Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has returned to cruising after a 500-day suspension as the Norwegian Jade welcomed guests on 25JUL 2021 in Athens (Piraeus), Greece.
The ship is the first of NCL’s 17-ship fleet to welcome guests, and is the first NCL vessel to homeport in Piraeus.
Norwegian Jade will take guests on Greek Isles itineraries until NOV 2021 as it visits new destinations every day. Guests have the chance to spend eight-to-nine hours exploring destinations such as Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini.
"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."
Norwegian Jade’s deployment in Athens is part of NCL’s long-term strategy to increase its brand presence in Europe as one of its most popular cruise destinations. Through 2023, NCL plans on positioning nine ships throughout the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.
According to Sommer, the first Greek Isles voyages sold out shortly after the announcement that the brand would return to the region. Due to the high demand, NCL will be expanding its Greek sailings with seven ships in 2023.
Norwegian Jade is the first NCL ship to restart voyages in 2021. On 07AUG, the Norwegian Encore will be the first of the brand’s ships to return to service in the U.S., sailing from Seattle to Alaska.
For more information on NCL’s restart efforts, click here.
For information on NCL’s restart aboard Norwegian Jade, click here.
