Cruise & Cruise Line

Norwegian Star Forced to Alter Itineraries Due to Propulsion Problems

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Wed December 14, 2016

For the second time in just over a year, propulsion problems have forced Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star to alter its itineraries, Cruise Critic reported.

The ship was scheduled to depart Singapore for Hong Kong this past weekend, but was forced to remain at port until Tuesday so crews could repair its azipods.

"On the evening of December 10, while departing the port of Singapore, Norwegian Star experienced a technical issue with one of the ship's azipods," the cruise line said in a statement. "The ship has returned to port so that the azipod can be inspected further by a team from the manufacturer."

The delay has forced the Norwegian Star to adjust its current itinerary as well as its upcoming cruise. As a result, the cruise line has offered passengers currently onboard full compensation as well as 50 percent off their next cruise, according to Cruise Critic.

Instead of calling in the Thai ports of Ko Samui and Laem Chabang, the Norwegian Star will spend three days at sea. Phu My, Vietnam has also been substituted for Danang, Vietnam.

The ship is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong on Dec. 22, but an adjusted itinerary for the return trip has led Norwegian to offer passengers who choose not to sail a full refund in addition to 25 percent future cruise credit. Passengers who do sail will be offered a 50 percent refund and 50 percent future cruise credit.

The adjusted itinerary will see the ship skip a stop in Taiwan as well as calls in Phu My and Laem Chabang.

Similar propulsion problems forced the Norwegian Star to alter a transatlantic itinerary in October 2015.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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