Another cruise line is officially back to business.
On Sunday, Norwegian Cruise Line marked its return to sailing when Norwegian Jade set sail on a seven-night cruise from Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens). Not only does this mark Norwegian’s return to service, but it also marks the first time a Norwegian Cruise Line ship has ever homeported in Piraeus.
Calls along the voyage will include Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, and Argostoli. The ship will operate this itinerary through November 2021.
“Welcoming our guests and crew on board has been one of the most memorable moments of my over 30-year career,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are excited to embark on the Great Cruise Comeback with a brand-new itinerary and homeport for our brand, offering our guests an even greater selection of unique vacations at sea.”
Greek Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis added, “We are overjoyed to welcome Norwegian Jade and her guests to Greece. The planned itineraries will offer unique experiences that combine our rich history, bustling culture and famous gastronomy.”
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Norwegian Jade‘s deployment in Piraeus is part of a long-term plan to increase the line’s presence in Europe. Through 2023, Norwegian plans to put nine ships in the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade, and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.
Following Norwegian Jade‘s return to cruising, Norwegian Encore is scheduled to be the first Norwegian ship to resume cruises in the U.S. when she departs Seattle for Alaska on August 7. On August 15, Norwegian Gem is set to depart Miami for the Caribbean, kicking off Norwegian Cruise Line’s resumption of sailings from Florida.
The line will require that all passengers and crew be fully vaccinated through at least October 31, 2021.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Peace of Mind cancellation policy remain in effect for embarkation dates through October 31, 2021. Those booked on these sailings have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a full future cruise credit that can be used for any sailing through December 31, 2022.
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