Norwegian Cruise unveils phased approach for return of cruises, starting in July

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. unveiled its two-pronged plan to restart cruising operations in Summer 2021, starting with the resumption of cruises originating from Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Greece starting in July. The cruise operator still plans to restart cruises from U.S. ports starting July 4, following its request that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lift the Conditional Sail Order. The company said all initial voyages will operate with "fully vaccinated guests and crew," as well as universal COVID-19 testing before embarkation. "Safe and highly effective vaccines are a gamechanger and to create the safest environment possible, we will require all guests and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19," said Chief Executive Frank Del Rio. As part of the resumption of cruises, Norwegian said it will initially offer 7-day cruises to the Greek Isles originating from Athens starting July 25, and 7-day Caribbean cruises originating from Montego Bay, Jamaica starting Aug. 7. The stock, which edged up 0.3% in premarket trading, has rallied 16.8% year to date and soared 196.8% over the past 12 months, while the S&P 500 has gained 8.6% this year and climbed 53.1% over the past year.

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