NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced its highly anticipated return to service, revealing new itineraries sailing Europe and the Caribbean beginning on July 25, 2021.
The company will restart operations at a reduced capacity with its Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Gem ships as the first of its 17-vessel fleet to welcome passengers back onboard.
Travelers long-awaiting a return to cruising will have the chance to spend the summer months exploring sunny beaches and ancient ruins with 7-day cruises to the Greek Isles aboard Norwegian Jade from Piraeus-Athens beginning July 25, 2021. Vacationers can also island-hop with 7-day Caribbean itineraries offered from Montego Bay, Jamaica as of August 7, 2021, aboard Norwegian Joy or from La Romana Dominican Republic (homeporting in Punta Cana) aboard Norwegian Gem beginning August 15, 2021.
Parent company NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings already launched its SailSAFE Health and Safety program. Norwegian Cruise Line also announced its SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council (“the Council”) comprised of 6 experts at the forefront of their fields.
NCL has been working closely with destination partners to help provide not only a safe cruise vacation but an exceptional experience for its guests.
The new Caribbean itineraries provide passengers with 10 to 11 hours of port time with each voyage featuring only 2 days at sea and 4 distinct ports of call. Passengers embarking on sailings from Montego Bay, Jamaica on Norwegian Joy enjoy a visit to Harvest Caye, NCL’s private resort destination in Belize.
Passengers sailing aboard the Greek Isles itinerary of Norwegian Jade this summer/beginning of fall visit a new destination every day with 8 to 9 hours of port time.
In conjunction with the return to service announcement, NCL canceled all July & August itineraries aboard NCL Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Escape, Getaway, Sky, Star, Spirit, and Sun. Cruises aboard Norwegian Epic through September 1, 2021, and Norwegian Pearl through November 7, 2021 have also been canceled.
NCL also extended its Peace of Mind cancelation policy to passengers sailing on cruises booked by April 30 with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021. These passengers have the flexibility to cancel their voyage 15 days before departure. Those who take advantage of the temporary policy receive a full refund in the form of an FCC (future cruise credit) which may be applied to any cruise through December 31, 2022. Final payment for all sailings with embarkations through October 31, 2021, will require payment 60 days before embarkation versus the standard 120 days.