Pier Damage in Cozumel Forces Norwegian Encore to Reroute to Falmouth
Even minor pier issues can force itinerary shuffles for today’s mega-ships, showing how Caribbean ports compete on infrastructure as lines reroute guests at short notice.
Norwegian Cruise Line has replaced Norwegian Encore’s scheduled call in Cozumel, Mexico, with a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica, after localized pier damage in Cozumel affected docking plans for the ship.
In a message sent to guests, the cruise line said, “Due to localized pier damage in Cozumel, Mexico, we have replaced the scheduled call with a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica.” The updated port day remains scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.
What changed on Norwegian Encore’s itinerary
Norwegian Encore is sailing a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed PortMiami on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The ship’s original itinerary included calls at Harvest Caye, Belize, and George Town, Grand Cayman, with Cozumel scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Norwegian said the decision to swap ports was tied to safety and operational feasibility because the ship requires a longer pier to dock safely. The cruise line also emphasized to guests that the change was connected to the docking infrastructure situation in Cozumel, rather than an issue affecting the ship’s operation.
Updated port times in Jamaica and Grand Cayman
Norwegian Encore is now scheduled to be in Falmouth from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. The Cozumel call it replaced had been set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., making the revised stop one hour longer.
The itinerary change also shifts the timing in George Town, Grand Cayman, the following day. With the adjusted plan, Norwegian Encore is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, two hours earlier than the original 10 a.m. timing, while keeping the 6 p.m. departure unchanged. Norwegian told guests the added time is intended to help passengers maximize the day in port, whether they have a shore excursion planned or prefer to explore independently.
The rest of the sailing remains on track, including a day at sea on Friday, Dec. 19, and a return to Miami by 7 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.
Why localized pier damage matters for a ship this size
Norwegian did not provide additional detail in the guest notification about what caused the localized pier damage in Cozumel, and available reports did not include a statement from Cozumel port authorities.
Cozumel is one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise destinations, and berth availability can become more restrictive when a pier area is partially unavailable. Norwegian Encore’s size is a key factor in docking flexibility: the ship is 1,094 feet long and 169,100 gross tons, and Norwegian Cruise Line has described it as the largest ship in its fleet.
Other ships were still able to call in Cozumel the same day, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, and multiple Carnival ships. The contrast highlights that berth length, placement, and clearance requirements can vary by vessel when port infrastructure is constrained.
Refunds for Cozumel tours and what guests are being told onboard
Norwegian is automatically canceling Cozumel shore excursions purchased through the cruise line, with full refunds credited to guests’ onboard accounts.
For passengers planning their replacement port day, Norwegian is offering shore excursion options in Falmouth. Tours can be booked onboard through the Shore Excursion Desk on Deck 6, midship.
In its onboard communication to guests, Norwegian also described Falmouth as offering “a lively Caribbean experience,” and closed with the message, “We are so grateful you have chosen to sail with us. We remain at your service and hope you have a wonderful time ashore in Falmouth.”
What Falmouth offers as a substitute port
Norwegian positioned the Falmouth call as a comparable beach-and-tour style port day, with an emphasis on Jamaican culture and history. The port sits on Jamaica’s northern coast and is a gateway to popular shore options in the region.
Excursion options highlighted in available reports include bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River, exploring Georgian-era architecture in the town center, and visiting Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios.
Whether Cozumel returns on future sailings remains unclear
Norwegian Encore is homeported in Miami and typically sails seven-night Caribbean itineraries during the winter season, with Cozumel commonly included. Norwegian has not provided guidance in the guest communication on whether additional Encore sailings will need to substitute the port, and any future changes would depend on the scope and timing of repairs and berth availability.
For now, guests on upcoming sailings are being advised to watch for official communications from Norwegian Cruise Line for itinerary updates tied to Cozumel’s docking situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Norwegian Encore skip Cozumel, Mexico?
Norwegian Encore’s Cozumel call was canceled due to localized pier damage that affected docking plans. Norwegian Cruise Line replaced the stop with a call in Falmouth, Jamaica.
When is Norwegian Encore scheduled to arrive in Falmouth?
Norwegian Encore is scheduled to dock in Falmouth, Jamaica, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., replacing the ship’s original Cozumel visit.
Will guests be refunded for Cozumel shore excursions booked through Norwegian?
Yes. Norwegian is automatically canceling Cozumel shore excursions purchased through the cruise line and issuing full refunds credited to guests’ onboard accounts.
How does the change affect the Grand Cayman stop?
The Grand Cayman call remains on the itinerary, but Norwegian told guests the ship is scheduled to arrive two hours earlier than originally planned, at 8 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, while keeping the 6 p.m. departure.
Is the itinerary change related to weather or a mechanical issue?
No. Norwegian indicated the change is tied to localized pier damage in Cozumel, not to a reported mechanical issue with Norwegian Encore or a weather disruption.
