When the Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings at the Port of Catania, Italy, on May 30, 2025, chaos swept through what was supposed to be a routine port call. Strong winds ripped the ship from the pier, tearing concrete bollards from their foundations and sending them crashing against the hull. With the vessel forced to perform emergency maneuvers offshore, over 3,000 guests were left stranded on land in a fast-developing situation.

Amid this confusion, a powerful story of leadership and compassion emerged. Crew Center received a heartfelt letter from Carlos Eduardo, a member of the ship's Stage Staff, recognizing the extraordinary conduct of Cruise Director Daniel Dornas.

According to Eduardo’s letter, Daniel stood alone on the pier, surrounded by thousands of guests. Despite the lack of clear information and the stress of the moment, he stepped up as a calm, steady presence for hours on end. He became the de facto point of contact between the ship and those left ashore reassuring, organizing, and supporting stranded passengers.

This is the letter Carlos sent us:

I'm writing to you today as Carlos Eduardo, a member of the Stage Staff onboard the Norwegian Epic. I was, like all of us, deeply affected by the unexpected events of May 30th, 2025, when our ship experienced a technical issue that left thousands of passengers stranded at the pier for an extended period.

While the situation was undoubtedly challenging and stressful for everyone involved, I witnessed something truly remarkable that day – the unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership of our Cruise Director, Daniel Dornas.

As Stage Staff, I've seen Daniel in action many times, but on May 30th, he surpassed all expectations. With 3600 guests disembarked and awaiting information, Daniel was at the pier by himself, facing a sea of concerned faces. He didn't just stand there; he became the single point of calm and communication for everyone.

For seven grueling hours, Daniel was on his feet, tirelessly providing updates, even when information was scarce. He personally distributed water to our thirsty guests and, with incredible compassion, went above and beyond to assist disabled passengers, ensuring they were as comfortable and cared for as possible under the circumstances. He managed to maintain a positive and reassuring presence, even as the situation dragged on.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Director Daniel Dornas at the pier helping passengers

In a crisis, true character shines through, and Daniel Dornas proved himself to be a true hero that day. His commitment to guest satisfaction, his ability to manage an incredibly difficult situation with grace and efficiency, and his genuine care for our passengers were nothing short of extraordinary. He truly embodies the spirit of Norwegian Cruise Line and deserves to be formally recognized and awarded for his exceptional actions.

I believe Daniel's actions on May 30th should serve as an example for all. He is a credit to our team, and I'm proud to work alongside him.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this commendation.

Sincerely,
Carlos Eduardo
Stage Staff
Norwegian Epic

In recognizing Daniel Dornas, we not only honor an individual’s incredible response but also highlight the often unseen heroism among cruise ship staff. His dedication and humanity deserve wide acknowledgment—and gratitude from guests, crew, and the broader cruising community alike.