{"id":31786,"date":"2021-04-16T23:24:20","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T23:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=31786"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:33:22","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:33:22","slug":"your-guide-to-when-cruises-will-resume-sailing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/your-guide-to-when-cruises-will-resume-sailing\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to when cruises will resume sailing"},"content":{"rendered":"
Last updated: August 23, 2021<\/em><\/h6>\n

How it started:<\/strong> On March 13, 2020, cruise lines announced a voluntary 30-day suspension of sailing, in addition to the No Sail Order commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), followed by multiple extensions.<\/p>\n

How it\u2019s going:<\/strong> What began as one of the most unprecedented moments in the history of the cruise industry has now developed into an optimistic comeback and renewed appreciation for the good that travel brings.<\/p>\n

In October of 2020, the CDC\u2019s No Sail Order was replaced by its Framework for Conditional Sailing, allowing cruise lines to follow strict requirements and move toward a return, in addition to the implementation of heightened protocols, like Royal Caribbean International\u2019s Healthy Sail Panel<\/a> recommendations.<\/p>\n

Cruise lines continue to adapt their sailing plans to these measures with diligence and enthusiasm and are beginning to announce sailings dates for a return to the sea. Want to be prepared to sail too? Here is everything you need to know about the restart of cruising.<\/p>\n

When will cruise lines restart sailings?<\/h2>\n

\"cruising-is-back\"<\/p>\n

The following cruise lines have announced official return-to-sea dates with sailings to select destinations:*<\/p>\n

Royal Caribbean International<\/h3>\n

In December 2020, Royal Caribbean resumed cruising internationally, sailing the Quantum of the Seas roundtrip from Singapore. While you can currently book 2022 departures on RCI ships, the company is planning to resume cruising in June 2021, starting with short round-trip sailings from Nassau, Bahamas<\/a> to the company\u2019s private island at Coco Cay on the Vision of the Seas and the Adventure of the Seas.<\/p>\n

Earlier in August 2021, Royal Caribbean has finally announced their official return to United States. The cruise lines has now different ships sailing from North American ports: the Oasis of the Seas will start sailing this September<\/a> from Cape Liberty, Mariner of the Seas started running short cruises from Port Canaveral<\/a> in August, and Liberty of the Seas will start offering 7-night cruises from Galveston<\/a> this coming October. These are only three of the eighteen Royal Caribbean ships that have confirmed sailings in 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Celebrity Cruises<\/h3>\n

The Celebrity Edge has been given the green light by the CDC to be the first cruise ship to sail from US waters in more than a year. Celebrity Cruises gets ready to set sail June 26 on a seven-night cruise of the Caribbean on Celebrity Edge<\/a>.\u00a0But that\u2019s just the beginning \u2013 sailings to Alaska, Caribbean, and more are set to resume this summer and we couldn\u2019t be more excited and thrilled to announce the return of cruising!<\/p>\n

With stylish decor and luxury appeal, Celebrity Cruises is popular with both new and returning cruisers. In March 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced it will begin to offer 2021 sailings around Greece and Cyprus<\/a>, however, all passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n

Celebrity Cruises has also announced they will sail the Celebrity Millenium from Alaska<\/a> starting in August 2021 and the Celebrity Apex has started sailings in Europe<\/a> departing from Athens.<\/p>\n

Norwegian Cruise Line<\/h3>\n

Norwegian Cruise Lines has announced that they will resume sailings in Europe in September 2021 with the Norwegian Epic<\/a> and the Norwegian Getaway<\/a>, both ships will sail from Civitavecchia (Rome) and the Epic will also sail from Barcelona.<\/p>\n

In addition, the Norwegian Gem<\/a> has confirmed sailings from Miami as earliest as this August and will change homeport to New York this coming November. The Norwegian Joy<\/a> has also confirm sailings from Miami and will continue with 5 and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean until 2022. NCL will be operating with a fully vaccinated crew, and all guests will also be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination before boarding. Norwegian<\/p>\n

Holland America Line<\/h3>\n

As of May 2021, Holland America Line has announced that they will resume ocean-going sailings from Piraeus (Athens) Greece from August 6th onboard the Eurodam. Itineraries range from 7-14 days and will visit the Greek Isles, Greece, Israel, and Albania with bookings opening on May 6th. Cruisers can choose from Idyllic Greek Isles, Ancient Wonders, Adriatic Allure, or combine cruises for a 14-day Collector\u2019s Voyage, and all passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n

The cruise lines has also confirmed sailings from Seattle to Alaska with the Niew Amsterdam starting this August<\/a>. They will also start sailing from San Diego with the Zuiderman in October<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Crystal Cruises<\/h3>\n

As of April 2021, Crystal Cruises has announced that they will resume ocean-going sailings from July 3rd onboard the Crystal Serenity with over 30 all-new Bahamian seven-night cruise itineraries with round trips on offer from the sunny cruise ports of Nassau and Bimini. They have also indicated they will offer luxury cruises on the Crystal Symphony, beginning in August 2021, as their first cruise ship to homeport in Antigua.<\/p>\n

While 2021 European ocean and river-going sailings are open for reservations, including sailing on their newest Crystal Endeavor ship out of Iceland starting this July, their continuation of departures from North American ports have not been announced.<\/p>\n

\"Cruising<\/a><\/p>\n

Disney Cruise Line<\/h3>\n

Beginning August 9, the Disney Dream<\/a> will kick off their long-awaited return to cruising from the U.S.\u2014with tropical voyages to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Three- and four-night cruises will visit their private island, Castaway Cay, for an unforgettable vacation at sea. Their entire Cast and Crew have missed you! Right now, they\u2019re working hard to get ready for your return, and their focus remains on operating in a responsible way while creating magic for all on board.<\/p>\n

As always, their ships are overflowing with magic\u2014from beloved character encounters to enchanting Broadway-style musicals and a spectacular fireworks display at sea. To discover more, visit Disney’s website<\/a> for the latest information\u2014including experience updates and details about their multi-layered approach to health and safety.<\/p>\n

Which US cruise ports are open for sailing?<\/h2>\n

With the latest announcement from the CDC, many US cruise ports are preparing to welcome cruisers back to their docks once again. Discover which cruise lines and sailings are now departing from American ports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Which types of cruise vacations are being booked now?<\/h2>\n

\"cruise-vacations-being-booked-now\"<\/p>\n

These days, guests are going bigger and bolder to make up for vacations missed, and we don\u2019t blame them. The following booking trends continue to gain momentum as cruise lines head back to sea, with sailing reservations available as far out as 2023.<\/p>\n