Norwegian Cruise Line’s difficulty in staffing the Pride of America in Hawaii has led to NCL bumping guests to maintain practical capacity levels. 

The Pride of America was already sailing at less than half capacity due to staffing issues, executives said last month. NCL declared the ship was sold out through October with a capacity cap below 50%, or around 1,200 guests.

The ship normally sails with 930 crew but had been sailing with just under 550 crew members, executives said. 

Even with a cap in place, some guests were informed that their reservations were being canceled. On Tuesday, an NCL spokesman said, “For guests currently booked on Pride of America for voyages that surpass current capacity levels, we will help them rebook new reservations for available voyages across the fleet and we will compensate them for this unfortunate turn of events.” 

Cruise Industry News reported that affected customers will automatically receive a full refund in the form of payment provided at the time of reservation, a future cruise credit valued at 100% of the cruise’s original cost, and coverage of airline cancellation or change fees of up to $500 per person. 

Labor issues during the industry’s restart have hampered cruise lines as they try to return to normal operations. Holland America Line has had to shuffle crew members between ships and loan dining staff to Carnival Cruise Line, according to Michael Smith, HAL’s senior vice president of guest experience. 

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