The redeployment of Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway in the Mediterranean today marked another milestone in Norwegian Cruising Line’s cruise return. After more than a 500-day cruise suspension, a third of NCL’s 17 ships are finally back in service, welcoming customers back on board.
The Norwegian Epic, the fourth ship in the Company’s fleet to resume service, completed her first sailing from Barcelona to the most sought-after ports in Spain and Italy. During the seven-day voyage, Norwegian Epic stopped in Livorno, the gateway to Tuscany and Florence’s Renaissance heritage, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Cagliari (Sardinia), and Palma.(Mallorca).
Following an extensive makeover in Marseille, France at the end of 2020, NCL launched an all-new The Haven by Norwegian™ aboard Norwegian Epic, reaffirming the company’s dedication to enhancing the passenger experience at sea.
In 2010, the Norwegian Epic was the first ship in the fleet to debut the brand’s key-card access ship-within-a-ship concept, which included private amenities, dedicated services, and the most luxurious accommodations available on board. 75 reinvented and refurbished suites, as well as new experiences like The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Courtyard Pool and Sundeck, were part of the recent renovation. The Haven space on Norwegian Epic is one of the largest in the NCL fleet.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer, Harry Sommer, stated:
“It has been exhilarating to watch our Great Cruise Comeback unfold over these past three months with a third of our fleet now back, offering unforgettable vacation experiences.The joy of reuniting with our shipboard families and welcoming our guests back on board will never grow old. Being able to return to one of our most popular homeports in Europe, debuting the recently refurbished The Haven by Norwegian™ aboard Norwegian Epic, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to extraordinary quality and elevating the standard of excellence across our fleet.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome NCL back to the Port de Barcelona”, said Jose Alberto Carbonell, managing director of the Port de Barcelona. “During the past 18 months, we’ve worked diligently with the NCL team to ensure a safe resumption of cruising from Barcelona for guests, crew and the citizens of our city. We are glad to finally celebrate the comeback of cruising together.”
Meanwhile, Norwegian Getaway sets sail from Rome(Civitavecchia) for the first time today . She will call in Dubrovnik, Corfu, Katakolon – NCL’s newest embarkation port on the Peloponnese peninsula —Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and Livorno (Florence/Pisa) till October 25th. Guests can spend their days exploring ancient sites and mediaeval architecture or simply savouring a range of the region’s famous cuisine, with up to 13 hours at each port and no more than two days at sea.
Pino Musolino, president and chief executive officer of the Central Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority, stated, “Reaffirming our longstanding partnership with NCL, we’re pleased to welcome Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway back to the Port of Civitavecchia this month, and to see both ships embark on their first voyage from our shores in almost two years. The cruise industry is an important corner stone for our country and region, contributing more than €400 million annually to the economy of the territory of Civitavecchia alone and providing for more than 1,800 jobs. As such, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome back both NCL’s crew and guests, and look forward to working closely with the team once again.”
– India’s new age travel digital media
