Norwegian Bliss notified guests booked on its July 11, 2026 sailing from Seattle that every port visit on the seven-night Alaska itinerary has been shortened due to an ongoing propulsion repair. The 168,028-gross-ton ship is replacing a propulsion component that requires it to operate at a reduced speed, and the problem has now cascaded through multiple consecutive sailings dating back to late May. NCL confirmed the issue in a letter to guests, saying the ship will sail at a slightly slower pace while the work is finalized and that onboard safety is not affected.
The most visible impact is in Victoria, British Columbia, where the ship will now arrive at 11 p.m. and guests will not be permitted to disembark, effectively turning a planned evening port call into a technical stop required for international regulations. At the other ports, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan all see shortened windows. NCL is offering each stateroom a $100 non-refundable onboard credit and is automatically canceling and refunding any shore excursions booked through the cruise line for Victoria. The line has not specified how many future sailings may still be affected, though the component replacement is described as nearing completion.