Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that it will no longer call at Costa Maya, Mexico, during the Norwegian Escape’s seven-night Western Caribbean voyage scheduled to depart on January 11, 2026.

The itinerary update was communicated directly to guests who had already booked the sailing. According to the cruise line, the change is due to port availability issues at Costa Maya, which is a popular stop for Caribbean cruises.

The Norwegian Escape, a Breakaway-Plus Class ship that entered service in 2015, will be sailing roundtrip from New Orleans on this itinerary. Originally, the voyage included visits to ports in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize, along with two days spent cruising at sea.

In a message to affected guests, Norwegian Cruise Line explained that itinerary changes are never made lightly. The company acknowledged the time and effort travelers put into planning vacations and emphasized that passenger experience remains a priority whenever adjustments are necessary.

“Every now and then, unexpected changes like port availability can shake up even the best-laid plans. While we work closely with port authorities to lock in every detail well in advance, circumstances may still shift, and sometimes we are informed that space is no longer available,” the cruise line noted.

Norwegian also highlighted that while Costa Maya will no longer be on the route, the updated itinerary brings some added benefits. Guests can expect extended time ashore in Roatán, Honduras, and Harvest Caye, Belize. The line said these changes will allow travelers “greater opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy the local culture and natural beauty” at both destinations.

Along with the port modifications, the itinerary will also see slight adjustments in timing for Cozumel, Mexico. The ship is now scheduled to leave New Orleans earlier than originally planned and will include an extra sea day as part of the voyage.

Costa Maya itself is undergoing a significant transformation. Earlier this year, the Royal Caribbean Group took over operations of the port and announced plans to convert it into “Perfect Day Mexico,” a private-style destination modeled after its popular Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. The reimagined port experience is set to debut in 2027.

For guests booked on the Norwegian Escape’s 2026 sailing, the revised schedule ensures continued access to some of the Western Caribbean’s most popular destinations, along with more relaxed time at sea.

Norwegian reiterated that while itinerary changes are sometimes unavoidable, the company remains committed to delivering memorable cruise vacations.