It’s all Greek to Norwegian Cruise Line, which commemorated its cruise comeback with a double debut: Norwegian Jade was not only the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after 500 days Sunday, it also made NCL history as the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus).

Norwegian Jade is the first ship to recommence voyages as part of the cruise line’s larger restart efforts. On Aug. 7, 2021, Norwegian Encore will be the first ship to return to service from the US, when it debuts in Seattle for its inaugural season of Alaska cruises.

The ship’s deployment in Athens is also part of a long-term strategy to further increase the brand’s presence in Europe, one of the line’s most popular cruise destinations. Through 2023, the company plans to position nine ships in the region, with Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade and Star scheduled to sail in Greece.

NCL president and CEO Harry Sommer hailed the ‘Great Cruise Comeback’ and Athens homeport, noting that Norwegian Jade’s first Greek Isles voyages sold out quickly when introduced and that such strong demand prompted the cruise line to expand its offerings in Greece with seven ships set to sail through 2023. This year’s program runs through November.

NCL’s SailSAFETM health and safety program is constantly evolving, says the cruise line, and currently requires that all crew and guests be fully vaccinated to embark on all voyages through Oct. 31, 2021.