Last-Minute Cruise Itinerary Change Delivers a Unique Experience
Cruise holidays are all about relaxation and adventure. However, unexpected itinerary changes can sometimes throw a spanner in the works. For passengers aboard the Norwegian Encore in January 2026, a last-minute change turned into a historic event for Norwegian Cruise Line.
A New Adventure in the Caribbean
The Norwegian Encore set sail from Miami on 17th January 2026. The original plan was a seven-night cruise through the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The itinerary included stops at Roatan in Honduras, Harvest Caye in Belize, Costa Maya in Mexico, and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. However, a change in port availability led to the cancellation of the Costa Maya stop on 21st January.
The reason? Ongoing construction at Costa Maya. Royal Caribbean, which took over the port in 2025, is transforming it into the Perfect Day Mexico destination, set to open in autumn 2027. Although the port remains open to all cruise lines, construction activities temporarily limited access.
An Unprecedented Overnight at Great Stirrup Cay
Instead of simply replacing Costa Maya with another port, Norwegian Cruise Line offered something truly special. Norwegian Encore became the first ship in the fleet to offer an overnight stay at Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. This was a first-of-its-kind experience for the brand, and up to 3,958 guests were part of this historic event.
Norwegian Cruise Line informed passengers of this unique opportunity. They expressed excitement about the overnight stay, highlighting the chance to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark. The ship docked at the island’s new pier at 4pm on 22nd January, allowing guests to enjoy the island until midnight. A Glow Party under the stars from 9pm to 11pm added to the excitement. The island reopened the next day, giving guests more time to explore before the ship departed at 5pm.
Adjustments at Harvest Caye
To accommodate the overnight stay, a slight adjustment was made to the itinerary. The visit to Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination in Belize, was shortened. Originally scheduled from 8am to 6pm, the stop was adjusted to 7am to 3pm on 20th January. This change allowed the ship more sailing time, ensuring the overnight experience at Great Stirrup Cay was possible.
In Conclusion
While itinerary changes can be unsettling, they can also lead to unexpected adventures. The Norwegian Encore’s overnight stay at Great Stirrup Cay offered passengers a unique experience, making cruise history. For UK cruise holidaygoers, this serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected.
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