As the world begins to recover from covid the cruise industry has ran into a new problem, the Norwegian Escape which accommodates 4,000 passengers has run aground in the Dominican Republic.
On Monday, the 164,000-ton ship hit the seabed as it pulled off the shores of Puerto Plata, causing severe damage to the ship’s hull.
Since the accident the cruise has been canceled and passengers had to stay in Puerto Plata for two days. All of the travelers will receive full refunds and a credit for the same amount to apply towards a future cruise with Norwegian Escape.
Not only has the remainder of the cruise been canceled but also the following cruise that was set to depart on March 19th.
The cruise ship had left from Orlando March 12th as Puerto Plata was it’s first stop on the seven-day excursion.
The grounding occurred due to the strong wind as passengers live-tweeted as it occurred. Passengers on the cruise were stranded in the water overnight, and then returned to port Tuesday morning – and waited two days for the ship to be inspected.
NCL said in a statement:
“During the afternoon of March 14, 2022, Norwegian Escape made contact with the channel bed as it was departing Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. In the early morning on March 15, the ship was refloated and returned to the dock at Puerto Plata, where she is currently located.
“While there is minor damage to the ship’s hull, all guests and crew are safe. The current cruise will be shortened, and the cruise scheduled to embark on March 19 will be canceled so that the necessary repairs can be made.”