Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its pause on cruise operations through April 2021, which means cruises now won’t resume until May at the very earliest. This doesn’t just impact NCL but other sister cruise brands, including Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
NCL Cruises Suspended for Even Longer
It’s not looking good for another major cruise line as Norwegian Cruise Line has now suspended operations through April 2021. The first sailings are now not expected to restart sailing until May at the very earliest. This impacts the entire fleet.
This comes as the cruise company continues to work with the CDC on the framework for the Conditional Sailing Order. NCL has made it clear that it’s working around the clock to do what is right on a safe return to operations.
Like other major cruise lines, it is proving to take longer than first thought on resume cruises, and with the pandemic still increasing across the United States and around the world, the situation does not look any better.
Guest Disappointment
The new extension comes during a terrible start for 2021. Cruise lines continue to delay their return which means further disappointment and false hope to thousands of guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a full refund to guests who had an active booking, and this will automatically be completed by February 22, 2021. The cruise line will also add a 10% off coupon to a guest’s account by January 20, 2021. the coupon can be used for a future cruise embarking through 2022.
How Far Will it Go?
That really is the ultimate question! At the moment, the trend is moving towards a limited restart in May 2021. However, it really does depend on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and if guests and crew can remain safe during these pandemic times.
With the new Biden administration about to take office, there could be even more delays to comes. Nobody yet knows what’s going to happen and the coming months will be crucial for the cruise industry in the United States and even around the world.
Carnival Corporations continues to offload older vessels, Royal Caribbean just announced it’s selling the Azamara luxury cruise brand and the cruise line also extended its pause until May too.
Norwegian Cruise Line was hoping for a return with Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, and Norwegian Joy in March 2021 but recently that was adjusted to April and now until May at the earliest. When NCL does resume cruises it will be a limited restart with select ships and new health measures in place.
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