Cruising Comeback

It’s been well over a year since the pandemic put cruise ships at a standstill. But cruising is gradually making its comeback around the world. In late April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent a letter to the cruise industry indicating American cruises could possibly begin voyages as early as mid-July, depending on cruise lines’ compliance with the CDC standards. 

Many cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Seabourn have announced highly-anticipated sailings for this summer from ports in Greece, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.  

Royal Caribbean Cruises 

Adventure is back! Royal Caribbean is gearing up for its return to island escapes from the Bahamas and Bermuda this summer. The Adventure of the Seas® will set sail on seven-night getaways from Nassau, the Bahamas. On this voyage, travelers will get two nights at the top-rated Royal Caribbean private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, a chance to venture into Mayan history during a visit to Cozumel and unwind on Grand Bahama Island’s beautiful white-sand beaches.  

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas will set sail from Bermuda this June. Guests will enjoy even more time ashore to explore the island’s famous pink-sand beaches and keep the vacation vibes going after dark. Then, cruisers can choose to chase thrill or chill beachside at Perfect Day at CocoCay.  

Celebrity Cruises 

There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a little bit of luxury. Celebrity Cruises have announced sailings from St. Maarten and Greece this summer. The Celebrity Millennium will begin seven-night sailings from St. Maarten in June. Ports of call may include Aruba, Curacao, St. Lucia, Tortola, and Barbados. 

This June, Celebrity’s newest ship, the Celebrity Apex, will begin its inaugural sailing from Athens (Piraeus), Greece. The seven-night itineraries may include visits to Mykonos, Cyprus, Santorini, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Rhodes.  

Norwegian Cruise Line 

Norwegian Cruise Line is set to restart operations this July. Travelers will be able to spend part of their summer exploring ancient ruins and sunny beaches on a cruise from the Greek Isles (Athens) aboard the Norwegian Jade. 

In late summer, Norwegian ships will resume with week-long itineraries in the Caribbean available from Montego Bay, Jamaica aboard the Norwegian Joy and from Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic on the Norwegian Gem. American sailings are planned to restart in October 2021.  

Seabourn 

On July 3, Seabourn Cruise Line will once again be welcoming travelers to their ultra-luxury ships sailing from Athens, Greece aboard the Seabourn Ovation. Vacationers can choose between two, seven-night itineraries: the first sailing will include visits to Cyrpus, Mykonos, Nafplion, Crete, and Rhodes. The second itineraries include stops in Cyprus, Rhodes, Patmos, Santorini, and Spetses. Discover all the wonders of Greece by combining the two itineraries for an epic 14-night adventure.  

Beginning in July, Seabourn will offer weeklong cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Guests will be able to set sail in ultra-luxury from Bridgetown, Barbados on the Seabourn Odyssey, and visit idyllic ports of call, including Antigua, Dominica, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Grenada, and the British Virgin Islands. 

Viking 

Viking will restart their cruise operations on June 15 with new sailings from Bermuda on the Viking Orion. Cruisers will set sail from Hamilton on a journey to discover Bermuda's amazing colonial history and admire its natural beauty, including its renowned pink sand beaches. Along with Hamilton, ports of call include St. George and King’s Wharf. 

Before you cruise, take time to review any specific boarding requirements. Many cruise lines have new regulations because of the pandemic that will require guests age 18 and older to be vaccinated and those under the age of 18 to provide a negative RT-PCR test. For more information on travel restrictions and requirements, talk to a local travel agent. 

When you’re ready to travel again, we’re here for you. Our AAA Travel Agents can help you navigate through the travel planning process and book your next cruise vacation. Contact your AAA Travel Agent at 1-800-222-1469 or find your local agent.

*All departures are current at the time of writing the article. All announced sailings could change or be canceled at any moment.