Norwegian Cruise Line drops Aruba from 2027 Caribbean itinerary due to port availability

ORANJESTAD — Norwegian Cruise Line has removed Aruba from one of its Caribbean itineraries in early 2027 after losing access to the port of Oranjestad, citing updated port availability.

The change affects the Norwegian Prima, which is scheduled to depart San Juan, Puerto Rico, on a seven-night Caribbean cruise on January 31, 2027.

Under the original itinerary, the 3,195-passenger vessel was expected to call at Oranjestad on February 3. Instead, that stop has been canceled and replaced with a visit to Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

In a notice sent to passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line said the adjustment was necessary after changes in port availability.

"As part of our commitment to delivering a seamless and enriching experience, we've made an itinerary adjustment due to newly updated port availability," the company said.

The cruise line noted that, although it works closely with port authorities well in advance, operational circumstances can change and previously confirmed berthing space may no longer be available.

Norwegian did not elaborate on what caused Aruba to become unavailable. Such changes can result from berth congestion, scheduling conflicts, maintenance work or infrastructure projects.

Aruba's cruise port is currently undergoing a large-scale modernization and waterfront redevelopment project that is expected to continue over several years. While authorities have maintained normal cruise operations throughout construction, certain phases of the project may affect berth availability.

SEA DAY BEFORE ST. MAARTEN

Under the revised itinerary, February 3 will become a day at sea. The following day, originally scheduled as a sea day, the Norwegian Prima will instead dock in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The remainder of the voyage remains unchanged, with scheduled visits to:

Willemstad, Curaçao

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Norwegian Prima is not expected to return to Aruba until March 11, 2027, according to the vessel's current schedule.

No compensation announced

Norwegian Cruise Line has not announced compensation for passengers affected by the itinerary change. Under the company's passenger contract, cruise itineraries may be modified for operational reasons without financial compensation.

Passengers who pre-booked shore excursions in Aruba will automatically receive refunds for those excursions.

Guests who no longer wish to take the cruise may still cancel without penalty, provided they do so within Norwegian Cruise Line's published cancellation policy. At present, travelers still have more than seven months before departure, allowing ample time to change their plans