Norwegian Jade has become the first NCL ship to sail after a 500 day suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic – and local travel agents were on board to check it out!
Norwegian Cruise Line officially commemorated its highly-anticipated cruise comeback with a double debut! Norwegian Jade was not only the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after 500 days, she also made NCL history as the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus).
Sandra Corkin of Oasis Travel was one of a group of local travel agents who were invited on board Norwegian Jade to experience first hand what new measures are in place to make the return to sailing both safe and enjoyable.
She said: “It’s great to be back from Jade last week and actually see what it’s like back out at sea. It was amazing and the transition at port to ship with tests was so easy and quick. If guests have all the correct documentation, have signed up to the apps including NCL, it honestly runs smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and visiting Rhodes and Crete when they were less busy than normal was just fabulous.
“Testing area and check in at Athens was seamless and extremely well run giving agents confidence in how NCL are working with the ports to ensure safely on board.
“Jade looked amazing after her refurbishment over two years ago and we were surprised by how a smaller class ship had to offer. Easy to navigate around and well placed for Athens and the Greek Islands.
“All staff on board took that extra step to be helpful and very engaging at all times with guests. Nothing was a bother when assistance was needed. SPA facilities were used and enjoyed, food was great and, in particular, we enjoyed the magnificent steaks in Cagney’s.
“The wearing of masks didn’t cause any issues at all and in some ways is a sensible approach right now due to the Greek Government.”
Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line said: “Welcoming our guests and crew onboard has been one of the most memorable moments of my over 30-year career.
“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.”
Until November 2021, guests sailing aboard Norwegian Jade’s immersive Greek Isles itinerary will wake up in a new destination every day, able to spend eight-to-nine hours exploring some of Greece’s most picturesque islands including luxurious Crete, bustling Mykonos, historical Rhodes and the iconic blue and white Santorini.
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 a long-term strategy to further increase NCL’s presence in Europe, one of the line’s most popular cruise destinations. Through 2023, the Company plans to position nine ships in the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.
“Norwegian Jade’s first Greek Isles voyages sold out shortly after we made the announcement that we were on our way back,” said Mr Sommer. “With such strong demand, we are glad to expand our offering in Greece with seven ships through 2023, providing our guests with a range of innovative vessels and itineraries to choose from.”
Norwegian Jade is the first ship to recommence voyages as part NCL’s larger restart efforts. On 7th August, 2021, Norwegian Encore will be the first ship to return to service from the US, when she debuts in Seattle for her inaugural season of Alaska cruises.
The fleetwide redeployment will continue in partnership with local governments and are guided by the robust protocols of the Company’s Sail Safe health and safety program, which at its cornerstone includes that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark for voyages through 31st October 2021.
Working with the leading experts of the Sail Safe Global Health and Wellness Council, the robust protocols will regularly be evaluated and modified as needed, making science-based decisions to protect guests, crew and the destinations it visits.
The cruise line’s Peace of Mind cancellation policy remains in effect for cruises with embarkation dates through 31st October 2021. Guests booked on these sailings have the flexibility to cancel their cruise 15 days prior to departure and receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit which may be applied to any sailing through 31st December 2022.
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