Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Belize this summer, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The cruise giant’s Norwegian Joy ship will be departing from its home port in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Aug. 7 on an itinerary that will include a stop at the company’s Harvest Caye private island destination in Belize. 

That move continues a trend of cruise lines adding homeports within the Caribbean, as the CDC continues its no-sail order for cruises from the United States.

In a statement, the Belize Tourism Board said the move “signals the safe reopening of the cruise tourism sector in Belize. It has been over a year since the cruise industry in our region has been suspended, and the thousands of Belizeans that work in this sector are ready to welcome cruise guests to our shores once again.”

Norwegian will be requiring vaccinations for all crew and guests. 

“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. 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.”

— CJ