MIAMI -- The Norwegian Star still has three weeks of sailings left
in Hawaii, but it won't be calling at Fanning Island in the
Republic of Kiribati.
Damage to the forward thrust-bearing unit in the Star's azipod
propulsion system prompted Norwegian Cruise Line to remove Fanning
Island from the ship's itinerary.
The Star can sail at 18 knots, NCL said, but it cannot reach the
25-knot speed necessary to sail to the island.
The ship's April 4, 11, 18 and 25 itineraries were revised to be
all-Hawaii voyages.
It was not clear what effect U.S. Passenger Services Act
regulations, which levy a $300-per-passenger fine on
foreign-flagged ships (such as the Star) that do not include a
foreign port in a U.S.-based itinerary, would have on the revised
cruises.
NCL CEO Colin Veitch said the line has faced similar situations
in the past with other mechanical or medical problems.
"Fanning is missed and the itinerary becomes an interisland
itinerary," Veitch said. "It depends on various factors and
circumstances, and we cannot say for sure at the moment what we
will have to pay."
The line also canceled its May 2 repositioning cruise from
Honolulu to Vancouver in order to send the Star to an early drydock
for repairs. The ship will sail in Alaska this summer and in Mexico
this winter.
Passengers booked on the canceled repositioning cruise will
receive a refund, a future cruise credit good for 25% of their paid
fare and applicable air-change fees.
NCL has set up a special desk at (877) 501-6021 to handle
questions about the changes.
To contact reporter Rebecca Tobin, send e-mail to [email protected].