The first departure of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Epic, has been delayed due to a technical problem.
The ship had been due to leave Rotterdam earlier today but guests are still waiting to board. The estimated time of arrival in Southampton tomorrow has been pushed back to around 5.30pm.
The ship had originally been due to arrive at 10am and start embarking 2,500 travel agents and trade partners at 12.30pm for a two-night inaugural cruise ahead of the Ace UK Cruise Convention.
Guests in Rotterdam have been told there was a technical problem and paying passengers now not able to make the cruise will be offered refunds.
NCL is preparing to send communications to the agents due to travel to Southampton tomorrow about the delay.
In a statement the line said: “Norwegian Epic’s arrival into Southampton on June 22 has been delayed because of a technical issue which in no way affects the safe operation of the vessel.
“The ship is now scheduled to arrive into Southampton at 5.30pm instead of 10am Guests on the ship’s one-night preview cruise from Rotterdam to Southampton are being given the option to not sail and receive a full refund of the cruise fare paid and a future cruise credit for the value of the cruise fare paid.
“For those guests who choose to sail but have to re-arrange travel arrangements, Norwegian Cruise Line is assisting and will cover any direct verifiable change or cancellation fees up to €100 per person incurred as a result of this change.
“Guests on Norwegian Epic’s two-night inaugural cruise on June 22 from Southampton will embark at approximately 8.30pm.”
Epic is NCL’s largest ever ship and was built in France in the same shipyard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 was constructed in.
It is due to be back in Southampton for the UK Cruise Convention on Thursday and host a delegate lunch as well as ship tours for agents.