Guests booked on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem are expressing frustration after a last-minute change was made to one of the sailing’s most anticipated port visits.
Just days before the ship’s January 20, 2026, departure from Jacksonville, passengers were informed that the call to Great Stirrup Cay would be adjusted. While the destination remains on the itinerary, the visit will now start earlier and end sooner than originally planned.
The Norwegian Gem was initially scheduled to dock at the private island from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on January 22. Under the updated plan, the ship will arrive at 7:00 a.m. and depart at 3:00 p.m., cutting the visit short by an hour.
Norwegian Cruise Line explained that the timing change was made to support smoother operations and provide a more relaxed experience ashore. However, many guests questioned the reasoning, especially since Norwegian Gem is the only ship scheduled to visit the island that day.
With sea days before and after the stop, some travelers said they couldn’t see why the visit needed to be shortened at all.
Why the Change May Have Happened
While the cruise line did not provide specific operational details, weather conditions could be a factor. Forecasts for that day show winds increasing later in the afternoon, which can complicate docking and guest returns to the ship.
Stronger winds can affect mooring lines and gangways, particularly at private islands with newer pier infrastructure. Arriving and departing earlier may help reduce those risks and keep operations running safely.
Still, the explanation hasn’t eased concerns for everyone. Several guests pointed out that sunrise on January 22 is just before 7:00 a.m., meaning beach time will start early in cooler morning conditions.
Others noted that breakfast options on the island are limited, making the earlier arrival less appealing.
Some passengers also expressed disappointment because this wasn’t the first change to the itinerary. An earlier adjustment had already removed another Bahamas port and replaced it with a sea day.
The itinerary update comes as Norwegian Cruise Line continues to fine-tune its broader long-term plans, including fleet expansion outlined in its confirmed future orderbook.
While Norwegian Cruise Line, like all cruise operators, reserves the right to change itineraries at any time, the short notice has left some guests feeling frustrated.
That said, the visit to Great Stirrup Cay is still going ahead, and guests will be among the first to enjoy the island’s newest features, including the expansive Great Life Lagoon and the family-friendly Splash Harbor area.
For many, the hope is that once ashore, the experience itself will help make up for the unexpected change.
