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Azipod issue impacts Norwegian Gem cruise, next sailing canceled

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Norwegian Gem's current cruise will end in Barbados Nov. 11
Nov. 8 update: At this time, Norwegian Gem's Nov. 21 cruise is expected to sail as scheduled, a company spokeswoman said. Due to a technical malfunction with the ship's Azipod propulsion system Norwegian Gem's sailing speed is restricted, impacting the current itinerary and requiring the cancellation of the Nov. 11 cruise from New York.

Norwegian Gem is on an 11-day eastern Caribbean voyage that sailed from New York Oct. 31. The ship is operating a revised itinerary that includes a Friday call at Barbados, where Norwegian Gem will overnight. The cruise will then end Nov. 11 in Barbados, and Norwegian Cruise Line is making arrangements to fly all passengers back to New York by Nov. 11.

They'll receive a future cruise credit of 25% of their cruise fare paid.

Passengers on the canceled Nov. 11 departure will get a full refund plus a 50% future cruise credit and airfare change fees up to $300 per person.

There was no immediate word on repair plans.

Norwegian’s reservations teams and travel partners are working to rebook passengers on alternate sailings over the same dates, and the company is currently offering a limited time Flash Sale that offers all four free amenities in its 'Free At Sea' promotion, including free unlimited open bar, a free specialty dining package, $50 toward shore excursions in each port per stateroom and 250 minutes of free Wi-Fi.