked guests that the vessel will not be departing as scheduled.
The ship’s January 4, 7-night Caribbean cruise from San Juan was originally scheduled to depart at approximately 7:30 PM, but has now been moved to 10:00 PM.
“In light of the recent airspace closure and reopening in Puerto Rico that may have impacted some travel plans, we’ve adjusted Norwegian Epic’s departure today, January 4, 2026, to 10:00 PM local time. Wishing you smooth travels and we look forward to welcoming you aboard very soon. Your Epic adventure awaits!” NCL said in a message to passengers.
At this time, the cruise line has not adjusted Norwegian Epic’s itinerary. The vessel is still scheduled to call at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands on January 5, St Johns in Antigua on January 6, Bridgetown in Barbados on January 7, St. Lucia on January 7, St. Maarten on January 8, and the final port of call at St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
The 155,873 gross ton ship is still scheduled to return to San Juan as planned on January 11, 2026. Well before then, the flight situation should be back to normal with no further impact on cruises.
Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico has already issued an update with a news conference held on January 3. The airport plans to reopen at 1:00 AM on Sunday. However, the federal government could still extend the closure.
More Cruise Ships Impacted Out of San Juan
Norwegian Epic is not the only vessel affected by the airspace closure. Virgin Voyage’s Valiant Lady has been one of the most impacted ships, with the cruise line even deciding to replace two ports that are near Venezuela.
The cruise line had already issued a notice to guests on January 3 regarding the flight situation, stating that “All Sailors must disembark by 10:30 a.m. as originally scheduled.“
In a follow-up, Virgin Voyages also decided to make an itinerary adjustment, replacing the call to Aruba on January 5 with a call to Bridgetown, Barbados. Also, replacing the call to Curacao with St. Lucia on January 6. The rest of the voyage is unchanged.
Grand Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, also experienced a departure delay and an itinerary change. The vessel is remaining in San Juan until Monday, January 5, 6:00 PM.
With the original departure being on January 4, it means the cruise is cut short and the cancellation of St. Thomas on January 5. However, the 2,610-passenger ship will add a call to St Kitts to make up for it on January 6.
There have also been impacts for Royal Caribbean passengers, with Jewel of the Seas delaying its January 3 departure from San Juan from the scheduled 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Cruise Hive will continue to keep cruisers informed on all the latest developments that are impacting cruises. You can also have your say over on the Cruise Hive Boards.
