Norwegian Viva drops Bonaire, extends other ports

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently made changes to the itinerary of its new cruise ship, Norwegian Viva, affecting certain sailings scheduled for February 2025. The port of Kralendijk in Bonaire has been removed from several itineraries, prompting adjustments to the durations at other ports of call.

This alteration affects the 7-night itineraries departing on February 16 and February 23. Despite the cut in port stops, guests will have more time in other destinations during their cruise.

Itinerary Adjustments and Highlights

The Norwegian Viva will maintain its departure from San Juan, Puerto Rico, as initially planned, at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Ports of call will see updated timing, with a significant increase in time allotted for several stops.

Key Port Changes

• Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic: Originally scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the visit will now extend from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing passengers an extra hour in the Dominican Republic.

• Oranjestad, Aruba: Guests will benefit from an increase in port time, going from 8 hours (originally 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.) to a total of 10 hours (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.).

• Willemstad, Curacao: The timing has been extended from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to now arrive at 7 a.m. and depart at a later 5 p.m., adding an hour to this visit.

• Kralendijk, Bonaire: Originally scheduled for a stop on Thursday, February 20, the ship will instead spend this day at sea, meaning a loss of 7 hours originally planned for this port.

• Castries, St. Lucia: Passengers will now be in port from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is a significant enhancement over the prior schedule of 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Basseterre, St. Kitts: Similar to Castries, the time there will expand from the previous 8.5 hours (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) to now 10 hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Impact on Shore Tours

With the removal of Bonaire from the itinerary, all pre-purchased shore tours for that destination will be canceled and refunds provided to the guests’ original form of payment. Norwegian Cruise Line will also make necessary adjustments to the tour times for the other ports in light of these changes.

The Reason Behind the Changes

Norwegian Cruise Line has cited an optimization strategy for the changes, focusing on enhancing shore excursion availability, environmental sustainability, and compliance with global maritime regulations. However, specific details regarding the removal of Bonaire remain unclear.

Interestingly, Norwegian Viva was the sole vessel scheduled to dock in Bonaire on the day it was removed from the itinerary. This decision could be an effort to alleviate potential crowding at other ports, as extending time at those locations offers better accessibility for shore tours and local exploration.

Guest Reactions

The Norwegian Viva offers numerous identical itineraries while based in San Juan from mid-December 2024 through early April 2025. It remains to be seen whether future sailings will also experience itinerary changes.

About the Norwegian Viva

The Norwegian Viva is a 142,500-gross-ton cruise ship boasting a capacity of 3,215 guests per sailing. The ship is currently stationed in the Mediterranean during the summer and autumn months, set to transition to routes from San Juan in December.

As a member of Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima class, Norwegian Viva features modern designs, luxurious amenities, and a variety of dining options. Guests onboard can enjoy live entertainment, extensive leisure activities, and memorable destinations while sailing the high seas.

Conclusion

While changes to the Norwegian Viva's itinerary may inconvenience some travelers, they also provide an opportunity for longer stays at popular Caribbean destinations. Those impacted should stay updated with Norwegian Cruise Line for any further changes and continue to enjoy the benefits of enriched port time at alternate locations.

FAQs

1. What ports have been removed from the Norwegian Viva's itinerary?

The port of Kralendijk in Bonaire has been removed from the itineraries of Norwegian Viva’s sailings on February 16 and February 23, 2025.

2. Will there be compensation for the changes?

There are no alternative ports added, but extended hours at other ports provide guests additional time to explore. Furthermore, all pre-purchased shore tours for Bonaire will be canceled with full refunds issued.

3. Why was Bonaire removed from the itinerary?

Specific reasons for the removal of Bonaire from the itinerary have not been disclosed. However, Norwegian Cruise Line indicated the adjustments were made to optimize itineraries for enhanced port and shore excursion availability as well as sustainability efforts.

4. What changes will be made to the timing of other ports?

While Bonaire is removed, the ship will have extended hours in Punta Cana, Aruba, Curacao, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts, allowing guests more time in these locations.

5. How does this affect future sailings of the Norwegian Viva?

Given the similar itineraries operated by Norwegian Viva through December 2024 to early April 2025, it is possible that other sailings may also experience changes, so guests should stay vigilant and in communication with Norwegian Cruise Line.