tour of the norwegian sun

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Norwegian Sun

Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line

• Seattle (Washington)
• Papeete (Tahiti Island French Polynesia)
• Miami (Florida)
• Honolulu (Oahu Island Hawaii)

Norwegian Sun current position

Norwegian Sun current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 58.71271 N / -135.13641 W) cruising at speed of 11.4 kn (21 km/h | 13 mph) en route to JUNEAU, AK. The AIS position was reported 23 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun current cruise is 9 days, round-trip Alaska Glacier Bay, Skagway Juneau . The itinerary starts on 20 May, 2024 and ends on 29 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Norwegian Sun

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Norwegian Sun Itineraries

Norwegian sun review, review of norwegian sun.

The 2001-built Norwegian Sun cruise ship is the second Sky-class NCL vessel, with sisterships Norwegian Sky and Costa Victoria (1996-2021). NCL Sun is currently the company's only liner operated with all-inclusive cruise deals (ticket prices are inclusive of unlimited beverages, including alcohol).

The vessel (IMO number 9218131) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311109000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE ( NYC ). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American). In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL , Oceania and RSSC-Regent .

The 1950-passenger ship Norwegian Sun entered service in a dual christening ceremony in 2001 at the Port of Miami with Norwegian Star . The famous TV presenter Brooke Burke acted as the ship's godmother. NCL Sun was constructed at Lloyd Werft shipyard (Bremerhaven, Germany). A 12-day drydock in early 2011 saw the ship sparkling with bright colors from top to bottom, spacious accommodations (the 33 suites were refreshed) and pretty public spaces. Sun also received a Brazilian-style churrascaria, which debuted on Norwegian Epic .

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Sun staterooms (968 total, in 32 grades) include 52x Suites, 380x Balcony, 213x Oceanview and 293x Inside cabins. Most staterooms are sized 150-170 ft2 (14-16 m2). The largest accommodations are the Owners Suites (570 ft2 / 53 m2, with terrace sized 260 ft2 / 24 m2).

The boat has 12 decks , of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Norwegian Sun is NCL's first cruise ship planned definitely for Freestyle Cruising (eat at any place and time, dressed in what you like). Cruisers can have a good time with freestyle dining and a lot of options to choose from. They can try gourmet cuisine or go to Le Bistro to taste innovative dishes. Norwegian Sun offers two main dining rooms for the passengers seeking a traditional dining experience: Four Seasons and Seven Seas, both very flexible. Guests can make reservations for the same time each night, or choose different times, based on their schedule. Both MDRs are open nightly for dinner. Each day, one of the two provides open-seating breakfast and lunch. Compared to the cuisine and service in the specialty restaurants, the dining rooms experience doesn't lag. If you are looking for something different, Il Adagio, Le Bistro and Ginza are there to present various food from Italian to Sushi Bars but all are at a cost ranging from $10 per person and up.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Sun restaurants and food bars.

• Seven Seas Restaurant (forward Dining Room, complimentary, with Your Time dining)
• Le Bistro (French dinner-only specialty restaurant; reservations-only; US$20 cover charge)
• Four Seasons Restaurant (aft-location Dining Room; complimentary; Freestyle dining)
• Il Adagio (Italian specialty restaurant; cover charge US$15, reservations-only)
• Great Outdoor Cafe (complimentary lido buffet restaurant)
• Topsiders Bar & Grill (complimentary poolside bar)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (specialty dinner restaurant for prime steaks and gourmet seafood; reservations-only, US$30 cover charge per person and free Kids Menu)
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse; reservations-only; US$20 per person cover charge; with outdoor seating waterfront area)
• Teppanyaki Room (Japanese Hibachi specialty restaurant at surcharge US$25 pp; located inside Cagney’s)
• Sushi Bar (Ginza restaurant)
• East Meets West Steakhouse (specialty dinner restaurant for prime steaks and gourmet seafood)
• Los Lobos Cantina (Mexican eatery replacing Las Ramblas Restaurant & Bar during 2018 refurb)
• Garden Cafe (complimentary buffet restaurant with various cuisine stations); Kid's Cafe.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The domed 8-deck-high Atrium, with nice elevators, is the heart of the vessel. Norwegian Sun has twelve bars/lounges plus some to suit intimate moods. There is also an Internet Café on the Promenade Deck with 24 computer stations (basic fee is 75 cents per minute, after a one-time $3.95 activation charge). The NCL Sun is also the spot for enrichment classes, lectures, computer classes and children's programs. When the moon goes up, passengers may enjoy Broadway-style revues presented in the 2-deck Stardust Lounge, complete with a proscenium stage. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry. NCL Sun tipping/gratuities (US$12 pp per day). Norwegian Sun cruise ship weddings are held in an onboard chapel.

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Sun lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Stardust Theatre (1000-seat; features Broadway-style musical productions; two grand shows per night)
• Windjammer Bar; Champagne Bar; Champs Bar; Stardust Lounge; Sports Bar; Topsiders Bar; Sprinkles (ice cream bar); Java Cafe
• Bliss Ultra Lounge (replacing Dazzles Disco & Nightclub during 2018 refurb)
• Spinnaker Lounge (replacing Observation Lounge & Disco Nightclub during 2018 refurb)
• Sun Atrium (midship hub area with a big-size LED screen, dance area and live entertainment)
• Atrium Cafe & Bar (specialty tea & coffee bar)
• LifeStyles Room; TechStyles Room
• East Indies Meeting Rooms; East Indies Library & Conference Room
• Internet Cafe (24-hour); Art Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop
• Sun Club Casino
• Galleria Shops (tax and duty-free shops)
• Body Waves Spa & Fitness Centre (Spa treatment rooms, sauna, herbal steam room, thalassotherapy pool, Beauty Salon; Body Waves Fitness Centre); 2 swimming pools, 5 Whirlpools, tennis tables
• Kid’s Corner Club; Splashes (kids pool); The Zone Teen Club & Disco; Video Games Arcade
• Combined sports court; Jogging Track; Golf Nets.

Itineraries

Norwegian Sun itinerary program was originally based on Caribbean (Cuba) cruises from Florida and around South America voyages leaving from homeports Buenos Aires Argentina and Valparaiso-Santiago Chile .

• Starting May 7, 2018, the ship was repositioned to Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida) for all-inclusive 4-day Cuba cruises (Mondays departures) to Havana with Key West Florida , alternating with 3-day itineraries to Bahamas (Fridays departures) to either Freeport or Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay Island .
• All departures are from Port Canaveral's "Cruise Terminal 10", at 4 pm. Arrivals back to homeport are at 7 am.
• In the period September 9 - October 14 (2018) were scheduled all six 7-day roundtrips from Miami to Havana, Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, Costa Maya Mexico and Harvest Caye Belize . In 2018-2019, the ship offers on relocation westbound and eastbound 14-day winter itineraries between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires.
• NCL's Cuban cruise program was based on two Florida-homeported liners - Norwegian Sky (from Miami) and Norwegian Sun (from Port Canaveral). Following the US Gov's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from USA, NCL revised all its scheduled itineraries visiting Cuban seaports. All planned departures beyond September 2 (2019) were auto-canceled. Cuba-visiting itineraries prior to September 2nd were modified to exclude Havana and visit other Caribbean ports - including in Bahamas ( Great Stirrup Cay Island ,  Freeport ,  Nassau ) and Florida ( Key West ).

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the NCL ship Sun was paused for 2+ years (March 2020 thru May 2022), restarting on May 5th in Alaska (7-day roundtrips from homeport Seattle WA ). The planned inaugural season in Asia was originally based on homeporting in Tokyo Japan , but the program was canceled. The Alaskan deployment 2022 was to be followed by an Asian program (with homeporting in Singapore, Laem Chabang-Bangkok Thailand, Hong Kong China, Tokyo Japan) but this deployment was also canceled and replaced with Canary Islands (winter 2022-2023).

Norwegian Sun - user reviews and comments

Photos of norwegian sun.

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Other Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships

• Norwegian Aqua
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Viva
• Pride of America

Norwegian Sun Wiki

The NCL Sun ship was christened traditionally at PortMiami on November 17, 2001, in a dual ceremony - together with the fleetmate NCL Star . Sun ship's godmother was "Miss America 2001" Angela Baraquio (Asian-American). The liner is of the Sky-class NCL vessels, with sisterships NCL Sky  and  Costa Victoria .

2001 was the year when two brand new ships were delivered to the NCL company - Sun and Star. Both vessels were ordered and built specifically to embrace the line's revolutionary innovative "Freestyle Cruising" concept. All the three Sky-class ships together worth more than 1 billion USD - at that time a huge investment in this market.

NCL Sun refurbishment 2018 review

The list changes after the 3-week drydock 2018 refurbishment (April, done in Victoria BC ) includes:

• extensive renovation of all staterooms, public areas, restaurants, bars, lounges
• stateroom upgrades - new flat HDTVs (infotainment system), USB ports, carpets, headboards, artworks, some furniture
• Bliss Ultra Lounge (ex Dazzles disco nightclub)
• Los Lobos Cantina (Mexican restaurant, former Las Ramblas Bar Restaurant)
• Spinnaker Lounge (ex Observation Lounge)
• renovated Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, Main Dining Rooms (Four Seasons, Seven Seas), Mandara Spa, Stardust Lounge, Theater, Sun Casino, Splash Academy (kids park), pool deck
• During drydock 2016, Norwegian Sun was retrofitted with new "scrubbers" (exhaust gas cleaning systems). The new scrubber technology reduces the equivalent of approx 1500 tons of the poisonous gas Sulfur Oxide. Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise company retrofitting with a scrubber hybrid system vessels while in service. The new in-line scrubbers (5 units) are lightweight and able to operate in a dry mode, as well as in open and closed loops.

Both drydocks (2016 and 2018) were part of NCL's "Norwegian Edge" program for fleetwide upgrades (2-year project budgeted USD 400 million). Each drydock costs around USD 35-40 million.

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Norwegian Sun Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Sun

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Basketball _ Volleyball Court
• Observation Lounge
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Sun Club Casino *
• Body Waves Fitness Center
• Body Waves Spa *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• East Indies Conference Center and Library
• Fitness Classes *
• Gaming Lessons *
• Golf Driving Net
• Whirlpools (5)
• Internet Cafe *
• Jogging Track
• Late Night Dancing
• Poolside Games
• Sauna and Steam Rooms *
• Shuffleboard
• Tech Styles Room
• Wine Tasting *
• Video Zone *
• Splash Academy Youth Center
• Entourage Teen Club
• Comedy Performances
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Stardust Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Four Seasons Main Dining Room - Main
• Seven Seas Main Dining Room - Main
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Champagne Bar - Champagne Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Windjammer Bar - Nautical Bar *
• Topsiders Bar - Pool Bar *
• Champs Bar - Sports Bar *
• Sushi Bar and Restaurant - Sushi *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Atrium Cafe - Atrium Bar *
• Los Lobos Cantina - Mexican *
• Moderno Churrascaria - Brazilian *
• Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 47
• Very Good 37
• Terrible 35
• All languages ( 176 )
• English ( 171 )
• Spanish ( 2 )
• German ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Norwegian Sun Balcony Cabin 360 Tour

The Norwegian Sun is one of the oldest cruise ships in the NCL fleet yet continues to get refurbished and modernized. But how has that translated into the design of the cabins? Take a look at a virtual tour / 360 degree photos of a balcony cabin on the NCL Sun.

• Read : Everything to know about the Norwegian Sun, Our Review

Balcony Cabin Sleeping Area

The staterooms on the Sun were lightly refreshed during the last dry dock bringing a bit more contemporary design elements into the space including carpet, art, and bedding. Otherwise, they largely remain original, but are well-maintained and don’t feel 20+ years old.

Most notably, the Norwegian Sun balcony room is quite spacious. There feels like there is more space in the cabins than you find on newer, modern ships.

The Cabin Bathrooms on the NCL Sun

The bathrooms on the Sun remain original. Unfortunately, this means funky shower curtains, cramped spaces, and the old-school hairdryer that used to dominate ships 20 years ago. Though not renovated, the bathrooms are well maintained and don’t lack storage space for necessities. But if you need even MORE space, don’t forget the travel hack of getting over the door organizers for the cruise cabin! (find them here)

A view from the balcony

The balconies on the Sun are as expected, with the exception of the swinging door. Most new ships including sliding doors.

Things to know about the staterooms on the Norwegian Sun

Storage, storage, storage!

There’s a ton of storage in these little cabins!

The closets are equipped to hang a couple of weeks worth of clothes. Don’t be shy to ask for more hangers on the first day if you need them! Beyond the hanging space, there are cubbies and drawers everywhere in the closet and throughout the room.

There is plenty of room under the beds to store empty suitcases, so don’t waste floor space storing your cases.

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The power outlets in the cabins are limited.

The ability to charge devices is extremely limited because of the lack of power outlets. There are only TWO European outlets and a single US outlet in the main cabin. We highly advise that you bring a power extender or a European to American converter on cruises departing from the USA & Canada.

Thankfully during the refurbishment of the ship, a single USB port was added to each side of the bed (within the lamp), but we found those to be inconsistent with the power provided. They are sufficient to power a USB fan, but may not charge a phone very fast.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Slate of New Cruises in Asia-Pacific Region

Norwegian Cruise Line is unveiling more than 30 new cruises in Asia, Australia and New Zealand between September 2024 and March 2026.

The cruise line will offer 85 total voyages aboard three new-to-the-region ships: Norwegian Spirit , Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky. The itineraries range from nine to 19 days along and will offer an average of 10 hours in port. Norwegian will also offer overnight stays in 11 destinations.

“Having lived in Asia with my family, I can attest to it being one of those unforgettable places,” says David J. Herrera , president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “With the increased interest in more immersive and exotic itineraries, we are excited to expand our season and offer additional ships to cater to travelers looking to uncover the most sought-out cities in the region, but also those less discovered.”

Norwegian’s voyages will depart from 15 ports, including Auckland, New Zealand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang); Manila, Philippines; Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Vancouver, Canada; and Sydney, Melbourne. And, for the first time ever, the cruise line will sail from Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji.  

This is also the first time Norwegian will offer summer cruises in Asia. With the new itineraries, the cruise line is hoping to capitalize on growing interest in the Asia-Pacific region among U.S.-based travelers.

“Countries in Asia Pacific provide unmatched diversity, from so many captivating cultures across Asia to island-hopping in the South Pacific and the rugged natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand,” says Herrera. “Now, with more voyages, choice of ships and departure ports to choose from, guests can curate their vacation to this region their way.”

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Norwegian Cruise Line unveils details of 24 port-intensive cruises across Asia

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled details of over 24 new port-intensive cruises across Asia, for a total of 85 Asia Pacific voyages from September 2024 through March 2026 on new-to-the-region ships, the Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky.

NCL will operate an extended season of voyages from 15 departure ports, including Auckland, New Zealand; Bali, (Benoa) Indonesia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Manila, Philippines; Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea;  Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Vancouver, Canada; Sydney, Melbourne and for the first time, Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji.

The new 9 to 19-day voyages offer guests an average of 10 hours in port to over 60 locations, including NCL-first calls to Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Port Douglas and Townsville, Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata, Japan; Aitutaki in the Cook Islands; and Suva, Fiji.

Spanning 18 months, the season will also feature 36 overnight port stays in Asia Pacific to 11 unique places, including Osaka, Japan, where guests can explore over 1,600 temples and fascinating heritage; Himeji, Japan, home to Himeji Castle, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site; and Tokushima, Japan, where guests can savour a wide variety of culinary specialties, as well learn about the town's deep history and culture, and even visit the Tatsue-ji Temple.

Other overnight calls include Hong Kong, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand, as well as Bali and Lombok in Indonesia.

“In response to the strong demand for Asia as a destination, we are thrilled to launch 24 new immersive itineraries, as part of our most extensive Asia offering to date,” said Ben Angell, Vice President, and Managing Director, Norwegian Cruise Line APAC. “Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the region as both a destination and source market, NCL is now offering 85 Asia Pacific voyages from September 2024 through March 2026 across three ships and 15 departure ports, including Bali, Papeete, Tokyo and  Singapore.”

Norwegian Spirit will debut in Asia on May 26 for a 10-day Japan cruise departing from Tokyo. Then, in the spring, she will return for a season of 9 to 15-day voyages to Japan and Southeast Asia, from September 22 through November 17, 2025, exploring both well known and off the beaten path cities such as Himeji, Osaka, Tokyo and Tokushima, Japan; Hong Kong, Incheon, South Korea; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; and Bangkok (Laem Chabang) in Thailand.

From December 2025 to March 2026, Norwegian Spirit will return to offer a series of 11 to 14-day journeys to and between Australia and New Zealand.

In December, Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut, arriving in Brisbane and Melbourne on December 18 and 21, 2024, respectively, following a leisurely 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing, which departs Papeete on December 3 and visits eight ports.

She will then sail a section of 12 to 15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand, including a new collection of NCL-first itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific between Cairns and Lautoka, Australia, which is also NCL’s first turnaround in both ports.

Norwegian Sun will also sail six island-hopping French Polynesia cruises between Fiji and Tahiti and two Asia cruises through May 21, 2025.

From November 2025 to March 2026, Norwegian Sun will sail a selection of 11 to 15-day itineraries exploring Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and other highly sought-out destinations in Southeast Asia.

In addition, Norwegian Sky will debut in Asia in January 2025, offering select Japan and Southeast Asia cruises ranging from 10 to 17 days through March 2025.

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Norwegian Introduces New Itineraries Across Asia

• May 24, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing over 30 new itineraries sailing across Asia Pacific,  Australia and New Zealand, totaling 85 voyages from September 2024 through March 2026 on the Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky.

There are sailings from 15 departure ports, including Auckland, New Zealand; Bali (Benoa) Indonesia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang); Manila, Philippines; Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Vancouver, Canada; Sydney, Melbourne and for the first time, Cairns, Australia, and Lautoka, Fiji.  

This will also mark the cruise line’s first summer season in Asia.

“Our company is committed to delivering more opportunities for our guests to explore the world with remarkable vacation experiences…and having lived in Asia with my family, I can attest to it being one of those unforgettable places,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“With the increased interest in more immersive and exotic itineraries, we are excited to expand our season and offer additional ships to cater to travelers looking to uncover the most sought-out cities in the region, but also those less discovered.  Countries in Asia Pacific provide unmatched diversity, from so many captivating cultures across Asia to island-hopping in the South Pacific and the rugged natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand. Now, with more voyages, choice of ships and departure ports to choose from, guests can curate their vacation to this region their way.”

The new nine-to-19-day cruises offer 10 hours in port to over 60 destinations, including the line’s inaugural calls to Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Port Douglas and Townsville, Australia; Matsuyama and Niigata, Japan; Aitutaki in Cook Islands; and Suva, Fiji. 

Spanning 18 months, the season will also feature 36 overnight port stays in Asia Pacific including Osaka, Japan; Himeji, Japan; Hong Kong; and Melbourne, Australia among others.

The Norwegian Spirit will debut in Asia on May 26, 2024, for a 10-day sailing departing from Tokyo. The ship will return in the fall for a season of nine-to-15-day cruises to Japan and Southeast Asia, from Sept. 22, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2025. From December 2025 to March 2026, the Spirit will return to offer a series of 11-to14-day journeys to Australia and New Zealand.

In December, the Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut, arriving in Brisbane and Melbourne on Dec. 18 and 21, 2024, after an 18-day French Polynesia and South Pacific sailing. The Sun will operate 12-to-15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand, including a new collection of itineraries to the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific. The ship will also sail six French Polynesia cruises between Fiji and Tahiti and two Asia cruises through May 21, 2025. From November 2025 to March 2026, the Norwegian Sun will operate 11-to-15-day itineraries exploring Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and other destinations in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the Norwegian Sky will make its debut in Asia in January 2025, operating cruises to Japan and Southeast Asia ranging from 10-to-17 days through March 2025. 

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Travel | Baltimore cruise industry hopes Key Bridge…

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Travel | baltimore cruise industry hopes key bridge channel reopens in time for busy june.

In 2023, Maryland Port Administration spokesperson Richard Scher said, 444,000 passengers boarded cruises in the terminal, the highest total since 2012.

Eight cruise ships are scheduled to depart in June.

“We are expecting our channel to be reopened by the end of May,” Scher said.

The Dali, a cargo ship with thousands of containers aboard, has sat in the Patapsco River since it struck one of the Key Bridge’s support piers March 26, collapsing the span into the water and killing six construction workers. Crews plan to use explosives Monday to remove bridge and roadway wreckage that has been lodged on top of the ship. Removing the ship is a major step toward reopening the 50-foot-deep shipping channel, which authorities have said will be usable by the end of May.

The cruise terminal primarily services ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, and the Norwegian Cruise Line also occasionally uses the terminal. Typically cruises are round trips, although there are some one-way transatlantic offerings. Neither Carnival nor Royal Caribbean responded to a request for comment.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships left Baltimore on a 13-night trip March 15 and a 12-night trip March 23, and both ships returned to Norfolk, Virginia, where buses took passengers back to their cars in Baltimore, according to the Cruise Maryland Terminal 2024 schedule. Royal Caribbean also had cruises originally scheduled to leave from Baltimore on April 4 and 12 rerouted to Norfolk and has two more trips originally scheduled to leave Baltimore on May 25 and 30.

In a statement May 15, the cruise line said the May 25 cruise will leave Baltimore “as planned’.”

“Royal Caribbean International looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again. Vision of the Seas will set sail on a 5-night itinerary as planned on Saturday, May 25,” Royal Caribbean said.

A Carnival cruise ship left Baltimore on March 24 for a seven-night trip and returned to Norfolk, according to the Cruise Maryland Terminal 2024 schedule. Carnival also had cruise ships scheduled March 31; April 7, 21 and 28; and May 5 and 12 that left from Norfolk instead.

Scher said there are no confirmed updates yet about the schedule for Royal Caribbean ships originally scheduled to leave Baltimore on May 25 and 30 and a Carnival ship originally scheduled to leave May 26.

“The incident began on March 26 and each cruise scheduled since then to leave from Baltimore has instead left from Norfolk,” Scher said

Norwegian Cruise Line did not have any ships scheduled to depart Baltimore until September.

Cruise terminals require customs and border protections and security, as well as luggage and cleaning services. Scher said the Maryland Departments of Commerce and Labor have instituted financial assistance and worker retention programs for port workers

Stephen Kirkland, executive director of the Norfolk cruise terminal, which boarded around 125,000 passengers in 2023, said the city primarily works with Carnival but originally did not have any cruises scheduled for this spring and summer because of construction on the terminal.

“Demolition on that project wasn’t due to start until June, when we got the calls from Royal Caribbean and Carnival that they needed to reroute, we had an available terminal because of construction,” Kirkland said.

Kirkland said Norfolk still plans to start construction in June.

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