This closely follows the company's application to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to resume sailing from the US July 4.
Montego Bay, La Romana, Piraeus
The newly announced cruises will originate in Montego Bay, La Romana and Piraeus.
NCL will initially offer seven-day cruises to the Greek Isles on Norwegian Jade from Piraeus beginning July 25. Seven-day Caribbean itineraries originating in Montego Bay will start Aug. 7 on Norwegian Joy and from La Romana on Norwegian Gem beginning Aug. 15.
Cancellations
All July and August cruises aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Escape, Getaway, Sky, Spirit, Star and Sun were canceled, along with voyages on Norwegian Epic through Sept. 1, and Norwegian Pearl through Nov. 7.
Regent/Oceania plans to come
Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises will announce details on their resumption plans at a future date. Meanwhile, all voyages on these brands with embarkation dates through July were canceled.
Universal vaccination and testing at embarkation
NCL's initial voyages will operate with fully vaccinated passengers and crew in addition to the company's multi-layered SailSAFE health and safety program, which includes universal COVID-19 testing prior to embarkation.
SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council
NCLH also announced the formation of an expert public health council, chaired by former Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, which will complement the work of the Healthy Sail Panel.
'We are excited to unveil our initial plans for the resumption of cruise voyages embarking outside of the US with sailings to the Caribbean and Europe. In addition, we continue to plan for a resumption of cruising from US ports and await further discussion with the CDC regarding our proposal for a July 4 restart to participate in America’s national opening,' said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO, NCLH.
Jamaica hails the news
Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett welcomed NCL's selection of Jamaica. 'I am confident that this important partnership will aid in our effort to rebuild our tourism sector and boost our economy overall,' he said. 'Jamaica is ready for the return of cruise tourism and we have robust protocols in place to ensure a safe, seamless and secure experience.'
These new Caribbean itineraries provide 10 to 11 hours of port time with each sailing featuring only two days at sea and four ports including Harvest Caye, Belize.
Dominican Republic appreciates the trust
In response to NCL's announcement that it would sail from Punta Cana (La Romana) for the first time in its history, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader expressed his appreciation by saying, 'The cruise line's presence this summer reaffirms our commitment to providing a safe destination for travelers. We thank NCL for putting its trust in our country.'
Greek welcome
Norwegian Jade’s Greek Isles itinerary features a new destination every day with eight to nine hours of port time to explore.
Greece Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis warmly welcomed the NCL deployment. 'The diversity and rich color of all our destinations together with our long history, unique culture and famous gastronomy will ensure a remarkable experience for all guests,' he said. 'In 2020, we safely opened tourism and we are working to continue to do the same this year, so travelers go home with memories that they are proud to share and that last a lifetime.'
