The NCLH-owned NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line completed its milestone-making journey in the USA with the return of Norwegian Encore to Seattle Washington on August 14, 2021, following a celebratory week of visits to the Alaskan ports Hoonah/Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan.
After suspending passenger shipping operations 17 months ago, NCL Encore ship debuted on the West Coast and showcased the company’s commitment to the Alaskan tourism market.
During the sailing (attended by 2500+ passengers including members of SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council), NCL also received a commendation from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for the company's joint sustainability efforts with Ketchikan's Ward Cove development.
On August 10, 2021, a double ribbon-cutting took place at Icy Strait Point to open the new Wilderness Landing pier and the first of a pair of gondola systems to be completed as part of the joint investment between Norwegian NCLH-Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and the Huna Totem Corp. The Wilderness Landing provides additional beach and forest areas for visitors. With the opening of the high-speed Transporter Gondola, travelers have easy access to the first pier in Icy Strait Point, Adventure Landing, where the Historic Salmon Cannery and other local attractions are situated. Once completed, the Mountain Top Gondola will take vacationers to the top of Hoonah Mountain where miles of new hiking trails await.
In addition, on August 12, NCL and Norwegian Encore made history again, docking for the first time at Ketchikan's The Mill at Ward Cove - a development by Ward Cove Dock Group in partnership with NCLH to build a 2-berth cruise dock and corresponding Welcome Center and Passenger Transit Facility.