Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cancels Joy Cruise Due to Charter

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the cruise that was set to take place onboard the Norwegian Joy on April 12, 2027.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter.

Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, the vessel was set to offer a five-night cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico.

In addition to Cozumel, the itinerary included a visit to the company’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as two days of cruising in the Caribbean.

Norwegian said that guests will receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid for the cruise, which will be automatically returned to the original form of payment. In addition they will be getting a future cruise credit (FCC).

“We recognize this change wasn’t part of your original travel arrangements, and as a token of our appreciation for your patience, we’re pleased to offer you a 10 percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit,” the company added.

The FCC can be used toward any of Norwegian’s published sailings through December 31, 2027, the statement added.

The company also said that its teams are available to book guests on alternative sailings, suggesting three similar cruises departing from Miami.

Highlighted cruises include two departures of the Norwegian Viva, sailing on April 13 and April 18, 2027.

The first sails to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic over the course of five nights, while the second is a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Norwegian also suggested a four-night cruise to the Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Getaway on April 12, 2027. All of the options also include a visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

Following its new charter sailing, the Norwegian Joy is scheduled to reposition to the West Coast ahead of a summer season in Alaska.

Joining the Norwegian Bliss, the Norwegian Encore and the Norwegian Jade, the vessel offers a series of seven-night cruises departing from Seattle.

More Information

A full-ship charter for a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel generally ranges from £1 million to over £12 million ($1.3 million to $15+ million USD) for a week, depending on the ship's size, age, and itinerary. Chartering requires covering the equivalent of all stateroom fares, food, entertainment, and a 10% or higher initial deposit. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Considerations for Full-Ship Charters:

• Costs: Rates often base on roughly $150–$200+ per passenger per day, plus taxes and gratuities, which on a 4,000-passenger ship can exceed several million dollars in total.
• Capacity & Timing: Costs vary based on the ship class and season; smaller or older ships (e.g., Norwegian Sky) cost less than larger, modern vessels (e.g., Norwegian Encore).
• Payments: A non-refundable deposit is required at signing, typically with the full balance due 90 days to several months in advance.
• All-Inclusive Nature: The charter fee covers food, entertainment, and standard amenities, but usually excludes alcohol, spa treatments, and special excursions.
• Process: Companies like NCL Corporate Incentives handle these, requiring advanced planning (often 12–18 months). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For exact pricing, you must submit a request for proposal directly to Norwegian Cruise Line's charter department.

Norwegian Cancels Most of Jade’s 25-26 Season, Redeploys Ship

Norwegian Cancels Most of Jade’s 25-26 Season, Redeploys Ship

After cancelling 38 cruises onboard three ships, Norwegian Cruise Line also informed guests booked on the Norwegian Jade that many sailings onboard the vessel will no longer go ahead.

In a statement, the company said that all sailings scheduled to depart between Oct. 18, 2025, and Feb. 16, 2026, are now cancelled.

The 2,400-guest ship was set to offer six- to 14-night cruises to the Panama Canal and the Caribbean during the timeframe.

Norwegian said that the cancellations are a result of a fleet redeployment, which will see the Norwegian Jade offering cruises from Southern California.

“The Norwegian Jade will be redeployed and will soon be offering seven-day round trip sailings from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera where guests can explore a blend of stunning coastal landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable culinary delights,” the company said.

According to the statement, the ship’s new schedule on the West Coast will be available for booking soon.

A full monetary refund of the fare paid for the canceled cruise will be automatically returned to the original form of payment provided at the time of reservation, Norwegian added.

Reservations paid via a previously issued Future Cruise Credit (FCC) will see the credit returned to the guest.

Affected passengers will also receive a 10 per cent discount in the form of an FCC. The credit can be used towards any of Norwegian’s published sailings through Dec. 31, 2026.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this cancellation may cause,” Norwegian said.

Earlier this week, Norwegian Cruise Line also cancelled the winter schedule of the Norwegian Dawn, the Norwegian Star and the Norwegian Jewel.

While the Norwegian Dawn was scheduled to offer itineraries in Africa and the Indian Ocean, the Norwegian Star was set for a season in South America and Antarctica and the Norwegian Jewel was poised to offer itineraries to the Caribbean departing from Tampa.

Sommer: New NCLH Leadership Brings ‘Fresh Perspective and Energy’

Sommer: New NCLH Leadership Brings ‘Fresh Perspective and Energy’

“With new leadership not only in my seat but in all three of our award-winning brands and most recently for our vessel operation function, there is a possible feeling of reinvigoration and excitement about the future across the entire company,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

Sommer took over as president and CEO of the company earlier this year, following Frank Del Rio’s retirement.

“We are approaching every decision with fresh perspective and new energy, challenging the status quo at every level and encouraging our entire team to think outside of the box and come to the table with new ideas, however big or small,” Sommer said, noting his focus is on the future and how to refine and enhance our strategy to optimize the company’s existing fleet of high-quality assets, further differentiate the business model, build resiliency, advance efforts to drive a positive impact on society in the environment and ultimately drive more value.

“Our executive team has an average of over 20 years in the cruise industry and nearly all have been with NCLH for a decade plus,” he continued.

“I have the unlost confidence that this team is the right one to take the company to even greater heights.”

Norwegian Cruise Occupancy Ramp Accelerates to Above 100%

Norwegian Cruise Occupancy Ramp Accelerates to Above 100%

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings had an average load factor of 101.5 per cent in the first quarter, according to company executives speaking on the corporation’s first quarter earnings call.

“We reached load factors of 101.5 per cent in the first quarter, exceeding our guidance and breaking triple-digit levels for the first time in three years with some voyages exceeding occupancy above 115 per cent,” said Harry Sommer, incoming president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“With this significant achievement, we have also nearly closed the occupancy gap versus 2019 levels,” he said.

For the second quarter, Sommer said he expects 105 per cent occupancy on average across the fleet.

“This average is slightly below 2019 levels as a result of our strategic shift to longer, more immersive itinerary at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, naturally resulting in fewer thirds and fourths, which is what historically pushes passenger occupancy above the 100 per cent mark, all while enhancing margin over time,” he explained.

Most Recent Occupancy Rates:

Q1 2022: 48%
Q2 2022: 65%
Q3 2022: 81%
Q4 2022: 87%

Norwegian Pearl Kicks Off Summer Program in Boston

Norwegian Pearl Kicks Off Summer Program in Boston

The Norwegian Pearl is in Boston today to kick off its 2023 summer program in the U.S. Northeast.

Following a winter season in the Caribbean, the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is set to offer different itineraries to Bermuda, Canada and New England departing from the Massachusetts homeport.

Extending through mid-October, the program begins with a series of week-long cruises to Bermuda. In addition to two or three overnights in King’s Wharf, some of the itineraries also include a visit to Bar Harbor, in Maine.

Continuing its Boston-based season, the Norwegian Pearl offers itineraries to Canada and New England starting in mid-August.

The fall and foliage program comprises both roundtrip and open-jaw departures and continues through late October.

Also sailing from Quebec City, the ship’s week-long itineraries in the region feature visits to destinations such as Halifax, Saguenay, Sydney, Charlottetown and Portland.

Upon completing its schedule in the Northeast, the Norwegian Pearl is set to return to Florida for a winter season sailing from PortMiami.

Following the Norwegian Jewel and the Norwegian Jade, the Norwegian Pearl debuted in 2006 as the third ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel Class.

Built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the vessel has 93,000 tons and a capacity for nearly 2,400 guests.

In 2016, the Pearl was included in the Norwegian Edge program and underwent a major revitalization that included the modernization of both its guest-facing and technical areas.

While a new scrubber system was added to reduce the ship’s emissions, for instance, the design of all of the public rooms and staterooms was updated.

According to Norwegian, the refit aimed at giving the Pearl a fresh and modern look, which included new art pieces, new carpets, new upholstery and more.

Another area that went through a complete refurbishment was The Haven, the vessel’s ship-within-a-ship luxury suite complex, with got new furniture and finishings.

Norwegian Cruise Line Confident in Europe 2023 Despite Baltic Limitations

Norwegian Cruise Line Confident in Europe 2023 Despite Baltic Limitations

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is increasing its capacity by six per cent in Europe in 2023, coming at the expense of the Caribbean, according to Frank Del Rio, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s third-quarter earnings call.

He said that yields on ticket prices and onboard revenue for cruises in Europe were “dramatically better.”

And this is in despite of limitations in the Baltic, with ships not calling at Russia’s Saint Petersburg. 

“If you had asked me what is the single city in the world, port in the world that you cannot live without, I'd tell you it's Saint Petersburg, and we lost it,” Del Rio said. “Very, very high yields, incredible shore excursion sales. So onboard revenue was just higher than any other itineraries that I can think of, and it’s a relatively long season. You can get (there) in mid-May and you can leave in mid-September.”

That limitation in 2022 sent one Norwegian ship elsewhere, as the Getaway moved to the Caribbean for the summer sailing from Port Canaveral.

“It did affect load factors and no question, it affected pricing. And the impact on EBITDA has to be in the tens of millions of dollars,” Del Rio explained.

But both the Baltic and the Mediterranean look encouraging for 2023, with Del Rio noting that Americans travelling to Europe book the highest cabin categories earliest.

“This revenge travel or pent-up demand that we've been talking about for months is really alive and well for Americans going to Europe,” he said.

“We believe that Europe is poised for an incredible 2023 season. That's why we increased our capacity there by 6 percentage points of occupancy at the expense of the Caribbean. And I'll take that trade all day long because the yields both on a ticket and on onboard revenue are so dramatically better for European cruises that we'll take that trade.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Drops COVID-19 Testing, Masking and More

Norwegian Cruise Line Drops COVID-19 Testing, Masking and More

Norwegian Jade Photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective on October 4, 2022.

Given the significant, positive progress in the public health environment, the Cruise Line updated its health and safety guidelines, which are now more aligned with other global travel organizations, the company said in a press release.

"Health and safety are always our first priority; in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic," said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. "Many travellers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return."

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Maintaining Strong Pricing, Won't Discount to Fill

 Maintaining Strong Pricing, Won't Discount to Fill

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings won't be discounting ticket prices to chase short-term occupancy levels, said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, on the company's second-quarter earnings call.

"We could, like others, chase short-term occupancy and sell cruises for crazy prices, but we don't want to do that. We never have done that. That is not our strategy," he said.

"I remind you what happened back in '08 and '09, when (during) the great recession, certain cruise companies did drop their prices to ridiculous levels. And it took them, in some cases, 10 plus years, and in some cases, they've not yet reached those pre-great recession yields. I'm not willing to mortgage the company for 10-plus years in order to window dress the next quarter or so. I just won't do it. We're here for the long term," he said.

"We're managing the business on a long-term basis. COVID had a major impact. We were shut down for 18 months or so, and the recovery is not instant mashed potatoes. If you want instant mashed potatoes, you got to go elsewhere because we're here for the long run. And our pricing strategy, how disciplined it is, is proof of that.

"We simply don't want to chase short-term occupancy at the expense of long-term pricing. Pricing has a long tail," he added.

Del Rio said the company had 40% more ticket sales on the books right now compared to 2018 despite a 20% increase in capacity.

"And I've been doing this for 30 years. I've managed cruise companies in good times and in bad times, and I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that you don't sacrifice the long-term pricing power of your brand in order to achieve short-term load factor gains," Del Rio continued.

Norwegian Fleet Location and Status: All Ships in Service: July Update

Norwegian Fleet Location and Status: All Ships in Service: July Update

Nearly a year after first welcoming guests back, Norwegian Cruise Line completed its restart plans in early May.

With its entire 17-ship in service again, the brand is now getting ready to receive two new ships – the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva. 

Cruise Industry News tracked the location and status of every Norwegian ship as of July 15, 2022:

Norwegian Viva
Year Built: 2023
Capacity: 3,215 guests
Status: Under construction
Location: Marghera, Italy

As the second Prima Class vessel, the Norwegian Viva is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Set to debut in 2023, the vessel will spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before debuting in North America later that year.  

Norwegian Prima
Year Built: 2022
Capacity: 3,215 guests
Status: Under construction
Location: Marghera, Italy

Nearing the completion of its construction, the Norwegian Prima recently returned from the first set of sea trials. With its first cruise now scheduled in September, the vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

Norwegian Encore
Year Built: 2019
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

The Norwegian Encore is currently sailing a summer program in Alaska. Based in Seattle, the vessel is offering weekly departures to Victoria, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay.

Norwegian Bliss
Year Built: 2018 
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

In Alaska for the summer, the Norwegian Bliss is offering week-long cruises departing from Seattle. The ship’s regular itinerary includes Victoria, Ketchikan, the Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

Norwegian Joy
Year Built: 2017 
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Bermuda

Based in New York City, the Norwegian Joy is offering a series of cruises to Bermuda. The seven-night itineraries include a visit to Norfolk and a three-day stop in King’s Wharf.   

Norwegian Escape
Year Built: 2015
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

The Norwegian Escape is currently sailing varied itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Departing from Italy, the seven- to 11-night cruises feature visits to ports in Greece, Croatia, Malta, Montenegro and more.

Norwegian Getaway
Year Built: 2014
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Caribbean

Returning to North America after a short season in the Baltic, the Norwegian Getaway recently kicked off a summer program in the Caribbean. Sailing from Port Canaveral, the vessel is offering seven-night cruises to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and the Dominican Republic.

Norwegian Breakaway
Year Built: 2013
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Western Caribbean

Based in Miami, the Norwegian Breakaway is sailing a rotating schedule of seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Norwegian Epic
Year Built: 2010
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Western Mediterranean

The Norwegian Epic is presently sailing in the Western Mediterranean. Visiting Spain, France and Italy, the 2010-built vessel is part of Norwegian’s eight-ship summer deployment in the region.

Norwegian Gem 
Year Built: 2007

Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

Another Norwegian ship in Europe, the Norwegian Gem is currently positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering cruises to ports such as Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Santorini.

Norwegian Jade
Year Built: 2006
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service  
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

The Norwegian Jade is currently based in Piraeus for a series of cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey that includes visits to Istanbul, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and more.

Norwegian Pearl
Year Built: 2006
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: East Coast

Based in Boston, the Norwegian Pearl is offering week-long cruises to Bermuda and Maine.

Norwegian Jewel
Year Built: 2005
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

As part of Norwegian’s summer program in Alaska, the Norwegian Pearl is sailing a series of open-jaw cruises between Vancouver and Seward.

Pride of America
Year Built: 2005
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Hawaii

As the industry’s only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, the Pride of America continues to offer its year-round schedule of Hawaii cruises. Sailing from Honolulu, the vessel’s regular itinerary includes visits to Kahului, Hilo, Kailua Kona and Nawiliwili.  

Norwegian Dawn
Year Built: 2002
Capacity: 2,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Northern Europe

The Norwegian Dawn is presently in Northern Europe for a series of Baltic cruises. Leaving from Stockholm and Copenhagen, the itineraries feature visits to Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and more.  

Norwegian Star
Year Built: 2001
Capacity: 2,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Northern Europe

Based in Reykjavik, the Norwegian Star is presently offering a series of cruises to Iceland and Greenland.

Norwegian Sun
Year Built: 2001
Capacity: 2,002 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

After hitting a growler in late June, the Norwegian Sun recently resumed its program of five- to nine-night cruises in Alaska.

Norwegian Spirit
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

As the last ship to resume service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Spirit welcomed guests back in May. Before arriving in Alaska - where it’s currently sailing - the 1999-built vessel offered itineraries to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

Norwegian Sky
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Miami, Florida

The Norwegian Sky is in Miami today for yet another short cruise to the Bahamas. The three-night sailing includes visits to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian’s private island destination in the region.   

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Russia Calls for 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Russia Calls for 2022

Norwegian Jade photo credit Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled all of its calls into Saint Petersburg, Russia, this summer season.

It impacts called aboard the Dawn, Getaway and new Prima on their Baltic itineraries, according to a statement sent to travel partners and booked guests. Replacement ports are set to be announced soon. 

Norwegian Dawn:

• June 20, 2022
• July 20, 2022
• August 16, 2022
• July 2, 2022
• July 28, 2022
• July 11, 2022
• August 7, 2022

Norwegian Getaway:

• May 18, 2022
• June 14, 2022
• July 11, 2022
• August 7, 2022
• September 3, 2022
• September 30, 2022​​​​​
• May 27, 2022
• June 23, 2022
• July 20, 2022
• August 16, 2022
• September 12, 2022
• October 9, 2022
• June 5, 2022
• July 2, 2022
• July 29, 2022
• August 25, 2022
• September 21, 2022

Norwegian Prima:

• September 3, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels More Sailings on Pride of America

Norwegian Cruise Line announced more cruise cancellations on Wednesday, citing ongoing travel restrictions.

Newly impacted, the company cancelled more cruises aboard the Pride of America, which will now restart in Hawaii in April as opposed to Feb. 26 as announced in an update last week.

The American-flagged ship was originally set to resume its program in Hawaii in January 2022, which has now been pushed back twice since the start of the year.

Impacted Cruises: 

• Norwegian Pearl cruises with embarkation dates through and including January 17, 2022
• Norwegian Dawn cruises with embarkation dates through and including January 18, 2022
• Norwegian Getaway cruises with embarkation dates through and including January 19, 2022
• Norwegian Escape cruises with embarkation dates through and including January 22, 2022
• Norwegian Joy cruises with embarkation dates through and including January 22, 2022
• Norwegian Breakaway cruises with embarkation dates through and including January 23, 2022
• Norwegian Sky cruises with embarkation dates through and including February 25, 2022
• Norwegian Jade cruises with embarkation dates through and including March 3, 2022
• Norwegian Star cruises with embarkation dates through and including March 19, 2022
• Norwegian Jewel cruises with embarkation dates through and including March 20, 2022
• Pride of America cruises with embarkation dates through and including April 2, 2022
• Norwegian Sun cruises with embarkation dates through and including April 19, 2022
• Norwegian Spirit cruises with embarkation dates through and including April 23, 2022

NCL has cancelled cruises on seven ships

Cruise line NCL has cancelled cruises on seven ships over the next few weeks, due to ongoing travel restrictions implemented to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

The line said in a statement: “The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our number one priority. Due to ongoing travel restrictions, a select number of sailings across the fleet have been affected.”

NCL has announced that cruises on the following ships will be cancelled:

Norwegian Pearl - cruise departures up to and including 14 January 2022
Norwegian Sky - cruises up to and including 25 February 2022
Pride of America - cruises up to and including 26 February 2022
Norwegian Jade - cruises up to and including 3 March 2022
Norwegian Star - cruises up to and including 19 March 2022
Norwegian Sun - cruises up to and including 19 April 2022
Norwegian Spirit - cruises up to and including 23 April 2022

The line said that affected passengers would automatically receive a refund of their cruise fare.

They will also be given a future cruise credit (FCC) offering a 10% discount to be used on new bookings. This will be added to guests’ accounts from Friday (7 January) and can be used for bookings made up to 7 January 2023 for sailings through 31 May 2023.

NCL added that cruises on its other ships were currently going ahead as planned but warned some itineraries may have to be modified due to new Covid-19 rules and restrictions.

“As the global public health environment continues to rapidly evolve and destinations around the world modify their travel requirements or implement new travel restrictions, it is possible that itineraries may need to be modified,” advised the line.

Norwegian Cruise Line to Require Masks Aboard

Norwegian Cruise Line is making operational changes to upcoming sailings and will require guests to be worn in indoor areas, according to a letter sent to booked guests.

"In advance of our upcoming cruises. we want to ensure you are aware of our latest health and safety protocols and requirements," the company said. "Among the latest developments, we are asking guests to wear masks onboard while indoors. except when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom: wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible; adhere to local regulations when visiting ports of call."

Norwegian requires all guests are required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure and they must show proof of vaccination at the terminal in order to board the vessel.

The company is testing all guests prior to sailing and recommends guests self-test at home prior to departure.

The new rules include upcoming sailings including the December 18, 2021 cruise aboard the Norwegian Escape from Port Canaveral and the Norwegian Joy from Miami. Also affected is the December 19, 2021 cruise onboard the Norwegian Breakaway from New Orleans, and the December 19, 2021 departure aboard the Norwegian Gem from New York.

Norwegian Deployment Moves: More Destinations and Two More Ships

Norwegian Bliss arriving in Southampton Photo credit Spacejunkie2

Two additional cruise ships resumed service for the Norwegian Cruise Line in November. After first welcoming guests back in July, the brand now has nine vessels back in revenue service.

While more capacity is added, Norwegian is also returning to more homeports and destinations – including the Middle East.

Norwegian Escape
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,200
Built: 2015
Homeport: Port Canaveral (United States)
Itinerary: Eastern and Western Caribbean
First Cruise: November 13

The Norwegian Escape welcomed guests back on November 13, becoming Norwegian’s eighth vessel to resume commercial operations. After a 20-month operational pause, the vessel also marked the company’s return to Port Canaveral.

The ship is now offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean from the Florida port. The voyages feature visits to major ports in the region, including Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas.

The Norwegian Escape originally entered service in 2015 as the first vessel of the company’s Breakaway-Plus series.

Before resuming service, the vessel spends time in a European shipyard, undergoing maintenance and mandatory work.

Norwegian Joy
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,200
Built: 2017
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
First Cruise: November 20

After the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Cruise Line saw the return of its ninth ship on Nov. 20 as the Norwegian Joy welcomed guests back in Miami, kicking off a series of Caribbean cruises.

For its comeback program, the vessel is sailing seven-night voyages calling at Roatán, Bay Islands; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize – the brand's private resort destination in Belize.

The week-long itinerary is available through April 23, 2022.

Built-in 2017, the Norwegian Joy is one of the biggest ships in Norwegian’s fleet. As the second Breakaway-Plus vessel, it has unique features, including a two-level go-kart track, an open-air laser tag course, simulator rides and two multi-story waterslides.

The Joy underwent a major refurbishment in 2019 before debuting in the U.S. market.

Four Ships Moving Around

As the winter season approaches, four of Norwegian’s ships are launching new deployments – including the Norwegian Jade, which is now sailing in the Middle East after a summer in Europe.
Here are the details:

Ship: Norwegian Jade
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,400
Built: 2006
New Homeport: Dubai (UAE)
New Itinerary: the Middle East and Africa

The first ship to resume service for Norwegian, the Norwegian Jade recently concluded its first post-pandemic season in the Mediterranean. The vessel is now offering a winter program in the Indian Ocean, with itineraries visiting the Middle East and Africa.

Ship: Norwegian Gem
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 2,400
Built: 2007
New Homeport: New York City (United States)
New Itinerary: Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and East Coast

After embarking on a series of cruises sailing from Miami, the Norwegian Gem recently started a New York-based program. Sailing from Manhattan, the vessel is now offering voyages to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,000
Built: 2013
New Homeport: New Orleans (United States)
New Itinerary: Caribbean
In November, the Norwegian Breakaway marked Norwegian’s return to New Orleans. Initially sailing from New York City, the ship resumed service in September.

Ship: Norwegian Encore
Capacity (at 100% Occupancy): 4,200
Built: 2019
New Homeport: Miami (United States)
New Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas

After a summer season in Alaska, the Norwegian Encore launched service from Miami on Nov. 21. The 2019-built ship is now offering week-long Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Norwegian’s Pearl of Miami Cruise Terminal.