BARCELONA — NCL is apologizing after it was forced to cancel the July 5 sailing of Norwegian Pearl due to technical issues, a snafu that also saw the abrupt end of the ship’s 13-day sailing days ahead of schedule.

More than 2,000 Norwegian Pearl passengers, originally scheduled to finish their cruise in Rome on July 5, ended up disembarking in Barcelona on July 2 instead.

The ship was sailing a 13-day cruise from Northern Europe to the Med when it experienced a mechanical issued that necessitated sailing at reduced speed, according to a statement from NCL. Earlier in the week passengers were given the option to either end their cruise in Barcelona or sail to Rome, however the decision was later made to disembark everyone in Barcelona.

NCL’s original statement said that guests onboard the stricken sailing would be given a 50% cash refund and a 50% future cruise credit, both based on the original cruise fare paid. NCL had also said it would cover up to US$300 in flight change fees.

Meanwhile guests schedule to sail on the July 5 itinerary, now cancelled, will receive a 100% refund and a 100% future cruise credit, based on the original cruise fare paid, plus up to US$300 in flight change fees.

“We are truly sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience our guests have experienced as a result of this unforeseen mechanical situation,” said NCL.