Norwegian plans to return to service from July

Published on : Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it is planning to return to service, with new itineraries sailing Europe and the Caribbean, from July 25. The line will restart operations at a reduced capacity with Norwegian Jade, Joy and Gem as the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests back on board. Travellers will be able to take seven-day cruises to the Greek Isles on Norwegian Jade from Athens (Piraeus) beginning on July 25.

There will also be trips around the Caribbean on Norwegian Joy from Montego Bay in Jamaica from August 7, and from Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic, on Norwegian Gem from August 15. Ships will initially sail at 60 per cent capacity. Alongside the return to service announcement, Norwegian extended the suspension of trips onboard Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Escape, Getaway, Sky, Spirit, Star and Sun until at least the end of August. In addition, Norwegian Epic will not sail before September 1, while trips on Norwegian Pearl have been cancelled until at least November 7.

Harry Sommer, Chief Executive, Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement that over a year after initially suspending sailings, the time has finally come when the company can provide loyal guests with the news of the great cruise comeback. He informed that the line has been working diligently towards resumption of operations, focusing on the guest experience with health and safety at the forefront.

He also mentioned that vaccine combined with science-backed health and safety protocols, will help the cruise line provide guests with the healthiest and safest vacation at sea. Sommer said all guests sailing aboard cruises with embarkation dates before the end of October will be required to be fully vaccinated and tested prior to boarding a ship.