Norwegian Cruise Lines Remove Curacao from Itineraries Due to Increasing Tensions
Both the Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sky have recently announced changes to their itineraries that exclude the popular Caribbean destination of Curacao. Norwegian Epic had already skipped its scheduled stop at Willemstad on December 17, 2025, while Norwegian Sky has also removed the port from its January 5, 2026 voyage.
The changes are attributed to “naval exercises” and “updated port availability,” but no further details have been provided by Norwegian Cruise Line. According to guest reports, the captain of Norwegian Epic informed passengers about the necessity to depart from the area near Curacao, instead directing the ship to Barbados.
As for the Norwegian Sky, the cruise line’s notification letter to guests confirmed the omission of Willemstad without specifying an alternative destination. Despite this, Norwegian Sky will continue to visit several other ports, including Cabo Rojo, Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Tortola. Additionally, minor amendments to the ship’s sailing schedule have been made, including a later departure time from La Romana and an adjusted leave time from Tortola.
The underlying reasons for these port cancellations may be linked to the geopolitical tensions rising between the US and Venezuela, particularly surrounding drug trafficking and military presence in commercial airspace. Curacao is located just 45 miles from the Venezuelan mainland, although it remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Currently, it appears no other cruise lines have altered their plans to visit Curacao. However, the recent cancellations could significantly impact the local economy as the region enters its busy tourist season. Cruise travelers are encouraged to remain in contact with their respective cruise lines for any future itinerary updates that may affect their planned voyages.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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