Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that it has made significant changes to its Norwegian Dawn sailings in southern Africa in November.
The 12-night cruises, originally scheduled to include stops in Madagascar and Reunion, have been adjusted, with alterations affecting every port of call on at least two sailings.
The ship’s November 26 departure from Cape Town will include the following changes:
- It will stay 30 minutes longer in Mossel Bay
- It will arrive in Port Louis an hour later than scheduled
- The visit to Pointe des Galets on Reunion will now be a day at sea.
- It will also not stay overnight in Richard’s Bay, rather it will be a day visit from 07h00 till 23h00.
- Visits to Nosy Be, Madagascar, will move from Tuesday to Wednesday, December 4 from 07h00 to 18h00, impacting independent shore tours.
Furthermore, Norwegian Dawn’s January 17, 2025, departure will not make calls in Maputo and Tolagnaro, Madagascar. Instead, the voyage will make stops in Nosy Be and Antsiranana, Madagascar.
NCL cited fuel efficiency as a key factor for the changes, a practice the company has used in previous adjustments to optimise sailings. Similar modifications have been made on the Norwegian Spirit’s November 2024 Japan cruise and Norwegian Prima’s transatlantic journey in April 2025.
The cruise line has offered minimal compensation to affected travellers such as a $50 (R879) onboard credit for the January 17, 2025 departure. However, under the company’s Guest Ticket Contract, NCL retains the right to alter itineraries at any time, including changing port visits or timings, without offering additional compensation.
