NCL Breakaway suffers steering hitch outside New York
A cruise ship returning to New York after a Caribbean cruise had to be towed to port after getting stuck on the Hudson River.
A Coast Guard tug vessel towed the 4,500 passenger Norwegian Breakaway to its Manhattan homeport after apparent steering and propulsion problems.
It caused a three-hour delay in docking as the Coast Guard waited for suitable tide conditions.
Norwegian Cruise Line spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews called it a minor glitch – only a "small, technical maintenance item on one of the two azipods."
The ship was returning after a seven-day cruise of the Bahamas and Florida.
It is the ship’s first major technical hitch since coming into service almost exactly a year ago and this week celebrates the first anniversary of its launch.
Passengers described the scene as "a little chaotic" as people waited in line for hours to disembark with tempers boiling over and scuffles breaking out.
The line also released a statement advising passengers that the following Bermuda voyage, scheduled for departure Sunday at 2pm, would be delayed by three hours.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations