Cruising giant Norwegian Cruise Line has officially returned to the island of Puerto Rico. 

The Norwegian Gem ship called on the port of San Juan this week, carrying 1,300 passengers, a little less than half of its maximum capacity. 

Norwegian Cruise Line requires 100 percent of its passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated in order to board any of its ships. 

In addition, all passengers need to take a company-administered antigen test prior to boarding. 

“The arrival of Norwegian Gem with passengers to San Juan follows an agreement, similar to those already signed recently with Carnival and Royal Caribbean,” said Joel Piza Batiz, executive director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. “We continue to work hard with all components of the cruise industry so that their return to the island will be a safe one. The health of all continues to be our highest priority.”

It’s part of a broader relaunch for the Caribbean cruising industry, one that kicked off earlier this summer. 

— CJ