Key Aspect:
- Norwegian Prima has had to adjust its January 31, 2027, itinerary due to changes in port availability.
- Instead of visiting Oranjestad, Aruba, the NCL ship will sail to Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
- The remainder of the 7-night Caribbean itinerary remains unchanged.
We’re only halfway through 2026, but Norwegian Prima already knows that she will be adjusting her final itinerary in January of 2027.
The voyage in question is a 7-night Caribbean sailing that embarks in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 31, 2027.
Due to port availability, the Prima-class flagship will no longer be able to visit Oranjestad, Aruba, as planned on February 3, 2027.
“As part of our commitment to delivering a seamless and enriching experience, we’ve made an itinerary adjustment due to newly updated port availability,” Norwegian Cruise Line wrote in a letter, which was obtained by Cruise Hive.
“While we coordinate closely with port authorities to confirm every detail well in advance, operational conditions can change, and at times we’re informed that space is no longer available,” the cruise line explained.
Norwegian Cruise Line did not confirm what these operational changes entailed, but it could be anything from port congestion to planned construction or maintenance.
Oranjestad is currently undergoing a massive, multi-year revitalization and restoration project, which could potentially impact port operations and/or shore excursions during certain phases.
New Port Added to the Itinerary
Guests of the 3,195-guest ship will still get to enjoy four Caribbean port calls during their voyage, as Philipsburg, St. Maarten has been added to the itinerary as a replacement port.
Wednesday, February 3, which should have been the date of the visit to Oranjestad, will become a sea day. Thursday, February 4, which was originally a sea day, will now be dedicated to exploring Philipsburg, St. Maarten from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“Our planned call to Oranjestad, Aruba, will no longer be part of this voyage. In its place, we’re delighted to introduce Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, where colorful waterfronts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant island culture await,” NCL confirmed.
The rest of the itinerary, which includes Willemstad, Curacao; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands; remains unchanged.
Norwegian Prima won’t attempt to return to Oranjestad again for more than a month, with the 143,535-gross ton vessel’s next planned visit after February 3 scheduled for March 11, 2027.
Will Compensation Be Provided?
At this time, Norwegian Cruise Line has not publicly offered compensation to make amends for the changed itinerary, nor is the cruise company required to do so. Upon booking, guests agree to a cruise contract that allows the company to make itinerary changes for a variety of reasons without having to compensate guests.
The exception to this is that any NCL shore excursions that were already booked for Aruba would be automatically cancelled and refunded.
If guests cannot get past this change, NCL cruises can typically be cancelled with no penalty as long as the cancellation is made more than 119 days before departure. As of the time of this writing, guests have 219 days before embarkation.
