Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced a restart of operations in Europe from its homeports of Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia) with previously scheduled itineraries in the Mediterranean and Greece starting September 5, 2021.
Guided by the robust protocols of the SailSAFE™ Health and Safety Program and in close collaboration with local authorities, NCL plans to welcome travelers back to experience the warmest and most vibrant cultures and destinations in Spain, Italy, and Greece. Currently scheduled to sail from Barcelona, the Norwegian Epic will sail seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from September 5, 2021, to October 24, 2021, and the Norwegian Getaway will combine 10- to 11-day Greek island cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia) from September 13, 2021, to October 25, 2021. With five to eight ports of call, up to 13 hours in each city, and no more than two days at sea, guests can spend their days exploring ancient ruins and medieval architecture, admiring masterpieces of art, or simply savoring local cuisine.
“Europe is a top tourist destination, so we are eager to return to some of our most beloved homeports, resume those itineraries, and welcome our guests back to experience the vacation of a lifetime in the safest way possible,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are actively working with our local partners and government authorities as we plan to resume sailing in the region with the Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway joining the Norwegian Jade this summer. The relaunch of the Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway will allow us to offer an even wider variety of highly sought-after itineraries for those travelers preparing for their first cruise vacation in over a year.”.
Reaffirming the company’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience at sea, Line will debut the new The Haven by Norwegian resort aboard the Norwegian Epic, following an extensive refurbishment in Marseille, France, in late 2020. The Norwegian Epic was the first in the fleet to introduce the “ship within a ship” concept in 2010, offering keycard access, exclusive services, and the most luxurious staterooms on board. The recent refurbishment features 75 renovated and upgraded suites combined with redesigned experiences, including The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Courtyard Pool and Sundeck. The Norwegian Epic boasts one of the largest The Haven resorts in the fleet.
“While we haven’t been able to connect with our guests at sea, we’ve used the past year to prepare for their return by investing in our fleet and onboard offerings,” Sommer said. “The redesign of the Norwegian Epic is a testament to our unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and raising the bar for excellence across our entire fleet.”.
Following the successful global debut this month of “EMBARK – The Series,” the five-part documentary series chronicling the company’s highly anticipated return, comes the second episode, “Second to None,” set to premiere on Friday, May 21, 2021. The episode will delve deeper into health and safety, the evolution of the Company’s culinary offerings, and the complexities of operating one of the world’s largest touring production companies. It will provide insights into the safety protocols for guests and crew being implemented both onboard and ashore, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the Company’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Viewers will get a preview of the sweeping changes being implemented to help ensure everyone’s safety without sacrificing the thrilling experience guests have come to know and love. The episode will also take viewers to New York City, specifically to John Kristiansen's custom costume shop, where the designer masterfully creates costumes for the company's Broadway and West End productions. Kristiansen shares his story about how the temporary pause in the entertainment and cruise industries has impacted his team and normal operations, and how they are overcoming these extraordinary circumstances to return better than ever. Viewers will also be seated for a private tasting of the revamped menu at the onboard specialty restaurant, Le Bistro, alongside the company's executive leadership team, including Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Chairman and CEO Frank Del Rio and Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Harry Sommer.
Along with today’s redeployment announcement, the company has canceled all sailings on Norwegian Bliss and Pride of America through July 31, 2021; Norwegian Getaway through September 2, 2021; Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit, and Norwegian Star through September 30, 2021; Norwegian Sun through October 7, 2021; Norwegian Escape through October 10, 2021; Norwegian Breakaway through October 17, 2021; and Norwegian Gem from October 29 through November 17, 2021. Guests and travel partners with affected bookings will be contacted directly.
Starting today, the Company has announced the redeployment of five of its 17 ships, beginning July 25, 2021, sailing new and revised itineraries in Europe and the Caribbean, as part of its return-to-service plans. Guests will be able to cruise the Greek islands with seven-night itineraries on the Norwegian Jade departing from Athens (Piraeus) beginning July 25, 2021. Cruises aboard the Norwegian Getaway will offer 10- to 11-day voyages departing from Rome (Civitavecchia) from September 13, 2021, through October 25, 2021. In addition, week-long Western Mediterranean itineraries will be available on the Norwegian Epic from Barcelona between September 5, 2021, and October 24, 2021. The Company will also resume Caribbean cruises on August 7, 2021, with week-long Western Caribbean itineraries aboard the Norwegian Joy from Montego Bay, Jamaica, and seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages from Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic, on the Norwegian Gem. As these first ships prepare to welcome guests back on board, the Company expects to announce further redistributions in the near future.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also extended its Peace of Mind temporary cancellation policy to guests sailing on cruises with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021. These guests have the flexibility to cancel their cruise up to 15 days prior to departure. Those who take advantage of the Peace of Mind policy will receive a full refund in the form of cruise credit, which can be applied to any voyage through December 31, 2022.
