Norwegian Cruise Line is relaunching operations in the Caribbean. 

And continuing the post-pandemic trend, the cruise line will begin by homeporting a pair of ships in the region. 

That will include Norwegian Joy, which will homeport in Montego Bay, and Norwegian Gem, which will be homeporting in La Romana, Dominican Republic. 

Each itinerary will include four ports of call. On the cruises from Montego Bay, guests will also visit NCL’s Harvest Caye private island in Belize. 

Norwegian Joy will begin sailing week-long itineraries on Aug. 7, and Norwegian Gem will begin on April 15. 

All guests will be required to have been fully vaccinated and tested prior to boarding, according to Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Harry Sommer. 

“Over a year after we initially suspended sailings, the time has finally come when we can provide our loyal guests with the news of our great cruise comeback,” he said. “We have been working diligently towards our resumption of operations, focusing on the guest experience with health and safety at the forefront. The growing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game changer. The vaccine, combined with our science-backed health and safety protocols, will help us provide our guests with what we believe will be the healthiest and safest vacation at sea.”

The move follows similar homeporting decisions by companies like Crystal Cruises, which will be homeporting in The Bahamas, and Celebrity Cruises, which will kick off with a homeport in St Maarten. 

That’s because the CDC is still prohibiting cruise lines from cruising from the United States. 

— CJ