Following an Azipod malfunction, the ship had lost propulsion power approximately 20 miles off the coast early Friday morning. Norwegian Cruise Line said on-board services are fully functional, and weather conditions are favorable.
'All guest services and amenities are fully operational and everyone is safe,' a Norwegian spokeswoman told Seatrade Cruise News.
Authorities have been notified and arrangements have been made to tow the ship to shore for repairs. Norwegian Star is expected to arrive in port during the overnight hours, Saturday to Sunday, local time.
Additional details on the remainder of the cruise that departed Feb. 6 from Sydney will be available once the ship arrives alongside and a technical team has assessed the repair timeline.
Passengers can stay on board while the ship is docked and have additional time exploring Melbourne, then continue on to Auckland on the revised itinerary once the repairs are complete.
NCL expects the cruise that commences in Auckland on Feb. 18 to operate as originally scheduled.
Passengers on the current cruise will get a full refund and a 50% future cruise credit.
The 91,740gt Norwegian Star had problems with its Azipod system in Singapore late last year at the start of the company’s first Asia program in more than a decade. Recent itineraries have been revised due to the need to sail at reduced speed.
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