The Norwegian Getaway had to switch its itinerary completely which also required a change to pre-cruise testing and vaccinations.
Unfortunately, those cruising on the Norwegian Getaway today are not getting what they originally booked. Hurricane Fiona forced Norwegian to send the Getaway north to New England and Canada instead of south to Bermuda.
The Norwegian Getaway that set sail yesterday, Thursday, September 22, was to embark on a 5-night roundtrip sailing to Bermuda with an overnight stay on the island this weekend. However, on Wednesday, the cruise line reached out to its booked guests with itinerary changes.
“While we always maintain original itineraries, at times, as with hurricanes, it is necessary to modify our ports of call,” the email read. “Due to the storm’s projected path, we will no longer be able to call to Bermuda. Please review this communication in its entirety as embarkation/sailing requirements have changed due to the required change in itinerary.”
The Getaway is now visiting three northern ports: Newport, Rhode Island, Portland, Maine, and St. John, New Brunswick. Monday remains a day at sea with an arrival time an hour later than originally expected.
Since the Norwegian Getaway is now calling on a Canadian port, travel requirements completely changed. Guests 12 and over had to be fully vaccinated, which is not a requirement for Bermuda, and new documentation had to be completed prior to embarkation. Cruisers also had to present negative COVID-19 test results, but that testing window changed from Bermuda to Canada. This meant some guests were left scrambling for tests and also needed to complete their ArriveCan documentation.
Norwegian Cruise Line did understand that some would be unable to meet these requirements and offered a future cruise credit for the entire amount paid. Those who continued to cruise were given a $100 onboard credit and had their Bermuda excursion automatically canceled and refunded. NCL is working to get the Bermuda Travel Authorization fee refunded as well.
Hurricane Fiona is doing damage throughout the Atlantic and is gaining strength as it heads toward Canada. She has already claimed the lives of 5 people, damaged homes and cruise ports, and shut off power and water for millions this week.
How about you? How would you react to these itinerary changes, even for your safety?