Norwegian Cruise Line Brings New Ships to New Orleans and Port Canaveral

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced they’ll be relocating two of their ships, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic, this fall. Now departing from New Orleans and Port Canaveral (Orlando), these new voyages cater to the rising demand for warm-weather destinations among travelers. Guests can indulge in seven-day round-trip voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including visits to the cruise line’s private island destinations: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Norwegian Getaway: A Tropical Journey from New Orleans

After a summer in the Mediterranean, Norwegian will reposition the Getaway to New Orleans starting October 20, 2024. This ship will replace the Norwegian Breakaway, which will relocate to Miami for the Fall and Winter. While it’s there, the Getaway will be the newest and largest ship sailing from New Orleans, almost a decade newer and 33% larger than competing cruise ships sailing from the port. 

Norwegian Getaway, the second ship in the Breakaway-class, has 40 different restaurants, bars, and lounges. It features the popular Waterfront exterior promenade offering fantastic ocean views and outdoor dining experiences, a ropes course, two drop water slides, two pools, and four hot tubs. 

Itineraries on the Getaway include stops at Harvest Caye, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Norwegian Epic relocates to Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Norwegian will also reposition the Norwegian Epic to Port Canaveral, FL, starting on October 30, 2024. There, it will join a variety of other cruise ships of all ages and sizes in offering Caribbean itineraries. This ship will explore destinations like Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. 

The Epic is a one-of-a-kind ship, being the only ship in its class. It has 19 bars and lounges, 15 complimentary and specialty restaurants, the Posh Beach Club adults-only area, a large aqua park for kids, two pools, and five hot tubs. 

High demand for Caribbean cruises

Originally, these two ships were supposed to be sailing Mediterranean cruises during this time, but because of an increased demand for warm-weather sailings in the Caribbean, Norwegian decided to reposition them. “The Caribbean continues to be a hotspot for our guests worldwide, especially during the fall and winter seasons,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are committed to providing our guests with the best vacation experience, and bringing two of our largest ships to sail picturesque, tropical cruises from New Orleans and Port Canaveral, Fla., was a no-brainer.”

Guests on canceled sailings will receive full refund plus a 10% future cruise credit

Unfortunately, these changes mean thousands of guests will be impacted by the canceled sailings. For the Getaway, Norwegian has canceled seven cruises. Guests who were booked on these sailings have been notified already. Those guests will receive a full monetary refund for the full cost of the cruise, plus a 10% discount on a future cruise through December 31, 2024. Guests scheduled for the sailings on the Epic that will be canceled have not yet been notified at the time of this publication. 

Bookings will open in February

The new sailings will open for booking in February. Guests can visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s website or contact a travel professional to secure their spot on these new sailings. 

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