Norwegian cruise ship stuck in Barcelona might not make it to Rome

Cruise line says it is an ‘evolving situation’

More than 2,300 passengers who should be in Monaco today are instead beginning another day in Barcelona – with no certainty about whether they will reach their destinations in Italy.

The passengers joined Norwegian Pearl in Amsterdam on 22 June for a 13-night cruise that is due to end in Civitavecchia – the port for Rome – on Friday 5 July.

But engine problems caused the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship to miss a planned stop in Palma, Mallorca. Today’s call in Monaco was also cancelled.

The 13-year-old ship was due to sail on Wednesday morning direct to the next port, Livorno, for excursions to Florence and Pisa. But a planned 6am departure has been missed, with reports that she will stay in Barcelona until at least 8pm – meaning the Livorno call will certainly be cancelled.

NCL is unsure whether Norwegian Pearl will be able to sail to Civitavecchia at all, saying it is an “evolving situation”.

Passengers have been offered the option of leaving the ship in Barcelona. They have been told they will receive a refund of half the cost of the cruise together with a credit to the same value, valid for two years.

But NCL is offering only $300 (£235) per person in flight expenses – which may not cover the extra costs, particular for travellers who need to rearrange flights home to the US.

Passengers have also been given an hour’s free use of the on-board internet.

NCL has not updated its statement from Tuesday which maintains that Norwegian Pearl “will sail to Livorno, Italy, on July 3, 2019” and that: “She will conclude her voyage in Rome, Italy.”

The statement concluded: “Our team is working diligently to assist all of our guests, and we thank them for their continued support and loyalty.”

Meanwhile almost 2,400 passengers booked on the ship’s next cruise, due to depart on Friday evening for destinations in the Adriatic and Greek islands, are learning that their 13-night cruise has been cancelled while the ship undergoes repairs.

NCL said: “We recognise the disappointment and inconvenience our guests have experienced as a result of this unforeseen situation and we offer our sincere apologies.”

Passengers have been offered full refunds of the cost of the cruise and any pre-booked excursions, as the cruise line is required to do, as well as a cruise credit to the value of the cancelled voyage.

But some passengers are furious that they have flights booked to and from Rome and now find there is a two-week gap they need to fill.

Ricardo Barajas tweeted: “Now we are stuck in Rome for 13 days with no hotel. My bf and I planned this trip 9 months ago, and this is how you treat your loyal customers?”

Stephen Lloyd added: “Last minute cruise cancellation. What about our flight costs? Two tickets to Rome – $2,500. Hotels. $750. So far, zero recompensation.”

The Independent is seeking more information from the cruise line.