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Norwegian Cruise Line's Newest Ship Is Its Most Luxurious Yet — and We Got a Peek Inside

The new ship will set sail around Europe in September before heading to the United States.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Katy Perry christened a cruise, and she liked it. 

Over the weekend, the pop star fulfilled her role as godmother of the new cruise ship Norwegian Prima , christening it in Reykjavik, Iceland .  The ship is the first in Norwegian's new Prima category, the cruise line's new vessel class in nearly a decade, designed to bring new levels of entertainment, dining, and luxury to the brand.

At just 965 feet long with a passenger count of 3,100, Norwegian Prima won't be the largest ship in Norwegian's fleet, but in this case, that's a good thing — smaller ships can access more ports than bigger ones. But she's still large enough to pack some pretty over-the-top amenities.

"With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own," Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said in a statement. "As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring 'only-available-on- Prima -experiences,' she is continuing NCL's legacy of industry firsts."

Some of those firsts include the ocean's first three-level racetrack, the world's fastest waterslides at sea, and most suite categories of any cruise ship afloat: 13. There are also a number of Norwegian-specific superlatives, including the first open-air food hall; the largest interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabins; and the most pool deck space of any ship in the fleet.

Beyond that, Norwegian Prima will also feature high-design public spaces like the Mandara Spa with a two-story waterfall, as well as high-tech ones like Galaxy Pavilion, where you'll find virtual reality experiences and simulators, including a TopGolf option.

The private spaces impress, too, particularly within The Haven, the ultra-luxe "ship-within-a-ship" area where suites come with 24-hour butler service and access to a private sundeck with an infinity pool, restaurant, and lounge.

Norwegian Prima will have a season of inaugural voyages over the next few months. The first departs on Sept. 3 from Amsterdam , cruising Northern Europe; ports of call include Berlin, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; and Stockholm, Sweden. She'll then make the journey across the Atlantic to Galveston, Texas, where she'll sail an 11-day Caribbean itinerary in October. And finally, she'll spend most of the winter based in Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral) to sail five-, seven-, and nine-day trips to the Caribbean. Rates for a five-day cruise start at $1,499 per person.

Norwegian Viva: Here's what to expect from the cruise line's new ship

The Norwegian Cruise Line family welcomed a new member this week.

The line’s Norwegian Viva ship, the second in its Prima Class, made its debut on Thursday. The ship departed on its maiden voyage from Venice, Italy to Lisbon, Portugal on a nine-day Mediterranean cruise.

"This summer, our guests will have the opportunity to explore Europe aboard our newest magnificent vessel, Norwegian Viva, while enjoying its well-appointed spacious design, elevated experiences, expansive culinary offerings and signature Norwegian Cruise Line hospitality provided by the best crew in the industry," David J. Herrera, the line’s president, said in a news release .

Here’s what travelers should know about the vessel.

Where will Norwegian Viva sail?

The ship, which can accommodate 3,099 guests at double occupancy, will spend its first few months sailing Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries. The ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in December, where it will offer Caribbean cruises.

What can guests expect from Norwegian Viva?

Viva mirrors the design of sister ship Norwegian Prima , which launched last year, with a refined, upscale feel.

Guests can dine at Indulge Food Hall, choosing from 11 distinct eateries; take a ride on the three-level Viva Speedway race track; and chase thrills on The Drop, a free-fall slide. Viva will also feature the line’s Metropolitan Bar, which debuted on Prima using surplus ingredients to serve sustainability-minded cocktails, among other drinks.

The ship will also host the at-sea debut of “Beetlejuice" The Musical in a three-story onboard theater that can turn into a nightclub.

What else should travelers know about Norwegian Viva?

Prices vary by sailing and cabin category, but a nine-day, round-trip Caribbean cruise from San Juan with stops in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba and more departing Dec. 29 currently starts at $2,549 per person based on double occupancy, according to Norwegian’s website .

The fare includes many meals on board, drinks such as regular coffee and iced tea and more.

Guests with disabilities or who need special assistance can fill out a Guest Special Needs Request Form . The line can give passengers accommodations like sign language interpreting services, and all ships in its fleet have wheelchair-accessible staterooms.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Home » Cruise » Norwegian Cruise Line » Norwegian Viva » Complete Guide to the New Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship

Complete Guide to the New Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship

If you are planning a cruise on NCL's new Prima class, we’ve put together this guide to everything the Norwegian Viva cruise ship offers.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva, debuted in summer 2023. The Prima class is smaller than other recent classes in the NCL fleet, with both vessels coming in at around 143,000 gross tons and able to hold 3,250 passengers.

To give you an idea of everything the second ship in the Prima class has to offer, we’ve put together this guide to the Norwegian Viva cruise ship.

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Overview of the Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship

Dining on norwegian viva.

Like Norwegian Prima , Norwegian Viva offers a variety of dining options , some of which are included in the cruise fare. This new cruise ship also features several specialty dining venues with a few that are exclusive to the Prima class. Of course, these restaurants will cost extra money .

Included Dining

Norwegian Viva has two main dining rooms. Hudson’s offers 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows at the aft on deck 7, complete with a white, aqua, and blue interior design. The Commodore Room, located on deck 6, serves classic favorites alongside new dishes in an interior featuring a white, navy, and gold color scheme.

Surfside Café & Grill is the ship’s classic buffet. It is open at breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The Local Bar & grill, open 24 hours a day, serves classic pub fare and comfort food and includes both indoor and outdoor seating as well.

Additionally, Indulge Food Hall offers a food truck-esque dining experience. This food hall features options like smoked meats at Q Texas Smokehouse, noodle dishes from around the world at Nudls, Indian cuisine at Tamara, Mexican fare at The Latin Quarter, and soups and salads at The Garden. All of this food is complimentary, among others.

However, there is one spot in Indulge Food Hall that costs extra. Coco’s, which serves elevated desserts like gelato, milkshakes, and a variety of delectable chocolatey options comes with an extra charge.

Norwegian Viva also features an exclusive dining room just for those staying in The Haven, called The Haven Restaurant. It’s open three meals a day and has both indoor and outdoor tables.

Specialty Dining

As the innovator of Freestyle Dining, the Norwegian Viva cruise ship has a number of extra charge restaurants as well. Palomar is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first-ever Mediterranean restaurant. It offers a light-filled dining space where fresh seafood — and other ingredients native to the Mediterranean region — are the stars of the show.

Similarly, the ship’s Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta offers a modern Italian dining experience with signature pastas and seafood creations. Having meals here family-style is encouraged, but not required.

Nama Sushi & Sashimi is a contemporary sushi bar located on deck 7. Hasuki is a fun teppanyaki experience where shrimp, chicken, steak, and fried rice are prepared right in front of guests for both dinner and a show. Food Republic offers a fusion of shareable foods from destinations around the world such as Mexican street food bites, Japanese sushi rolls, and Thai noodles.

Two classic venues for Norwegian Cruise Line, the French fine-dining restaurant Le Bistro and American steakhouse Cagney’s can also be found on Norwegian Viva. Finally, Los Lobos offers a fun, colorful atmosphere, serving up traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist.

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Norwegian Viva Bars and Lounges

There are a number of bars and lounges on Norwegian Viva. We’re going to go over all of them starting at the top of the ship and working our way down.

At the very top, on deck 18, is the Viva Speedway Bar — aptly named due to its proximity to the Viva Speedway racetrack. This is the place to grab a drink and watch your friends race around the go-kart track. Just one deck below, you’ll find the Waves Pool Bar next to the pool and wave water slide on the main lido deck. Deck 17 is also home to the extra-fee adults-only Vibe Beach Club sundeck, which has its own full-service bar as well. Finally, at the front of the ship is the Observation Lounge with an accompanying bar.

Deck 16 holds part of The Haven complex, which includes its own bar serving cocktails and small bites just for those staying in The Haven. Similarly, deck 12 is home to the Studio Lounge. This lounge has beverages and light bites just for those staying in Studio staterooms.

Further, there are a number of spots to grab a beverage down on deck 8. The Local Bar & Grill has its own bar complete with beers and cocktails on tap. Indulge Food Hall has two bars: the indoor Luna serving up cocktails and draft beers along with the outdoor Soleil Bar, which offers many comfortable seating options. Deck 8 also includes the ship’s Whiskey Bar on the upper level of the Penrose Atrium.

Deck 7 is home to Syd Norman’s Pour House — part live music venue, part bar serving up rock hits alongside specialty cocktails and other beverages. Then, the Humidor Cigar Lounge is one of the few places on board where guests can smoke cigars.

The Metropolitan Bar is a new bar concept for Norwegian Cruise Line, launched aboard Viva’s sister ship Norwegian Prima. It serves sustainable craft cocktails that utilize food scraps that would otherwise be tossed, such as pineapple skins, banana peels, and day-old croissants. As weird as it sounds, the concept is a hit with many passengers.

The Improv at Sea comedy venue can also be found on deck 7, which has its own bar. Lastly on this deck is a large Starbucks outpost, serving the same espresso and tea-based drinks that guests know and love on land.

On the lower level of the Penrose Atrium is the Penrose Bar, open from morning into the night. It’s the perfect place to grab a glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail and people-watch. Back near Cagney’s and The Commodore Room main restaurant is the Belvedere Bar — a modern cocktail lounge serving, among other things, craft bottled cocktails.

Things to Do on the Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship

There are several amenities and activities to enjoy aboard Norwegian Viva, some included in the cruise fare and some not.

Included Amenities and Activities

Norwegian Viva features two 10-story dry slides called The Drop and The Rush. The Drop is one of the world’s first free-fall dry slides complete with a trapdoor that opens underneath guests for a speedy ride to the bottom. The Rush is more of a traditional dry slide, with two chutes so that two people can ride at once.

A number of pools can be found across Viva, including the main pool on deck 17 along with two infinity hot tubs, plus two infinity pools on deck eight. Speaking of water, Viva features The Wave — a thrilling tidal wave water slide on the upper deck.

The Stadium is an outdoor game space that includes pickleball, shuffleboard, foosball, and beer pong — sans the actual beer. The ship also includes a state-of-the-art fitness center.

A sculpture garden called The Concourse is part of the ship’s outdoor promenade deck, Ocean Boulevard. It features six sculptures that guests can walk around and explore.

Extra-Fee Amenities and Activities

The Norwegian Viva cruise ship is home to four family-friendly activities that are available for an extra fee. Viva Speedway is a three-level racetrack, where guests zip around twists and turns in electric go-karts. Nearby is the Tee Time interactive and techy mini-golf course as well as The Bull’s Eye darts lounge, reminiscent of a classic pub.

Norwegian Viva also includes an indoor virtual gaming area called The Galaxy Pavilion. It features a number of virtual reality experiences, two escape rooms, and a TopGolf Swing Suite.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s classic Mandara Spa is available aboard Viva, featuring the line’s second two-story waterfall. Also found in the spa’s thermal suite are charcoal and infrared saunas, a snow room, a steam room, hot stone loungers, a salt room, a hydrotherapy pool, and more. Classic spa treatments, such as massages and facials, are also available in the spa. A salon and a barbershop offer haircuts, shaves, blowouts, and more.

Deck 17 plays host to an adults-only, extra-fee sundeck called Vibe Beach Club. It includes two infinity hot tubs, a full-service bar, daybeds, and cushy loungers. The same deck houses the sundeck exclusive for guests staying in The Haven, which has its own hot tubs and premium lounge seating.

Entertainment on Norwegian Viva

The center of entertainment on Norwegian Viva revolves around the transformational main theater, which spans decks six, seven, and eight. The venue is home to the ship’s much-lauded Broadway production Beetlejuice: The Musical, which is based on the movie by Tim Burton.

Other shows in the theater include Icons, a concert-style show with a live orchestra featuring songs from the last six decades and Ocean Music Fest, a party-style show where guests can dance to party favorites performed by multi-talented musicians. A game show called Press Your Luck Live also takes place in the Viva Theater & Club.

Additionally, Norwegian Viva plays host to an at-sea version of the game show Deal or No Deal, where contestants play and deal for cash in a high-energy contest.

As previously mentioned, There’s The Improv at Sea comedy club and Syd Norman’s Pour House complete with a rock house band. Reservations are required for many of the signature shows; though, Syd Norman’s is first-come, first-served.

Lastly, live music can be found in various spots around the ship too. Some of these spots include the main pool deck and the Penrose Atrium.

Norwegian Viva Staterooms and Suites

Norwegian Viva’s 1,646 guest staterooms are broken down into six base categories, which are then broken down into further sub-categories.

Studios are designed for solo travelers . They feature a full-sized bed and access to the Studio Lounge — a space exclusive to those staying in studio cabins. Studio staterooms are located on decks 12 and 13.

Interior staterooms are located on decks five and 9-16 and include two sub-categories. Regular interiors include two twin beds that can convert to a queen and hold two guests. Family inside staterooms have a similar setup, but also include two Pullman beds to accommodate two additional guests.

There are four staterooms categorized as Oceanview. Oceanview with Round Window staterooms can hold two guests and feature two twin beds that can convert to a queen. Large Oceanview with Round Window cabins are essentially the same thing, but feature more square footage. Family Oceanview cabins include two twin beds that can convert to a queen as well as a double sofa bed that can hold two more people. In all three of these categories, some cabins have connecting doors so that larger groups can share a space.

The final oceanview category, just called “Oceanview,” doesn’t just have a window — it actually has a balcony. It’s categorized as an oceanview instead of a balcony because the view is obstructed by the ship’s free-fall dry slide. These cabins accommodate two people in twin beds that can convert into a queen.

All oceanview staterooms are located on decks five, 11, and 14.

Norwegian Viva has three types of traditional balcony staterooms located on decks 9-16. A standard balcony cabin has two twin beds that can convert to a queen, while a family balcony also includes a double sofa bed that can accommodate two additional people. Aft-facing balcony cabins are a bit larger; also able to accommodate four people due to the inclusion of a double sofa bed.

Some cabins have connecting doors so that extended families or larger groups can share a space.

Norwegian Viva also has obstructed balcony cabins, which it sells as guarantee staterooms or “Sailaway Balconies.” This means that you pay a cheaper cruise fare, but you will not get to choose your specific cabin. Instead, it will be assigned to you by the cruise line.

All stateroom categories except Suites and The Haven have the guarantee cruise fare option.

Club Balcony Suite

Club Balcony Suites are located on decks 9-13 and have four sub-categories. The standard Club Balcony Suite is at the back of the ship and accommodates two guests. Family Club Balcony Suites are able to accommodate up to four guests.

Forward-Facing Club Balcony Suites are at the front of the ship and can accommodate two guests. Some of these suites, plus the other two mentioned above, have connecting doors. A Forward-Facing Club Balcony Suite with Large Balcony accommodates two to four people with twin beds that can convert into a queen; some also include a single or double sofa bed.

Standard suites on Norwegian Viva are located on decks 9-16. They feature butler and concierge service. The Family Suite with Master Bedroom & Balcony has a separate bedroom with two twin beds that can convert to a queen, plus a double sofa bed and spacious bathroom. A Forward-Facing Suite with Master Bedroom & Large Balcony is essentially the same thing at the front of the ship and with a larger balcony.

There are two types of Aft-Facing Suites with Large Balcony at the back of the ship. Category SH can accommodate four guests and has about 635 indoor square footage and a 370 square foot balcony. Category SI accommodates two people with indoor square footage of around 448 and a 195 square foot balcony. These can connect to a Club Balcony Suite.

The final category is the Family Suite with Large Balcony, which are forward-facing. They include two twin beds that can convert to a queen and a double sofa bed.

The Haven is Norwegian Viva’s ship-within-a-ship complex. It comprises both suites and public areas that are only accessible to those staying in The Haven. There are eight Haven suite categories to choose from, all located on decks 10-15. They come with butler and concierge service.

The Haven Penthouse with Balcony features a king-size bed, a bath with jetted shower, a sitting area, and a large balcony. Some of these suites come with bedding to accommodate one additional person. The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Master Bedroom & Large Balcony includes a separate bedroom with a king-size bed. Some include a double sofa bed to accommodate two additional people.

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony features a king-size bed, a bath with jetted shower, and a large balcony with an outdoor hot tub. The Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony has a separate bedroom with king-size bed, a double sofa bed, a living area, and a luxury shower.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Large Balcony feature two bedrooms — one with a king-size bed and one with a queen — as well as a double sofa bed and two bathrooms with jetted showers. This stateroom can accommodate six people total.

The Haven Aft-Facing Owner’s Suite with Master Bedroom & Large Balcony can accommodate four people — two in the master bedroom with a king-size bed and two on a double sofa bed. It also features a luxury bath with jetted shower and a large aft-facing balcony — some with an outdoor hot tub.

The Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony is at the back of the ship. It includes a separate living and dining area, two bedrooms with king-size beds, two baths with jetted showers, a half-bath for guests, an outdoor hot tub, and additional bedding to accommodate six total guests.

The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony, coming in at a whopping 2,100 square feet (not including the 828 square foot balcony). It can accommodate eight guests and is located at the ship’s aft. It includes separate living and dining areas, three bedrooms with king-size beds, a double sofa bed, three bathrooms with jetted showers, a half-bath, and an outdoor hot tub.

Kids’ Clubs and Activities on Norwegian Viva

Dedicated clubs for kids of different ages are available on Norwegian Viva. But you won’t find a dedicated space for teens like you can on most other NCL ships. Instead, the teen program, called Entourage, schedules activities in different places around the ship.

Similarly, the program for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to three years old, called Guppies, has no dedicated venue on Viva either. Instead, toys are available for tots in the kids’ club rooms — called Guppies Open Play — when they’re not in use by the older kids.

The focus on kids aboard Norwegian Viva is centered around guests that are three to 12 years old. They share a space comprising two rooms. Here, youth counselors host activities including scavenger hunts, crafts, and dance parties. A splash area for little kids is located on deck 18, which includes sprayers and cascading water features.

Shops on Norwegian Viva

Beauty by Design & Afficionados is the ship’s classic duty-free store, offering a variety of cosmetics, fragrances, and liquors.

On the jewelry front, Norwegian Viva has an EFFY Jewelry outpost, as well as Bali-inspired jewelry at the John Hardy shop. There’s also the Pandora Jewelry & Lifestyles shop that — in addition to jewelry — also sells clothing and exclusive Norwegian Viva merchandise.

The Gateway offers a variety of brands and items, and The Zone & Eye Style sells designer sunglasses. Tech @ Sea sells speakers, headphones, and other electronic gear. The Photo Gallery is the place to purchase a camera and any photo prints the ship’s photographers take of guests during the cruise.

Norwegian Viva Itineraries

Norwegian Viva will spend the winter 2023-2024 and winter 2024-2025 seasons sailing in the Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico. During the spring and summer months, the ship will operate longer voyages in the Mediterranean from a variety of homeports.

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NCL Announces Newest Ship — Norwegian Viva — to Sail in 2023

While cruising has seen rough waters in recent weeks, there is some good news on the horizon: new ships being welcomed or announced by cruise lines.

Throughout the pandemic, cruise lines and shipyards have continued their work on new vessels, bringing new ships to market. Ships like Carnival’s Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas have reached completion. Others such as Norwegian Prima and Carnival Jubilee have been announced and started work.

Now there is another ship to start getting excited about — Norwegian Viva . The new ship from Norwegian Cruise Line was officially announced today. As a sister ship of the upcoming Norwegian Prima , Viva is the second ship announced in the Prima class.

Smaller than previous Breakaway-class vessels, Prima and Viva seem to represent a move in the fleet toward more of a luxurious experience. All told, NCL says Viva will be 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons, and hold 3,219 guests at double occupancy. The cruise line also says it will offer the largest inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms in the fleet.

As for luxury, The Haven makes an appearance, with 107 suites, sundeck, outdoor spa, and an infinity pool looking over the back of the ship. Surrounding the ship will be Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway that wraps around the vessel, an outdoor sculpture garden, more infinity pools, and even glass bridges over the water.

“Norwegian Viva sets the standard in the premium segment, illustrating our commitment to pushing boundaries in four main areas: wide open space, service that puts guests first, thoughtful design and experiences beyond expectation,” said Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer. “We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind.”

The ship won’t just focus on luxury, however. Viva will also feature two freefall slides (The Rush and The Drop), as well as a three-level go-kart racetrack, which it says will be the largest at sea.

So when does the ship debut? Norwegian says Viva will join the fleet in June 2023. At first it will homeport in Europe, sailing Mediterranean cruises from Portugal, Italy and Greece. Stateside passengers can experience the new ship in December 2023. At that time Viva will transition to San Juan, Puerto Rico to sail for the winter.

Cruises are already available for booking aboard the ship on NCL’s website .

Viva is being built by Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy. She is the second of six planned Prima-class ships set to debut in the years to come. Her sister ship Norwegian Prima will make her debut later this year.

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Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

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Norwegian Cruise captain refused to let eight passengers who were late reboard ship

Passengers, who have since rejoined vessel, missed scheduled departure time from São Tomé and scrambled to reunite with ship

Eight cruise passengers had to scramble to reunite with their cruise ship after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The passengers, including a pregnant woman and a paraplegic traveller, missed their scheduled departure time from the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea, about 250km off the coast of Gabon, after disembarking the Norwegian Dawn to take a local tour.

Another passenger in her 80s was reportedly late to the ship because she was receiving emergency medical treatment on the island.

The vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, arrived in São Tome on Wednesday morning having departed Cape Town for the three-week cruise to Barcelona on 20 March.

The group’s private day excursions on the island ran overtime and, despite the efforts of the local coast guard, which motored the group to the ship before it set sail that afternoon, the captain would not allow the late guests to board.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from Garden City in South Carolina, described attempting to board the vessel after arriving late.

“We have never had an experience like this before,” Jill Campbell told ABC4 News .

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number. They said, ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails,’” Jay Campbell added.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way.”

The travellers’ passports were returned to them via port authorities. The group, which reportedly includes two Australians, had to leave their medication, bank cards and other belongings on board. The Campbells said they were the only members of the group with a Visa card and had paid more than $5,000 in their attempts to reach the ship.

They aimed to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in the Gambia the following Sunday but low tides prevented the ship from making the scheduled stop. The group reportedly travelled through six countries and eventually met the ship in Dakar, Senegal, the final west African port call of its journey, according to the cruise line.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included,” Jay Campbell told ABC15 . He described having to take a ferry to get into Senegal, and then a four-hour drive.

Australians Doug and Violeta Sanders were among the stranded passengers.

“It’s been the worst experience of our lives to be abandoned like that in a strange country, can’t speak the language,” Violeta Sanders told Seven’s Sunrise program.

“We have no money, our credit cards aren’t accepted.”

The 21-day cruise is due to end in Barcelona on 10 April.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said it was a “very unfortunate situation” and that it was the passenger’s responsibility to be back on board the ship no later than one hour before the ship’s scheduled departure time.

A Sydney travel lawyer, Anthony Cordato, said passengers needed to heed ships’ tight schedules.

“Terms and conditions would make returning to the ship on time essential,” he said.

“From a consumer’s perspective, it’s harsh but from a ship’s perspective, are you going to hold up the cruise for an hour or two because they were slow to get on board? Are you going to inconvenience 1,000 passengers for the sake of four?”

The cruise company said all eight guests had rejoined the ship.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time. While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol. Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol.

“While the eight guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia on April 1, 2024, unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority. We contacted these eight guests regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. As of this morning, all eight guests have rejoined the ship.”

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Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list

Are you looking for the most megaresort-like, activity-packed Norwegian Cruise Line ships at sea? If so, you'll want to get on one of the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are, almost by definition, the Norwegian Cruise Line ships with the most "stuff" — the most pools, waterslides and other deck-top attractions ( even go-kart tracks ), as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest spas and casinos among vessels in the Norwegian fleet and the most cabins and suites — as well as the most variation in suite and cabin types.

With room for 4,000 or more passengers, the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are among the most massive resorts you'll find at sea from any cruise line and are comparable to some of the biggest resorts on land, too. If you're in the "bigger is better" camp when it comes to a resort experience, these are the Norwegian Cruise Line ships for you.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't just operate giant vessels. The world's fourth-biggest cruise line also has quite a few relatively small cruise ships that carry just 2,000 or so people and provide a more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are just half the size of Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ships. These are vessels that, notably, have fewer deck-top activities and interior venues than the biggest Norwegian cruise ships.

The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are best for vacationers who like a less crowded, more intimate resort experience.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

To ensure you end up on the right Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you, it pays to understand which Norwegian Cruise Line ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.

Here, every Norwegian Cruise Line ship currently in operation is ranked from biggest to smallest.

1. Norwegian Encore

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 169,116 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,998

2. Norwegian Bliss

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 168,028 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,004

3. Norwegian Joy

Maiden voyage: 2017 Size: 167,725 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,804

4. Norwegian Escape

Maiden voyage: 2015 Size: 164,998 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,266

5. Norwegian Epic

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 155,873 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,100

6. (tied) Norwegian Getaway

Maiden voyage: 2014 Size: 145,655 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,963

6. (tied) Norwegian Breakaway

Maiden voyage: 2013 Size: 145,655 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,963

8. (tied) Norwegian Viva

Maiden voyage: 2023 Size: 143,535 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,099

8. (tied) Norwegian Prima

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 143,535 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,099

10. Norwegian Jade

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 93,558 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,402

11. (tied) Norwegian Gem

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 93,530 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,394

11. (tied) Norwegian Pearl

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 93,530 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,394

13. Norwegian Jewel

Maiden voyage: 2005 Size: 93,502 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,376

14. Norwegian Dawn

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 92,250 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,340

15. Norwegian Star

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 91,740 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,348

16. Pride of America

Maiden voyage: 2005 Size: 80,439 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,186

17. Norwegian Sun

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 78,309 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,936

18. Norwegian Sky

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 77,104 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,004

19. Norwegian Spirit

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 75,904 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,032

What is the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the 4-year-old Norwegian Encore . While not quite as big as the biggest ships from rival lines Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Encore is still firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants.

At 169,116 tons, Norwegian Encore is bigger than all but 21 other cruise ships in the world, 15 of which are operated by the three lines mentioned above. It regularly sails with more than 4,000 passengers on board.

The biggest of four vessels in Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class of ships, Norwegian Encore is the Norwegian ship most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions. It's home to one of the biggest go-kart tracks on a cruise ship, the biggest laser tag area on a Norwegian ship and an unusually large virtual reality zone called Galaxy Pavilion, to name a few of its biggest attractions. There's also plenty of room to spare for multiple pools, waterslides and a kiddie splash zone.

Additionally, Norwegian Encore offers big-name shows in big, state-of-the-art theaters; a sprawling spa; a casino that fills half a deck; a dedicated children's play zone; and more than 2,000 rooms.

What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Spirit. At 75,904 gross tons, Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of Norwegian Encore, the line's biggest ship. It carries just 1,966 passengers — more than 2,000 fewer than Norwegian Encore.

Unveiled in 1998, Norwegian Spirit is not only the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship but also the oldest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. At 25 years old, it's likely to be phased out of the Norwegian fleet in the coming years.

Norwegian Spirit, notably, was not built for Norwegian Cruise Line but for Asia-based Star Cruises. Its original name was SuperStar Leo. It was transferred to Norwegian and renamed in 2004.

In part because of its smaller size, Norwegian Spirit offers fewer venues and attractions than newer Norwegian vessels, but it still offers a lot. In all, you'll find 13 food outlets on Norwegian Spirit, including two main restaurants, a casual buffet eatery, and versions of the line's signature Cagney's Steakhouse and French eatery Le Bistro. There are more than half a dozen bars and cafes.

Deck-top attractions on Norwegian Spirit include several pools, whirlpools, waterslides, a basketball court and a jogging track. The ship also has a casino, spa, nightclub and theater.

Are bigger Norwegian Cruise Line ships coming?

The answer isn't clear. Norwegian Cruise Line currently has four new cruise ships on order, and all were originally designed to be smaller than the biggest Norwegian ships currently at sea. However, Norwegian recently announced that some of the ships will be redesigned to be as much as 20% bigger .

Depending on how much bigger Norwegian makes these ships, they might become the biggest ships in the Norwegian fleet.

The four ships on order for Norwegian are all sister vessels to the recently unveiled Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, which are tied as Norwegian's eighth biggest ships. The first of the four additional ships on order, Norwegian Aqua , is scheduled to begin sailing in April 2025, with the three other new vessels arriving between 2026 and 2028.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The four new ships are all part of what Norwegian is calling the Prima Class of ships. The first two ships in the series, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, measure 143,535 gross tons a piece, which is about 15% smaller than Norwegian Encore, Norwegian's biggest ship.

The last four ships in the series, as noted, are being redesigned to be bigger than the first two ships in the series.

Norwegian executives said the smaller size of the new Prima Class ships would give the line more options in designing itineraries, as the vessels would be able to access smaller ports around the world than some of the bigger Norwegian ships can.

What's the difference between bigger and smaller Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

To put it simply: The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels.

On Norwegian's giant Breakaway Plus Class vessels (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape), for instance, you'll find multiple pools, waterslides, a kiddie splash zone and — on most of the ships — a sprawling go-kart racing track. Each of the vessels also offers Broadway shows in giant theaters; sprawling spas; large casinos; expansive children's play zones; and more than 2,000 rooms.

Additionally, two of the biggest ships in the series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, have what may be the largest and coolest gaming and virtual reality zones at sea.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

Norwegian's smaller ships, by contrast, lack many of the above features. Because of their smaller size, they have a much more intimate feel, at least when compared to the biggest cruise ships at Norwegian and other mass-market lines, and they hold far fewer people. While Breakaway Plus Class ships can hold around 4,000 passengers, based on double occupancy, the line's smallest vessels are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian's smallest ships are a good choice for vacationers who aren't eager to travel with the huge crowds that are common on the world's biggest cruise ships. They appeal to a subset of Norwegian fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Norwegian loyalty perks

Additionally, because of their size, the smallest ships at Norwegian are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Norwegian Encore.

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Get ready to sail on one of the most exciting ships on the seas! Norwegian Escape is ready to whisk you away to Bahamas ,--> The Caribbean from Miami and Orlando, Canada & New England from New York, and the Mediterranean from Rome. Indulging in every whim is what unforgettable holidays are made of. Get ready to chase sunsets on The Waterfront. Build a pink sandcastle in Bermuda . Sip on some of Napa's best blends at The Cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar. Or try our unique speciality hand-crafted cocktails. Discover a new world of freedom and flexibility on Norwegian Escape . --> View Sailings -->

• Ship 164,998 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,266 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Length 326 m Overall Length
• Width 55 m Max Beam
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2015
• Crew 1,733 Ship Crew

Norwegian Escape CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Broadway Entertainment

Every night will be music to your ears with the entertainment on board Norwegian Escape. Perfect your dance moves and clear your pipes as you go on an incredible audible journey with Tony Award®-winning musical, After Midnight. And when you want to hear something just a little bit different, the laughs bursting out of Headliners Comedy Club will surely do the trick. With the entertainment on board, Norwegian Escape is hitting all the right notes.

NEW! Starlink High-Speed Internet

Starlink provides fast Internet service at sea and is now available on Norwegian Escape. Using advanced low earth orbit satellites, SpaceX's Starlink delivers industry leading broadband internet connectivity, which will improve the capacity, speed, and reliability of Internet on board.

The Choir of Man

Pull up a chair at The Choir of Man and raise your glass to high energy dancing and hit songs that flow as freely as the beer. You'll feel right at home in The Jungle, the rockin' English pub where the talented cast performs everything from classic rock hits and pub tunes to sing-along favourites. Leave your worries behind and toast to a memorable night at this feel good show!

A Variety of Dining Experiences

Dine like nowhere else at sea with all of the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Dining. Travel somewhere new with familiar favourites and unique additions from around the globe at Food Republic. Or indulge in premium cuts with a side of delicious Parmesan dusted truffle fries at our American steakhouse, Cagney's. Whatever you're in the mood for, we have something for everyone.

• The Waterfront

Connect with the sea on The Waterfront, our quarter-mile oceanfront promenade. Discover a new restaurant or bar each day and night! Pull up a stool at The Cellars Wine bar, offering the ultimate wine experience. Dine oceanside at La Cucina and enjoy delicious lobster fettuccine. Or simply bask in the ocean air and watch the sunset with your friends.

Bars & Lounges for Every Taste

Pull up a stool at The Cellars , Norwegian's first ever wine bar. Let your hair down in the District Brew House , offering more than 50 different bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap. Sip on a hand-crafted mojito at Sugarcane. Or reminisce about the good 'ol days at Miami's oldest bar, Tobacco Road! Grab your glass, make some new friends, and let the good times roll!

Wide Range of Accommodations

Our exceptional range of Staterooms and Suites is unlike anything else at sea today. Enjoy stunning views on your private balcony. Keep your family connected with comfortable adjoining staterooms. Indulge in a luxurious and spacious suite in The Haven.

• 678 Ocean Place

Located at the center of our newest ships is 678 Ocean Place where you’ll find three decks of non-stop action. Discover a new bar or lounge. Shop in a designer boutique. Try your luck in the casino. You’re at the center of it all – and loving every minute.

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• 360 Virtual Tour
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See famous theme parks, bustling straw markets, lounge in the sun or just take it easy.

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From British-style high tea to teeing it up on the greens, experience your island escape.

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Turquoise water and white sands shimmer in The Caribbean. Experience the sublime colourful architecture of these breezy, tropical ports.

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Set sail from one destination and end in another. It's the ultimate way to experience it all.

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Explore Greece as you stroll through sun-bleached, winding streets. Experience lively Santorini as you wander through its picturesque, winding streets.

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• Club Balcony Suite

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven features our most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations as well as 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck.

Whether it's the two of you or your family, our mini-suites are accented with the finest touches. And enough room to make memories forever.

Soak in breathtaking views together or with the family. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your own private balcony. Stylish and sophisticated appointments accent these modern rooms.

Experience comfort all around you. These stylish staterooms feature fine appointments, which are highlighted by nice touches and clear views of the ocean.

Relax in lively style and smart sophistication. Our modern inside staterooms are highlighted with appointments like a TV, sitting area and more.

Specifically designed and priced for solo travellers, our Studios feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge - no single supplement required.

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• Speciality Dining
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Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, our complimentary dining options include three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, our Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.

Enjoy a night of gastronomic proportions at one of our many speciality restaurants. Find your inner foodie at Bayamo by Ocean Blue, featuring delicious seafood eats. Bring a hearty appetite to our Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria. And see shrimp fly at Teppanyaki. Whether you're dining inside or oceanside on The Waterfront, our speciality restaurants feature the tastes you'll crave.

With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favourite may take a few days. Pull up a stool on The Waterfront and pair your favourite vintage with soothing waves at The Cellars - A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar. Sip on a hand-crafted mojito at Sugarcane. Or Let your hair down in The District Brew House, offering more than 50 different bottled beers and 24 draft beers on tap. Whether you're looking to meet up with friends or make new ones, there's always an opportunity to mix it up.

When it comes to the entertainment on Norwegian Escape, you won't believe your eyes or even your ears. Pull up a chair at The Choir of Man and raise your glass to high energy dancing and hit songs that flow as freely as the beer. Or tickle your funny bone at Headliner's Comedy Club by Levity Entertainment Group's roster of top-notch comedians.

From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Norwegian Escape has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Think you're brave? Splash around at Aqua Park with Free Fall - the fastest waterslides at sea. Or visit our multi-level Sports Complex and walk The Plank, which extends 8 feet over the side of the ship. Wanna get lucky? Bet it all at our award-winning Casinos at Sea®. With so much excitement, you'll have to come back for more.

When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 speciality treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.

Forget to pack something? No worries! Our gift shops onboard carry everything you'll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at our duty-free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewellery, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco. Norwegian Escape is the first at sea to have acclaimed brands LACOSTE and Carolina Herrera. These are the first boutiques to be designed specifically for a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

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6 american, 2 australian cruise ship passengers stranded on african island after norwegian cruise refused to let them board.

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Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, claim they have been stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from South Carolina, said they are stuck on the Central African island of São Tomé with four other American and two Australian passengers after the captain of the ship allegedly refused to let them reboard,  according to WMBF.

But a spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time.”

“Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,” the spokesperson said.

The Campbells acknowledged there was “an issue” on their tour of the island, and the guide “didn’t get us back” to the ship in time on Friday.

“We were like, our time is getting really short, and they were like ‘No problem, we can get you back within an hour,” Jay recounted telling the tour guide.

He said the tour operator then contacted the cruise ship captain to let them know they would be late.

When they reached the port, Campbell said the ship was still anchored, and the island’s Coast Guard took them on a boat to a ship in order to get back onboard.

The captain then allegedly refused to let them board.

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

• Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
• A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
• Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
• The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
• Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
• Julie Lenkoff, 80,  suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
• COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us and then go on the way,” Campbell said.

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“They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea.”

They and the others — including a married couple from Delaware, a paraplegic and an elderly man with a heart condition — were left stranded on the island without any of their belongings from the cabin, including money, medicine and necessary travel documents.

The Campbells were the only ones who had a Visa card on their person, and had to pay more than $5,000 in food, toiletries and hotels for the group, they told WRAL.

In an updated statement on Saturday, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines noted that “guests are responsible for any necessary travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.”

Knowing this, the group had planned to fly to Gambia in West Africa to meet the cruise ship at the port on Sunday.

They then spent 15 hours traveling through six countries to reach the port on Easter, only to find out that the ship could not dock due to low tides,  according to WPDE.

The passengers are now heading to a port in Senegal, where the cruise is set to dock on Tuesday.

But doing so is not going to be easy.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included, driving from here,” Jay told WPDE.

“We have to cross the ferry to get into Senegal,” he added. “We just learned from the gentleman that the ferry hadn’t been working, but he said, ‘No problem, if the ferry is not working, we will get another little boat and then pick up a car on the other side.

“And then once we get on the other side of Senegal, it’s another four hour drive.”

Still, Jay said the voyage is worth it.

“We paid a lot for this trip to Africa, so we hope to make it through the rest of this trip and end in Spain,” he told WBMF.

In its updated statement on Saturday, a spokesperson for Norwegian said they are “in communication with the guests” and have been working “closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.”

The Post has also reached out to Norwegian Cruise Lines for comment.

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An 80-year-old had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise excursion. After the ship left her behind on an African island, her family tracked her journey home using an Apple AirTag.

• Julie Lenkoff had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise-sponsored tour on an African island, her son-in-law said.
• The cruise continued sailing, and the tour company said they left her with other stranded cruisers.
• The family said Norwegian failed to contact them while Lenkoff was abroad. They used an AirTag to track her journey home.

It wasn't a surprise to Julie Lenkoff's family that she was going on another cruise.

The 80-year-old has visited 120 countries, speaks 10 languages, and has been on countless cruises. Lenkoff is an experienced traveler, so no one batted an eye when she boarded a 21-day Norwegian cruise along the coast of Africa by herself on March 20, Kurt Gies, Lenkoff's son-in-law, told Business Insider.

But her family was shocked when another cruise passenger phoned Lenkoff's daughter, Lana Gies, to tell her they were with Lenkoff, Kurt said. She had been released from a hospital, could hardly speak, was losing her vision, and was on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt told BI Lenkoff had a stroke during a cruise-sponsored excursion and that the tour operator and cruise company left her at a hospital, where she was later discharged and left to figure out her own way home.

Kurt said a group of stranded tourists helped Lenkoff return to the US, where she remains in serious condition at the Stanford Medical Center.

"We had the means, the technology, and the ability to navigate this massive network to get her home," Kurt said. "I can only imagine if a family didn't or if that person was truly by themselves. What would've happened?"

The family says they have other stranded cruisers to thank for Lenkoff's return

On March 27, day eight of the Norwegian cruise, passengers disembarked the ship to explore São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt said Lenkoff joined a cruise-sponsored excursion with the tour company Navetur Equatour. During the tour, she passed out and fell, Diogo Beirão, the chief operating officer of the tour company, confirmed to BI. When Lenkoff regained consciousness, he said she couldn't speak English and had lost feeling in the right side of her body.

At the time, Beirão said the main concern was if Lenkoff had broken a bone or experienced a concussion. Kurt said doctors in the US later confirmed that Lenkoff had a stroke.

Beirão told BI that his tour guides brought Lenkoff back to the dock, where he says a nurse from the Norwegian cruise evaluated her on the pier.

In a statement sent to BI, a Norwegian cruise representative said that "on March 27, 2024, an 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

Beirão said Lenkoff was transported to the closest hospital, which was "not very comfortable" because it "had no private rooms, just curtains." However, Beirão said he believes it was the right decision not to let her reboard the cruise.

Kurt said Norwegian brought Lenkoff the belongings from her room; however, her credit cards and cash were lost. He added that the tour company later found the missing wallet in a tour van, which was brought to Lenkoff more than 24 hours after she was released from the hospital.

Kurt said he and the rest of Lenkoff's family had no idea this was happening since Norwegian hadn't contacted them.

Meanwhile, a group of eight people were on a separate, private tour of São Tomé and Príncipe. BI previously reported that the tour ran into issues, and the group missed the ship's boarding deadline .

The group was stranded on the island without cash or medications and with one working credit card, which passengers Jill and Jay Campbell owned. The group found a hotel, contacted the closest American consulate, and planned to meet the ship at its next port in the Gambia.

As all this was happening, Kurt said, Lenkoff was released from the hospital.

Beirão said he was unaware that Lenkoff had a stroke, but he visited her at the hospital, and "she was not totally functional" but "could speak very well." While Lenkoff could communicate, Beirão said she often forgot what she was trying to say mid-sentence.

In Norwegian's statement, the representative said: "We attempted to call the guest several times, and as we were unable to reach her, we worked directly with our port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, to receive updates about the guest."

"In instances such as these," the statement continued, "as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent."

Kurt said there are no phone or WhatsApp records of Norwegian reaching out on her cellphone, and he believes that family members should've been contacted in this instance since the company could not reach Lenkoff to confirm she was in a coherent state.

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After being discharged, Kurt said the tour company connected the Americans with Lenkoff.

"You have people figuring out how they're getting off this island, and they're given the responsibility to take care of an 80-year-old woman who just had a stroke," Kurt said.

At the time, Lenkoff had no way to pay for anything, so the Campbells provided Lenkoff with food and a place to sleep, Kurt said.

"I truly believe sometimes we're put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman who was left alone. God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here," Jay Campbell told North Carolina's WRAL .

Kurt said Lenkoff was still having trouble speaking and had started to lose her vision.

Using Lenkoff's phone, Jill Campbell called Lenkoff's daughter to tell her what happened. Around the same time, the American consulate called, though Kurt said the family was unsure how the consulate learned about Lenkoff's state.

Kurt said he and Lana attempted to reach Norwegian multiple times but couldn't connect with anyone at the company.

"It was decided that we need to get Julie off that island," he said. "No one at Norwegian was going to take responsibility for it."

The Norwegian representative told BI Lenkoff had been "escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return."

Kurt said all of Lenkoff's travel arrangements were "made by her family" and that it wasn't Norwegian who escorted her, adding that the "airlines took responsibility for ensuring she got safely on each plane segment during her journey home."

He said Lenkoff flew to Lisbon, then to Toronto, and finally to San Francisco.

Thankfully, he said, Lana had sent her mom with an Apple AirTag so the family could watch Lenkoff make the trip back to the US.

The Apple product has become popular for tracking everything from missing suitcases to lost golfing equipment and a magician's sound equipment . Some parents are even using them to keep track of their children . According to Benzinga , Apple sold $1 billion worth of Airtags within two years of releasing the tracking device.

Kurt said he and Lana used the AirTag to follow Lenkoff in Lisbon as she reached her next gate.

"We were able to track her movement across the world as she was coming home, and that was a huge relief for us," he said.

Once Lenkoff arrived in California, Kurt said she was medically evacuated to the Stanford Medical Center.

"They pull her out on a gurney and this huge smile comes across her face as she sees her daughter for the first time," he told BI.

Today, Lenkoff is in critical condition

Since arriving at the hospital in California, Kurt told BI that Lenkoff has undergone numerous tests and scans. He said doctors believe she may have also had a heart attack, and while she was at the Stanford Medical Center, she experienced a second stroke.

Kurt said Lenkoff remains in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, the Gieses have continued to try to reach Norwegian. Kurt said two junior staffers have reached out to learn more about what happened, but he said no one from the cruise line had taken responsibility for not contacting Lenkoff's emergency contacts.

Kurt said the experience has taught him and his family that they should not rely on cruise companies to keep passengers safe.

Kurt heard from the Campbells that the group made it back on the ship on Wednesday. When everyone is healthy and back in the US, he said they plan to meet with the Campbells to thank them.

"We truly believe that our mother would've died had she been left to her own devices," Kurt said. "The Campbells are now members of our family. They are the true heroes of this story."

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