The Norwegian Bliss cruise cancellation for Alaska in April 2025 has left many travelers seeking clarity. This unexpected change affects the much-anticipated 10-night voyage originally scheduled to depart from Seattle on April 2, 2025. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the cancellation, the compensation offered, and alternative options for affected passengers.Maritime Bell+2Cruise Hive+2Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+2
Table of Contents
Why Was the Norwegian Bliss Alaska Cruise Cancelled?
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the cancellation of the April 2, 2025, Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Bliss due to a fleet redeployment. This decision means the ship will operate a different itinerary during that time frame. The affected voyage was a 10-night roundtrip from Seattle, featuring stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Cruise Hive+2Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+2Maritime Bell+2Reddit+3Maritime Bell+3Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+3
What Compensation Is Offered to Affected Passengers?
NCL has reached out to all booked guests, offering the following:
- Full Refund: Passengers will automatically receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid.Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+1Maritime Bell+1
- Future Cruise Credit (FCC): Guests who used a previously issued FCC will have the credits re-applied to their Latitudes accounts.Reddit+3Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+3Maritime Bell+3
- Additional 10% FCC: As a gesture of goodwill, NCL is providing an extra 10% FCC, which can be used toward any published sailing through December 31, 2025. CruiseMapper+3Cruise Hive+3Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+3
Refunds will be processed to the original form of payment, but the timing may vary depending on guests’ financial institutions. CruiseMapper+1Cruise Hive+1
Are Other Norwegian Bliss Alaska Cruises Affected?
No, the cancellation only affects the April 2, 2025, sailing. The Norwegian Bliss will continue its Alaska season as planned, offering seven-night cruises between April 12 and October 11, 2025. Other ships in the NCL fleet, such as the Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Jade, will also operate various Alaska itineraries during the summer season. Cruise Hive+2Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+2Maritime Bell+2Maritime Bell+1Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+1
What Are the Alternatives for Affected Passengers?
If you were booked on the cancelled cruise, consider these alternative options:Maritime Bell
- Norwegian Bliss: Seven-night Alaska cruises starting April 12, 2025.
- Norwegian Joy: A nine-night sailing departing Seattle on April 23, 2025, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Victoria, with Glacier Bay cruising. Reddit+4Cruise Hive+4Maritime Bell+4
- Other NCL Ships: Explore itineraries on the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Jade, which offer various Alaska cruises during the 2025 season.Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+2Maritime Bell+2CruiseMapper+2
These alternatives provide similar experiences and allow you to utilize your FCC and additional 10% discount.Maritime Bell+1Cruise Hive+1
Understanding NCL’s Cancellation Policy
It’s essential to be aware of NCL’s cancellation policies, which vary depending on the time of cancellation and the type of accommodation booked. For cruises booked on or after February 15, 2024, the cancellation fees are as follows:Norwegian Cruise Line+2Norwegian Cruise Line+2expedia+2
Club Balcony Suites and Below:
- 119-91 days prior to departure: 25% cancellation fee.
- 90-61 days: 50% cancellation fee.
- 60-31 days: 75% cancellation fee.
- 30 days or less: 100% cancellation fee.
The Haven Suites, Suites, and Garden Villas:
- 119-106 days: 25% cancellation fee.
- 105-91 days: 50% cancellation fee.
- 90-61 days: 75% cancellation fee.
- 60 days or less: 100% cancellation fee.
Understanding these policies can help you make informed decisions about future bookings.Reddit+13Norwegian Cruise Line+13expedia+13
FAQs About Norwegian Bliss Cruise Cancellation Alaska
Q1: Why was the April 2, 2025, Norwegian Bliss Alaska cruise cancelled?
A1: The cruise was cancelled due to a fleet redeployment, meaning the ship will operate a different itinerary during that time. CruiseMapper+3Maritime Bell+3Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+3
Q2: Will I receive a refund for the cancelled cruise?
A2: Yes, all affected passengers will automatically receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid.Cruise Hive+3Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+3CruiseMapper+3
Q3: What is the additional 10% FCC, and how can I use it?
A3: As compensation, NCL is offering a 10% Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to any published sailing through December 31, 2025.CruiseMapper+3Cruise Industry News | Cruise News+3Maritime Bell+3
Q4: Are other Norwegian Bliss Alaska cruises affected?
A4: No, only the April 2, 2025, sailing is cancelled. Other scheduled cruises for the Norwegian Bliss remain unaffected. Cruise Industry News | Cruise News
Q5: What alternatives do I have for rebooking?
A5: You can consider other Alaska cruises offered by NCL, such as the seven-night Norwegian Bliss cruises starting April 12, 2025, or the nine-night Norwegian Joy sailing on April 23, 2025. Cruise Hive
Conclusion
The cancellation of the April 2, 2025, Norwegian Bliss Alaska cruise is undoubtedly disappointing for many travelers. However, Norwegian Cruise Line has taken steps to compensate affected passengers through full refunds and additional Future Cruise Credits. By exploring alternative sailings and understanding NCL’s policies, you can plan your next adventure with confidence.Cruise Hive
For more information and updates, visit the official Norwegian Cruise Line website: NCL Cancellation Policy