Norwegian Cruise Line will launch operations from Barcelona and Rome in September, on cruises open to fully vaccinated travelers.
The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway will launch seven- to 11-day itineraries in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, respectively, beginning Sept. 5.
The vessels are Norwegian's second and third ship slated to resume operations in Europe this year, following the Norwegian Jade, which will be the line's first ship to resume service this summer, with seven-day cruises from Athens beginning July 25.
The Epic will cruise from Barcelona on seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries from Sept. 5 to Oct. 24, while the Getaway will offer 10- to 11-day Greek Isles sailings from Civitavecchia, the port city closest to Rome, from Sept. 13. to Oct. 25. The ships will visit ports in Spain, Italy and Greece on itineraries will featuring no more than two days at sea.
The sailings will incorporate the protocols of the Sail Safe Global Health and Safety Program Norwegian launched last month, which include a passenger vaccination mandate, with no exception for minors.
"We are actively working with our local partners and government officials, as we plan for resumption of voyages in the region with Norwegian Epic and Getaway joining Norwegian Jade this summer," said Norwegian CEO Harry Sommer. "Relaunching Norwegian Epic and Getaway will allow us to provide a greater variety of highly sought-after itineraries for those travelers preparing to take their first cruise vacation in over a year."
As of today, Norwegian has announced the redeployment of five of its 17 ships, with itineraries in Europe and the Caribbean, part of a return to service plan that includes the Norwegian Joy from Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting Aug. 7, and the Norwegian Gem from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, launching Aug. 15.
Norwegian said it "looks forward to announcing further redeployments in the near future."
The Epic will enter service with a new Haven by Norwegian complex onboard, following an extensive refurbishment completed at the end of 2020. The Epic was the first in the line's fleet to premiere the brand's "ship-within-a-ship" Haven concept in 2010, and it still offers one of the largest Haven complexes in the Norwegian fleet. The renovation resulted in 75 upgraded suites and redesigned experiences including The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Courtyard Pool and Sundeck.
Norwegian's sister brands, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania, also revealed plans this week to sail from Europe this summer.