Guests booked on the Norwegian Star for an 18-night Antarctica sailing departing on February 18, 2024, have been notified of significant adjustments to the cruise itinerary. While all ports of call remain on the schedule, the timing within each port and the duration of scenic cruising in Antarctica have been modified.
Itinerary Changes Explained
The Norwegian Star, embarking on a journey that includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, will see altered times in every port of call. The adjustments result in an overall gain of 75 minutes of port time, despite some reductions in specific locations. Notably, the visit to the Falkland Islands has been moved a day earlier, now scheduled for February 28, coinciding with Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Marina's presence in port.
Antarctica Cruising Adjustments
The cruise's scenic cruising component in Antarctica has also been revised. Paradise Bay, originally on the itinerary, has been replaced with Admiralty Bay. Additionally, the ship will spend time near Elephant Island and Cape Lookout on the same day, February 26. This consolidation of scenic cruising into one day will result in an additional day at sea as the ship returns to Buenos Aires, allowing for a slower, more fuel-efficient cruising speed.
Reasons for the Changes
Norwegian Cruise Line has not provided a detailed explanation for these adjustments beyond stating they aim to "enhance the guest experience." The changes will offer passengers more opportunities to explore the destinations, despite the reduction in Antarctic cruising time. It's common for cruise ships navigating the turbulent waters around South America and Antarctica to modify itineraries for safety and comfort due to expected storm systems or suboptimal conditions.
About Norwegian Star
The Norwegian Star, a 91,740-gross-ton Dawn-class vessel, can accommodate 2,348 guests and is staffed by over 1,000 international crew members. The ship offers similar itineraries through the end of March before repositioning to Europe for the summer sailing season.
For those affected by the itinerary changes, Norwegian Cruise Line is automatically adjusting shore excursions booked through the cruise line to the new times or days as needed. Guests with independent tour arrangements are advised to contact their tour operators to make necessary adjustments.
