<p>Norwegian Cruise Line says a problem with the propulsion system on the Norwegian Pearl is forcing the ship to operate at reduced speeds. </p><p>The line says the slowdown will affect more than a half dozen upcoming cruises on the 2,394-passenger vessel before the company is able to fix the problem in an emergency dry dock planned for late October. </p><p>To make room for the dry dock the company is canceling the Pearl's seven-night Western Caribbean sailing scheduled for Oct. 26. </p><p>Norwegian says it found the problem -- described as wear in a thrust bearing in the ship's Azipod propulsion system -- during a routine inspection. It isn't the first time there have been problems with Azipod systems -- an advanced thruster system found on a number of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Cunard, Costa and Norwegian ships.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>&quot;At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests is our number one priority,&quot; the line said today in a statement. &quot;The Azipod issues reducing the ship&rsquo;s speed in no way impact the safe operation of the vessel.&quot;&nbsp; </p><p>The following Norwegian Pearl itineraries have been modified as a result of the reduced speed:</p><p>-- The seven-night Alaska sailings on Sept. 1, Sept. 7, Sept. 14. Calls in Victoria, British Colombia have been shortened and, as a result, passengers will not be allowed to disembark.</p><p>-- The 19-night Panama Canal sailing from Seattle to Miami on Sept. 21. Calls in San Francisco and Los Angeles have been cancelled, and a stop in Huatulco, Mexico has been added. The timing of stops in Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Cartagena, Colombia have been altered slightly. NCL is offering passengers on the trip an on-board credit of $50 per person (maximum $100 per stateroom).</p><p>-- The seven-night Western Caribbean sailings from Miami on Oct. 12 and Oct. 19. Calls in Roatan, Honduras are now from 11 am to 7 pm instead of 8 am to 5 pm.</p><p>Norwegian is offering passengers booked on the canceled Oct. 26 sailing a full refund and a 25% future cruise credit based on the cruise fare paid on the sailing (good on any NCL ship through Oct. 26, 2009).</p>