Cruise Line Will Return to Alaska with 11 Week-Long Voyages from Seattle beginning Aug. 7, 2021 Pending CDC Authorization
Responsible resumption and importance of cruise activity in Greece highlighted during NCL’s participation in Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum
The dynamic comeback of cruise travel with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking boundaries, continues as the brand announced that it expects to resume cruise operations from the U.S. beginning Aug. 7, 2021 with week-long voyages from Seattle to Alaska, one of the top cruise destinations among its guests.
The news follows the temporary waiver of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, allowing cruising to Alaska to resume upon obtaining the pending Conditional Sailing Certificate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). In partnership with local governments and guided by the robust protocols of the SailSAFE™ health and safety program, which at its cornerstone includes that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark, travelers will once again be able to explore the “Last Frontier” and all its beauty with NCL.
“Seattle has always been our second home, and we are beyond excited to return to this incredible homeport and to once again bring our guests to Alaska,” said Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. This summer, travelers will be able to recommence their cruise adventures to Alaska with week-long voyages aboard Norwegian Bliss that will sail revised itineraries from Aug. 7, 2021 through Oct. 16, 2021, offering seven to 13 hours of port time in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska. On select sailings, guests will also have the chance to take in the serene views of Glacier Bay National Park or the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjord.
NCL’s return to Alaska follows the announcement of the redeployment of 5 of the brand’s 17 ships beginning from July, sailing new and revised itineraries in Europe and The Caribbean, as part of its return to service plans. As of July 25, 2021 guests will be able to cruise the Greek Isles with seven-night itineraries on Norwegian Jade from Athens (Piraeus), highlighting the importance of Greece as a cruise destination for NCL as well as the cruise industry in total.
Kevin Bubolz, Managing Director Europe of NCL, laid emphasis on the brand’s cruise activity in Greece during his participation to the 6th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, the international Conference & Exhibition dedicated to cruising and sea tourism in the East Mediterranean, that took place on Tuesday 25 May 2021, in a digital environment. Mr. Bubolz also stressed that NCL will continue with its thoughtful approach to redeploying its fleet, working with destination partners and the leading experts of the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council. The Council will regularly evaluate the robust protocols of the SailSAFE health and safety program and make science-based decisions to protect guests, crew and the destinations the NCL fleet visits.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please visit www.ncl.com.
