Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that Norwegian Gem will be able to dock at Pier 88 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at 7 a.m. Nov. 2. Embarkation for guests booked on Norwegian Gem’s Oct. 29 cruise will begin at noon. The ship is expected to depart New York at approximately 4 p.m. and will sail a five-day cruise to Bermuda, returning on Nov. 7. 

In a message to those passengers, Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan apologized and also offered a full credit to those who don’t want to take the shortened five-day cruise. Passengers who take the cruise will be credited for the four cruise days missed and also will get a 25 percent future cruise credit based on cruise fare paid, valid for one year. Those who choose to cancel will get a future cruise credit for the remaining five days, so that they can re-book on another date. This would be in addition to the pro-rated refund for the four missed cruise days. Those who want to cancel should call 800-327-7030.

Also, Princess Cruises said the Caribbean Princess also was sailing toward New York City with plans to arrive at 7 a.m. Nov. 2. “Although the port remains closed at this time, we are optimistic that the channel leading to our terminal will be open allowing us to disembark passengers on Friday at Pier 88 in Manhattan,” Princess wrote in a weather alert. “This is of course a very fluid situation and we will advise passengers onboard of any further updates from the Coast Guard that may alter our plans.”

Princess plans to begin boarding the next cruise at 1 p.m. Nov. 2, with all passengers onboard by 4:30 p.m. and departure at 5 p.m. Passengers will receive a two-day per diem as an onboard credit.

Meanwhile, Norwegian CEO Sheehan also said the company would make a donation to the American Red Cross relief efforts. “As you may know, New York is my home town. I was born and raised in New York and I consider myself a New Yorker through and through. I can tell you that I truly feel your pain and frustration and sympathize with everyone who is living with the realities of the storm’s devastation,” he wrote. “My family and I have been affected as well, as my house in New York is flooded and we are still trying to process it all. The situation that has unfolded in the wake of this natural disaster has been unprecedented and extremely unpredictable. I would like to extend my personal apology to all of our guests who have been patiently waiting for the latest news and information from us regarding the status of their cruise on Norwegian Gem. Like you, we have been disappointed and frustrated with the uncertainty regarding the re-opening of the port.”