Norwegian Getaway will spend the first night of its latest Bahamas cruise alongside at PortMiami while the ship participates in commissioning work for the port’s shore-power system.
The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is scheduled to begin a four-night voyage from Miami on 24 August 2026. However, instead of departing at its original time of 16:00, the ship is expected to remain at the terminal overnight and sail at approximately 03:00 on 25 August.
Norwegian told booked guests that the adjustment supports PortMiami’s continuing sustainability work. The cruise has not been cancelled and its scheduled calls in the Bahamas are expected to proceed.
Guests should board at their original time
According to the notice sent to passengers and reported by the cruise press, guests should arrive at PortMiami during their previously assigned check-in windows.
Only one gangway is expected to be available during the commissioning activity, but Norwegian said its team would be present to assist with the embarkation process.
Once passengers have boarded, they will not be permitted to leave the ship for an evening ashore in Miami. Guests should therefore complete any shopping, dining or other arrangements in the city before entering the terminal.
The vessel’s later departure is not expected to alter its advertised calls at Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay. The original schedule already included time at sea after departure from Miami, providing operational scope for the ship to reach the Bahamas following the overnight stay.
What is shore power?
Shore power allows a cruise ship to connect to the local electricity grid while berthed. The vessel can then switch off the engines or generators normally used to provide electricity for lighting, refrigeration, ventilation and other hotel and technical services.
The system can reduce local air emissions and noise while a ship is in port. The environmental benefit depends partly upon the source of the electricity supplied by the grid, but connecting a compatible ship removes the need to generate all of its power onboard during the port stay.
Commissioning is the process through which new or adapted infrastructure is tested and verified before entering routine use. It may require an extended period alongside while the ship, landside equipment, safety systems and electrical connection are checked together.
PortMiami’s five-berth programme
Miami-Dade County describes the shore-power project as a partnership between PortMiami, Florida Power & Light and cruise companies including Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group and Virgin Voyages.
PortMiami has constructed shore-power capability at five cruise berths. These include Terminal B, Norwegian Cruise Line’s distinctive “Pearl of Miami” terminal, alongside facilities serving Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Miami-Dade County originally announced plans to make Terminal B and selected homeported vessels shore-power ready in 2021. The terminal was designed with sustainability measures and subsequently received LEED Gold certification.
A changed sailaway rather than a changed cruise
For passengers, the most visible difference will be the absence of the traditional afternoon sailaway from Miami. Guests will instead spend the evening onboard while the ship remains at the berth, with departure expected during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The adjustment is separate from any cancellation or weather-related disruption. At the time of publication, Norwegian’s passenger communication indicated that the advertised destinations would remain unchanged.
Passenger guidance: Guests should follow the arrival time and instructions in their own Norwegian Cruise Line documentation. Operational timings and port calls can change, and information supplied directly by the cruise line takes priority.