Norwegian Cruise Line Adds More Sailings to Summer Return

Norwegian Cruise Line on Wednesday announced a further restart of operations in Europe from Barcelona and Rome with previously scheduled port-intensive itineraries to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles beginning Sept. 5, 2021.

Currently scheduled to sail from Barcelona, Norwegian Epic will cruise seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Sept. 5 through Oct. 24. Norwegian Getaway will sail a mix of 10 to 11-day Greek Isles voyages from Rome (Civitavecchia) from Sept. 13 to Oct. 25.

Each of the itineraries has five to eight ports of call, up to 13 hours in each city and no more than two days at sea. All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure in order to board. That includes all adults and all minors wanting to sail.

Norwegian said it is actively working with local partners and government officials, as it plans for the resumption of voyages in the region with Norwegian Epic and Getaway joining Norwegian Jade this summer. 

According to Mercè Conesa, president of the Port of Barcelona, while cruising has not yet restarted from Spanish ports, the Port of Barcelona has been closely working and cooperating with the Spanish Ministry of Health and with the Health Department of the local government of Catalonia. 

“Europe is a top travel destination, so we are very much looking forward to returning to some of our most beloved homeports, resuming those itineraries and welcoming our guests to experience a vacation of a lifetime in the safest possible manner,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Relaunching Norwegian Epic and Getaway will allow us to provide a greater variety of highly sought-after itineraries for those travelers preparing to take their first cruise vacation in over a year.”

The Norwegian Epic will debut an all-new Haven complex, following an extensive refurbishment in Marseille, France at the end of 2020. The renovation includes 75 reimagined and upgraded suites combined with redesigned experiences including The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Courtyard Pool and Sundeck.

“Although we have been unable to connect with our guests at sea, we have used the last year to prepare for their return by investing in our fleet and our onboard offerings,” said Sommer. “Norwegian Epic’s redesign is a testament to our unwavering commitment to extraordinary quality and elevating the standard of excellence across our fleet.”

As of today, five of NCL’s 17 ships will resume sailing, beginning as early as July 25, 2021, with new and revised itineraries in Europe and The Caribbean, as part of its return to service plans.

NCL also announced Wednesday it has canceled all voyages on Norwegian Bliss and Pride of America through July 31, 2021; Norwegian Getaway through Sept. 2, 2021; Norwegian Dawn, Spirit, and Star through Sept. 30, 2021; Norwegian Sun through Oct. 7, 2021; Norwegian Escape through Oct. 10, 2021; Norwegian Breakaway through Oct. 17, 2021; and Norwegian Gem from Oct. 29 through Nov. 17, 2021.

Guests and travel advisors with impacted reservations will be contacted directly.