Norwegian Cruise Line to resume Alaska sailings in August

NCL will launch with weeklong voyages from Seattle to Alaska

The line announced sailings will resume from 7 August 2021, following the temporary waiver of the Passenger Vessel Services Act.

Norwegian Bliss will operate the sailings through to 16 October on sailings that offer seven to 13 hours of port time in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, all in Alaska.

On select sailings, guests will also have the chance to take in the serene views of Glacier Bay National Park or the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjord.

The waiver allows cruise ships to operate to Alaska if the line receives a Conditional Sailing Certificate from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Seattle has always been our second home, and we are beyond excited to return to this incredible homeport and to once again bring our guests to Alaska,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“21 years ago, we were the first to offer itineraries to Alaska from Seattle, and we continue to celebrate a strong relationship with our partners in this spectacular destination. We have been waiting for a very long time to announce a resumption of cruising from the US. We are so proud to be sailing for the first time in over a year from our special homeport of Seattle to the breathtaking state of Alaska.”

Shore excursions offer the chance to ride on the world’s largest ZipRider zip line, view brown bears, and watch whales.

“Alaskans are ready to welcome visitors from across the globe to Alaska, where they can personally experience the scenic and cultural wonders that can only be found here,” said the state’s governor, Mike Dunleavy, adding: “I’m grateful for the teamwork and thoughtful planning that many people from Norwegian Cruise Line, Alaska’s local governments, our congressional delegation, tourism industry, and the state’s public health team put into preparing for a cruise ship season that promises to be both safe and rewarding for everyone.”