While returning to New York from Bermuda on Friday, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Norwegian Crown experienced a mechanical problem with the vessel’s starboard propeller shaft.  While this has had no impact on the safe operation of the ship it has unfortunately affected the speed of the ship.  The reduction of speed resulted in a delayed arrival into New York, with the ship arriving Monday, August 27 at 6 a.m. instead of its scheduled arrival on Sunday, August 26.

NCL stated that a team of divers inspected the propeller shaft this morning and, unfortunately, the inspection revealed damage to the seal in the starboard propeller shaft, which will require a replacement of the seal versus a repair.  The line says engineers have started the necessary repairs and are estimating a departure sometime this afternoon. The Crown is fully operational with all restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues and spa open for passenger use.  Nevertheless, the delayed departure has disrupted the original itinerary for the cruise.  As a gesture of goodwill the line is extending a 50 percent refund of the cruise fare paid and a 20 percent future cruise credit (based on the fare paid for the disrupted cruise) toward a future cruise with NCL. NCL will also be refunding government taxes and fees of approximately $34 to the guest’s on-board folio.  NCL says if a guest prefers not to sail, NCL will, of course, provide a full refund of the cruise fare paid plus all applicable taxes.