Spirit Engine solution, your thoughts?

[MrsLeo]

We just found out through the grapevine that NCL has informed people who are sailing the NCL Spirit anytime between now and March 23 that they are altering some of the itinerary until the problem gets fixed. So it leaves those of us sailing on the Spirit wondering what their real plans are. Do you think that...

 

 

a. They're just stalling, so they can cancel the two week repo cruise March 30 and make the needed repairs then.

 

b. They don't have a clue what they're going to do and are waiting for divine intervention

 

c. They'll be able to fix it on the fly and it will be repaired before March 23

 

d. They'll just leave it as-is until the next scheduled dry dock in 2011.

 

e. Something completely different

 

Weigh in with your thoughts.

[Giventofly]

Is it me, or is this class of ships plagued by more engine issues than other ship classes? Is it the design? The Azipods??? What's the deal NCL?

[jp2001]

My guess is a)

 

Unfortunately for the people booked for the repo cruise, I think they will shorten that cruise (maybe even reposition without ports of call) in order to get of few days to have it repaired before it starts the new season.

 

JMHO

[sheila77]

My guess is

 

b. They don't have a clue what they're going to do and are waiting for divine intervention

 

 

The sad part is that is appears you have come up with more solutions than NCL!!!!

 

I just wish they would send everyone booked the same info and give us all the OBC - not just the sailings for the next two weeks.

 

This seems like a very long time to repair an engine. But I am not a mechanic - I am just someone who wants to get what they booked.

[electricron]

Is it me, or is this class of ships plagued by more engine issues than other ship classes? Is it the design? The Azipods??? What's the deal NCL?

 

The Spirit doesn't have Azipods, so that isn't the problem.

 

When people say there's an engine problem, that means a problem with one of the diesel generators, not with the propulsion motors and propellers.

 

The Spirit has four Man B&W 14V48/60 diesel engines, each developing 14,700kW at 514rev/min and driving ABB synchronous generators. For propulsion, two ABB reversible synchronous electric motors, each developing 20,000kW at 123/rev/min, are installed. Each transmit their power via shaft lines to a five-bladed fixed-pitch skew propeller. Electrical installation is designed so that in the event of any single failure of the power generation the ship's propulsion, auxiliary systems and hotel services remain operational. But the maximum speed of the Spirit drops.

 

To run the propulsion motors at full speed, 40,000 kW is required. Three of the diesel generators can supply 44,100 kW. If NCL was willing to drop the hotel load down to 4,100 kW; by turning off lights, casino machines, freezers, air conditioning, elevators, water filtration systems, sewage treatment systems, etc.; they could still achieve maximum speed. But I don't think the passengers would be happy without basic hotel services.

 

As for how long it will take to repair the diesel generator set, assuming it's the diesel, it depends upon what is broken. Some parts are readily available, others might require building from scratch. Back in 2004, or was it 2005, it took NCL and the diesel vendor months to fix a diesel engine aboard the Dream that broke its camshaft and threw a rod. Let's hope the problem with the Spirit's diesel engine isn't as bad.

 

If you recall when NCL changed the Spirit's itinerary to include Roatan after Costa Maya was ramsacked by a hurricane, I wrote that the Spirit would have to travel at almost full speed to get there and was surprised NCL actually attempted this itinerary.

 

Putting it into prespective, your car may reach 90 or even 100 mph at full speed, but how long do you think it can go 90 to 100 mph before breaking down?

 

P.S.

I've read somewhere, I don't know if it's true or not, that NCL has fixed the diesel engine already. What's slowing the Spirit down now is that they have a damaged propeller. I don't know what caused the propeller to be damaged, or if it may be just a bent main shaft. But there aren't any spare fixed pitched propellers this large lying around, it would have to be forged at a foundry, machined at a mill, shipped to a shipyard, and a drydock to install a new propeller. These propellers weigh up to 25 tons, there's no way a team of divers can install one with the ship at wet dock.

[SunniLicious]

Personally, I think the way it's unfolded shows they are trying to find a solution. Two cruises missed a port entirely - 12/23 and 12/30. I believe attempts were made to repair the engine during both those trips. When those attempts failed, the inability to cruise full-speed led to the slight itinerary change for the remainder of the Caribbean cruising season: arriving in Roatan two hours later than planned. Those of us on the 1/6 and 1/13 sailings (in addition to 12/23 and 12/30) will receive OBCs, from what I have seen those sailing 1/20 and later will not receive an OBC but have, however, been offered the opportunity to cancel with a full refund. Given the plethora of ships in the Caribbean this winter, a full refund seems fair enough and those affected could choose another itinerary, even another line if they wanted.

 

Seems obvious to me NCL's been unable to fix the issue while still sailing the itinerary each week, and has chosen not to cancel a week altogether but instead to keep to the itinerary as closely as possible while awaiting the definitive repair. My hunch would be that repair occurs instead of, or during, the repo cruise before the Spirit's back in her summer home.

 

As someone heartily looking forward to being onboard the Spirit in just three days, I have no intention of this keeping me from having a kick-ass vacation. :cool:

[Don Haynes]

I read a review which stated that the engine is fixed. The problem now is a propeller. I think once the propeller arrives in New Orleans, NCL will use divers to replace the new propeller for the old one in a few hours when it is docked there. Unlike car parts, a new propeller will have to be ordered, milled, and shipped from Germany. I would expect at least a month, possibly two months for this process to be completed. A new propeller doesn't sit in a New Orleans store.

[greywillow]

The Spirit doesn't have Azipods, so that isn't the problem.

You didn't think a complete lack of knowledge would keep some from speculating, did you, Ron?;)

 

I'd be interested in hearing from Giventofly which others in Spirit's "class of ships" have had similar engine problems.

[Don Haynes]

I believe the Spirit uses similar MAN engines the Star class uses, from Mercedes Benz. The Spirit only has one sister ship, the Superstar Virgo. She hasn't had engine problems, but the Virgo is a year newer than the Spirit. The Spirit is only nine years in age, and she has never had engine problems before the small fire recently. On the other hand, the Star and Dawn, and I think the Jewel, have had azipod problems. I assume the Pride of America, Jade, Pearl and Gem will in the future as they have similar azipods, most likely before nine years in age. It seems the azipods don't last too many years before they have trouble. After nine years, the Spirit has done well considering.

[firebuffgal]

slight itinerary change for the remainder of the Caribbean cruising season: arriving in Roatan two hours later than planned.

This is still the case. I received the email yesterday indicating that we would arrive 2 hours late in Roatan. No other itinerary changes. Our party of 6 are still going. If it were just me and hubby, then I might consider getting a refund but 2 hours less in one port isn't worth it and the hassle for the 6 of us.

[leagleze]

I guess what bothers me more than anything is that manner in which I have learned of this problem...which is to say through the forum. I then contacted my TA. She leaned on NCL to try to squeeze out some credit or an upgrade or something and was sternly told "no". My thought is that NCL has my email address, I've filled out all my on-line stuff, printed my boarding pass etc. so it's not like they can't find me to tell me this. Obviously they're relying on my TA to get ahold of me, but frankly, I don't believe that it is her problem to notify me right away...I'm buying a product from NCL and I think they have a responsibility to advise us asap of any problems, not waiting for a "middle man" to do it.

 

I am actually more concerned about my shore excursion being cancelled all together which will leave us in the streets of Hondouras after dark which may not be exactly where I want to be. I may have to sail from Tampa on Carnival...guess we'll stay tuned ...

[pgh]

Last January, shortly after departing Antigua, the Spirit decided she really didn't want to leave, so after a big cloud of black smoke, she stopped and we drifted back to Antigua for a while.

 

We maintained our course, however the itinerary was altered by late arrivals only (in some ports we were given extended stays to make up for the arrival times).

 

Ultimately, it was a prop shaft issue that had a temporary domino effect. The head engineer for the Super Star Leo at Meyer Werft, is now employed by NCL, and he was flown to Barbados to meet the ship and assess the issue - so long story short, I believe NCL does know what it is doing with the ship and divine intervention is out as an option.

 

If it is a prop blade issue, let's just hope they don't take the Celebrity Millenium route after it was damaged this past summer - talk about a disaster!

 

Pam

[Don Haynes]

I guess what bothers me more than anything is that manner in which I have learned of this problem...which is to say through the forum. I then contacted my TA. She leaned on NCL to try to squeeze out some credit or an upgrade or something and was sternly told "no". My thought is that NCL has my email address, I've filled out all my on-line stuff, printed my boarding pass etc. so it's not like they can't find me to tell me this. Obviously they're relying on my TA to get ahold of me, but frankly, I don't believe that it is her problem to notify me right away...I'm buying a product from NCL and I think they have a responsibility to advise us asap of any problems, not waiting for a "middle man" to do it.

 

I am actually more concerned about my shore excursion being cancelled all together which will leave us in the streets of Hondouras after dark which may not be exactly where I want to be. I may have to sail from Tampa on Carnival...guess we'll stay tuned ...

 

Well, you don't expect any cruise line to advertise a ship has mechanical difficulties do you? They do send a notice the day before your cruise. They do work on the problem, its just sometimes a part can take time to mill and ship, and sometimes a part is readily available.

 

Sometimes they are able to fix the problem at sea and at a port. Other times they can only fix the problem during a dry dock. Drydocks aren't available like a garage. Drydocks have to be scheduled, sometimes a month will have to pass before a drydock becomes available. Ships aren't cars.

[PGHenry]

My thought is that NCL has my email address, I've filled out all my on-line stuff, printed my boarding pass etc. so it's not like they can't find me to tell me this. Obviously they're relying on my TA to get ahold of me, but frankly, I don't believe that it is her problem to notify me right away...

 

 

I agree. I had the same issue. I called my TA to pay the balance on my March 23 trip and he had just received the same announcement. Note, though, when I look up my trip online, it still has us in Roatan at 1pm and they are selling excursions on the basis that we'd be there early afternoon. When I called NCL directly, the lady literally conflicted herself saying only the January itineraries had been "changed" but that it will affect the cruises through March 23. Huh?? What does that mean?

 

The thing is, Roatan was a late addition to the cruise when the Costa Maya area got "hurricaned", so we should be happy they bothered to add a port when they really didn't have to. I'm pretty disappointed. It will seem like 2 solid days at sea and the kids may get bored at the start. At this point, securing a substitute trip would be much more expensive because of the timing. So, it seems my hands are tied to just "take it." These things happen. The world is not perfect. I don't judge customer service based on whether a company ever makes mistakes or things go bad, but how they deal with issues when they arise. Right now, NCL is blowing it on that end for me.

[firebuffgal]

I wonder what will happen to the shore excursions? Like the Dolphin experience or the zip line one?

[tcrny]

I'm just hearing about this for the first time tonight. Have they mentioned anything about cruises in April? From what I read on these boards it mentioned cruises now thru 3/23. We are booked for 4/19 sailing out of NYC. I haven't done my online registration yet, so they wouldn't have my email address. Has there been any word about completely canceling any cruises yet? That would be very sad. :(

[mw12010]

My thoughts are what an opportune time to make sure repairs are done and completed YEP REPO:March 30th thru April 13th.

 

How can NCL send out letters to booked and paid in full passengers now stipulating an exsisting problem up till March 23rd? I think they know exactly what thier intentions are and how long they will need to make repairs.

Can't blame NCL for ship breakdowns, but you can for their misleading conduct.:rolleyes:

Yes I can cancel before paid in FULL. But I booked this repo cruise for many reasons, ports, duration and $$$. I have been frantically searching for another with similiarities. But the price will be substantially higher for cruise and air at this time.

Well maybe its just my luck, last year it was the Dawn.

 

Wait N See :(

[familyof4cruising]

I think Ncl is waiting to see what will happen ( with order parts- time to fix etc...) BUT I feel as soon as they know anything they should contact everyone immediately. The last thing they want to do is cancel a sailing, but just give us the cruisers enough time to find an alternative if necessary.

 

People complaining about a $50 on board credit, should be relieved that their well planned and deserved vacation was not cancelled. Missing a Port of calls happens often, and arriving a few hours late - it just an inconvenience rather then a GREAT disappointment!

[Smellytoes]

I think Ncl is waiting to see what will happen ( with order parts- time to fix etc...) BUT I feel as soon as they know anything they should contact everyone immediately. The last thing they want to do is cancel a sailing, but just give us the cruisers enough time to find an alternative if necessary.

 

People complaining about a $50 on board credit, should be relieved that their well planned and deserved vacation was not cancelled. Missing a Port of calls happens often, and arriving a few hours late - it just an inconvenience rather then a GREAT disappointment!

 

Most of us would have a huge problem trying to reschedule a cancelled cruise the week of 4/19. We booked this cruise because it was our kids spring break. It's not like we can just go some other week.:mad:

[familyof4cruising]

Most of us would have a huge problem trying to reschedule a cancelled cruise the week of 4/19. We booked this cruise because it was our kids spring break. It's not like we can just go some other week.:mad:

 

 

Me too it is my kids spring break. The last thing I want to do is stay home!LOL

 

A cruise from FL is cheaper then what we paid , we will just take a big hit on airfare. In either case it is a HUGE disappointement for whomever this happens to. We should all calm down ,because it may be fixed without dry dock . No one knows WHAT REALLY IS WRONG?

 

Am I worried ? sure! just because it happened on the Dawn last year - it could happen again on the Spirit.

[ctdahlquist]

 

To run the propulsion motors at full speed, 40,000 kW is required. Three of the diesel generators can supply 44,100 kW. If NCL was willing to drop the hotel load down to 4,100 kW; by turning off lights, casino machines, freezers, air conditioning, elevators, water filtration systems, sewage treatment systems, etc.; they could still achieve maximum speed. But I don't think the passengers would be happy without basic hotel services.

 

P.S.

I've read somewhere, I don't know if it's true or not, that NCL has fixed the diesel engine already. What's slowing the Spirit down now is that they have a damaged propeller. I don't know what caused the propeller to be damaged, or if it may be just a bent main shaft. But there aren't any spare fixed pitched propellers this large lying around, it would have to be forged at a foundry, machined at a mill, shipped to a shipyard, and a drydock to install a new propeller. These propellers weigh up to 25 tons, there's no way a team of divers can install one with the ship at wet dock.

 

You seem to know what you are talking about, so here is another question for you...

 

If, indeed, the diesel engine is now fixed, but the problem lies with the propeller, is it possible for the engine to continue to run and generate electricity without engaging the propulsion? This would be like having your car in neutral. If the engine is actually operational, then can this engine take on the responsibility for onboard electricity while the other three concentrate on propulsion?

 

I'm actually surprised that with one propeller down, the ship can actually make it to Roatan only two hours late! This seems amazing to me.

[ctdahlquist]

Yes, those scheduled for the repo and later cruises do have a legitimate concern, but I'm of the opinion that those of us traveling from NOLA are pretty lucky. If the worst that happens is arriving two hours late in Roatan, then this will actually be one of the more successful itineraries for me. Consider what I have been through:

 

- Cancelled cruise on the HAL Amsterdam due to Norwalk virus

- 8 day cruise on Carnival Spirit with only two port days due to high seas preventing docking in one of the ports

- Missing two days in Bermuda due to engine problems on the NCL Majesty then sailing in a gale back to the states. Lightning strikes the ship and affects navigation.

- High winds in Ft. Lauderdale prevent the MSC Opera from leaving port on time, and we almost miss our stop in San Juan (a couple hours, at most in port).

 

So, this kind of thing happens all the time, and I almost EXPECT something to happen. From my experience, it has happened on NCL, HAL, Carnival and MSC. The most perfect cruise I've ever taken was actually on the NCL Spirit back in January 2005.

 

Arriving two hour late? That is a real cake walk!

[shark&minnow]

I guess what bothers me more than anything is that manner in which I have learned of this problem...which is to say through the forum. I then contacted my TA. She leaned on NCL to try to squeeze out some credit or an upgrade or something and was sternly told "no". My thought is that NCL has my email address, I've filled out all my on-line stuff, printed my boarding pass etc. so it's not like they can't find me to tell me this. Obviously they're relying on my TA to get ahold of me, but frankly, I don't believe that it is her problem to notify me right away...I'm buying a product from NCL and I think they have a responsibility to advise us asap of any problems, not waiting for a "middle man" to do it.

 

I am actually more concerned about my shore excursion being cancelled all together which will leave us in the streets of Hondouras after dark which may not be exactly where I want to be. I may have to sail from Tampa on Carnival...guess we'll stay tuned ...

 

I booked directly with NCL, not a TA. NCL Emailed and called me several days ago with the info and the offer of a full refund. I suppose NCL doesn't want to undermine the TA by going around them to contact the customer.

[Smellytoes]

Yes, those scheduled for the repo and later cruises do have a legitimate concern, but I'm of the opinion that those of us traveling from NOLA are pretty lucky. If the worst that happens is arriving two hours late in Roatan, then this will actually be one of the more successful itineraries for me. Consider what I have been through:

 

- Cancelled cruise on the HAL Amsterdam due to Norwalk virus

- 8 day cruise on Carnival Spirit with only two port days due to high seas preventing docking in one of the ports

- Missing two days in Bermuda due to engine problems on the NCL Majesty then sailing in a gale back to the states. Lightning strikes the ship and affects navigation.

- High winds in Ft. Lauderdale prevent the MSC Opera from leaving port on time, and we almost miss our stop in San Juan (a couple hours, at most in port).

 

So, this kind of thing happens all the time, and I almost EXPECT something to happen. From my experience, it has happened on NCL, HAL, Carnival and MSC. The most perfect cruise I've ever taken was actually on the NCL Spirit back in January 2005.

 

Arriving two hour late? That is a real cake walk!

 

Remind me never to book a cruise with you. lol:D

[aprilwaters]

I'm on the 3/30 repo cruise. there is no way I can plan or find another cruise at this time. This bites so bad I can't stand it. I just wish I could find out one way or another. The wait and worry is going to drive me insane, never mind that I'll have to let my MIL know. I already canceled one cruise (celebrity) for this one.Can't book that one 'cause the price shot up sky high. oh my oh my what to do