The Norwegian Epic departed Rotterdam this morning and is currently on her way to Southampton, England where she was scheduled to arrive at 1000 but that has been rescheduled to 1730(5:30 pm) local time.
NCL is reporting that the ship developed a problem with the propeller shaft. This is the part that connects the brass propellers to the ship.
This could be nothing major if its a problem with a seal or gasket or something of that nature. Its an easy fix. If it is something wrong with the shaft, a defect in the metal, vibration, bent, etc. then this is a serious problem that requires drydocking. Now since the ship is continuing to sail to England, and NCL is acting as it is no big deal, I’m inclined to believe them. If a drydock were required, then they would have had that all figured out by now and canceled the upcoming voyages.
So far, only the arrival time is impacted. No word on future preview cruises or the maiden trans-Atlantic.
UPDATE:
Here is NCL’s official statement. Sounds like a drydocking fortunately will not be required:
June 21, 2010 – 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 5:30 p.m. instead of 10 a.m.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 EU 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 8:30 p.m.