Norwegian Cruise Line has officially resumed cruising, with its ship Norwegian Jade becoming the first in the fleet to restart operations when it sailed from Athens this week.

Norwegian Jade set sail from Athens on Sunday on a one-week cruise through the Greek Isles, marking the first time a Norwegian Cruise Line ship has carried passengers since March last year.

Norwegian Jade set sail from Athens on the first cruise NCL has operated in 500 days

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The cruise line suspended operations globally, along with the entire cruise industry, when the pandemic emerged last year. It has been more than 500 days since Norewegian Cruise Line carried passengers.

Harry Sommer, President & Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, described the resumption of cruises by Norwegian Jade as a highlight of his career.

“Welcoming our guests and crew onboard has been one of the most memorable moments of my over 30-year career,” he said. “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.”

Norwegian Jade will cruise the Greek Isles from Athens until November, 2021, calling in a new port every day and spending at least eight to nine hours alongside.

Norwegian Jade will cruise the Greek Isles from Athens until November, 2021.

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She will visit Piraeus (Athens), Iraklion, Rhodes, Mykonos, Katakolon (Olympia), Corfu, and Santorini on each itinerary.

The Greek Ministry of Tourism described the cruise itineraries as a celebration of the country’s history.

“We are overjoyed to welcome Norwegian Jade and her guests to Greece,” said Greek Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis. “The planned itineraries will offer unique experiences that combine our rich history, bustling culture and famous gastronomy.”

“Norwegian Jade’s first Greek Isles voyages sold out shortly after we made the announcement that we were on our way back,” added 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,” he said.