NCL Star now has problems

Abacus · 11-24-2005, 01:24 PM

She is latest to have problems with pods and bearings:

Quote:

Norwegian Star Statement

MIAMI , November 22, 2005 – Today, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced a revised schedule for Norwegian Star’s Mexican Rivera itineraries. The change is being made because of damage to the forward thrust bearings of the ship’s ABB-manufactured azipod propulsion system. Norwegian Star’s engineers have been running comprehensive inspections on the pod and the results show that a reduction of speed is necessary to prevent further deterioration to the bearings. Although the ship can still travel at the 20 knot pace that is typical for most big cruise ships, she cannot perform the maximum 25 knots that is a feature of the new NCL ships and that is necessary to operate the published Mexican Riviera itinerary. Therefore the itineraries from Friday, November 25, 2005 through the March 1, 2006 cruise will be amended.
The azipods will be repaired during a newly scheduled dry dock in March 2006; the earliest date the company is able to secure the needed parts and dry-dock availability to conduct the repair. The ship will resume its scheduled high-speed itinerary beginning with the April 2, 2006 cruise. The company sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this change to the itinerary and would like to thank our guests for their patience and understanding

sealegs · 11-24-2005, 01:35 PM

Hi,

Well.....here we go again......
At least, they're adressing this propulsion-related problem in a seemingly more up-front and honest manner than what was done with NCL Dream's problems....

With the pattern that seems to have developped over the years with certain types of propulsion systems...makes you wonder if 2006 is not going to be a record year for '' unscheduled '' drydock for most lines...All the newbuilds from 2001-2003 range , and equipped with those '' suspect'' systems will be all '' due '' for the seemingly unavoidable '' thrust bearing failure'' scenario....Hopefully not as persistent as the Millie class.

Cheers
CG

cruisegirl · 11-26-2005, 03:18 PM

That sure seems more upfront than how they handled the Dream's problems... That, I can appreciate.... Now, when are they putting the Dream in drydock???? They seem to keep ignoring that problem and keep sailing.. And doing false advertising for their itineraries..... Amazing.......

Peebeegee · 12-08-2005, 07:36 AM

Having booked already for this cruise it might have been useful had NCL chosen to say what changes they have made! It really is about time the cruise lines started compensating their passengers for changed itineraries except changes forced on them by weather conditions which are unforeseeable.
Paul

cruisegirl · 12-08-2005, 01:37 PM

Peebeegee,
I'm going to try to post a thread from Cruise Critic.com... I don't know if you can get on it when clicked but worth a try.. People are getting "jacked" around left/right with the Star... You might want to join the thread and get as much info. as you can.... amazing how NCL is handling this...
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=264541

Dani · 12-08-2005, 07:07 PM

I went over and read the thread.

Just the type of thread that I hope never, never, never will I see on Kroooz-Forums.

It has discenigrated into a name calling food fight ! Unbelievable !

sealegs · 12-09-2005, 01:11 AM

Good evening, all.

I too read the other thread and its posts....This is probably the best exemple of how NOT to behave when trying to solve your involuntary dilemna with the cruise line.......A bit disgraceful,really...
I still say ( as I said somewhere else in this forum,or another one....) that NCL is at least more upfront about its problems with STAR, when compared with how they dealth with DREAM....

Like someone else said.....s*** happens. !!! Stuff happens !!! Integral part of life !!!

Happy sailings
Cheers
CG

Jackie · 12-09-2005, 03:44 AM

Maybe an appropriate Christmas card for the situation

NJVIC · 12-09-2005, 10:14 AM

- and have to agree with Dani - hope it nevers happens here. It boggles the mind that people think calling others names makes them appear superior and all knowing. What is happening on that sites thread is the reason I stay here, here is a much better place to spend my time - even if it is reading more than posting.

Vic.

Peebeegee · 12-09-2005, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the tip Cruisegirl; I had already found that thread and dismissed the comments as XXXX. The change in itinerary for the headline cruise to Acapulco is not to go to Acapulco

NCL are offering the grand sum of $50 on board credit by way of "recognition of any disappointment" since they don't consider the change material (read the terms and conditions - they really are a complete copout)) Well they may be offering that but I am not accepting it since I reckon it is material with a capital M.
I have written to NCL over here in the UK, and so have my travel agents, asking why I was never informed and how much they are offering me personally not Joe Public. If need be I will get our local trading standards involved since I reckon NCL's terms and conditions are unreasonable under UK law which might just light a fire under them. Will keep you informed.
Cheers Paul