Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has resumed cruise operations in the US with Norwegian Encore’s inaugural call to Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

The ship set sail from Seattle on 7 August for its first season of voyages to Alaska, and is the first in the industry to berth at the new Wilderness Landing pier at Icy Strait Point, which was built in partnership between NCL’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd and Huna Totem Corporation, the village corporation owned by approximately 1,400 Alaska Native shareholders.

On Tuesday 10 August, a double ribbon cutting ceremony took place to officially open the new pier.

Norwegian Encore will make its first calls to Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, before returning to Seattle and continuing a season of week-long voyages to Alaska through to 16 October 2021.

Norwegian Jade was the first ship in the fleet to return to action on 25 July with seven-day itineraries to the Greek Isles.

Norwegian Gem will be the line’s first o resume operations from Miami and sail from the new Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal at PortMiami when it departs on 15 August for week-long voyages to the Caribbean and four-day cruises to the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer Harry Sommer said: “Our return to Alaska is a monumental moment for not only NCL but for the state’s communities as well.

“The absence of cruising last year was detrimental to these communities, which lost approximately $1.5 billion. Our return represents our continued commitment to Alaska and to the wellbeing of the destinations we visit.

“Our investment in Icy Strait Point is providing our guests with more opportunities to experience and understand the natural and cultural beauty of the destination and its people.”

Huna Totem Corporation chief executive officer Russell Dick added: “Since Icy Strait Point’s inception, we’ve strived to balance the needs of our Alaska Native community with those of Alaska’s growing cruise industry and this development was a natural step for us.

“We are grateful to Norwegian for believing in our vision and we hope our sustainable model can lead the way for positive expansion of the cruise visitor industry in Alaska.”