Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Cruise After 500 Day Suspension

Last Sunday, August 25, Norwegian Jade became the first of NCL's 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after a 500 day suspension. Norwegian Jade is the first ship to recommence voyages as part of the Company's larger restart efforts. She also made NCL history as the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus). On Aug. 7, 2021, Norwegian Encore will be the first ship to return to service from the U.S., when she debuts in Seattle for her inaugural season of Alaska cruises.

The cruise line's Peace of Mind cancelation policy remains in effect for cruises with embarkation dates through Oct. 31, 2021. Guests booked on these sailings have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit which may be applied to any sailing through Dec. 31, 2022.

Celebrity Equinox is Fleet's Eighth Ship in Eight Weeks to Begin Sailing

Leading the industry in activating ships after a more than year-long industry hiatus from sailing, Celebrity Equinox departed for the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, capping an exciting eight weeks that saw the brand lead the industry with eight ships back in the water during that time. Celebrity Cruises restarted the North American cruise industry this summer on June 5 with Celebrity Millennium sailing the Caribbean from St. Maarten and quickly followed on June 26 with Celebrity Edge, the first ship to sail from a U.S. port in more than a year.

Eight of the 14 ships within the Celebrity Cruises' fleet have returned to sailing in 2021 and are full steam ahead taking guests to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and the Galapagos.

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line Kick Off Return to Service in the U.S. from the Port of Seattle

Holland America Line kicked off its Alaska season with Nieuw Amsterdam setting sail Saturday, July 24, and Princess Cruises following with Majestic Princess sailing on Sunday, July 25. Each line will operate ten cruises sailing out of Seattle through September. This marks the return to cruising and Alaska for both lines, which combined have more than 125 years of experience bringing cruisers to The Great Land. Historically, one in two guests who cruise to Alaska sail on Princess or Holland America.

Viking Welcomes Guests on Board in Malta

Last week, Viking® celebrated its first Welcome Back sailings in the Mediterranean – the latest milestone in the company's return to service. Previously, guests embarked the award-winning Viking Sea® and sister ship Viking Venus® in the Maltese capital city of Valletta – a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site – where the ships are homeporting this summer. Offered as part of Viking's Welcome Back collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, both ships are sailing three new itineraries sailing roundtrip from Valletta.

Viking restarted the company's ocean operations in May 2021 with sailings in England for British guests. In June, the company welcomed American guests back on board for new journeys around Bermuda and Iceland. This month, Viking has also restarted its European river operations with select itineraries in Portugal and France.