Norwegian Cruise Line's first voyage after 500 days without passengers

One of the world's biggest cruise lines has set sail after 500 days without passengers due to coronavirus bans on the industry.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings says a voyage has commenced from Greece with a fully vaccinated population onboard and additional health measures including testing prior to boarding.

The Norwegian Jade sailed from Athens on Sunday, the first of the 17-ship Norwegian fleet to recommence voyages.

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Norwegian Jade will sail to the Greek Isles on voyages from Athens to Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini through November. 

"Our long-awaited Great Cruise Comeback has officially commenced with the return of Norwegian Jade, the first ship in our fleet to resume cruising," Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said in a statement.

The company has also announced plans to resume cruising extending into April 2022 for all 28 ships in its fleet.

"We continue to see incredible pent-up demand for future cruise vacations and I look forward to welcoming our loyal guests back onboard," he said.

It's a promising sign of recovery for the cruising industry, which has been one of the hardest hit since the global outbreak of COVID-19 in March, 2020.

"We are overjoyed to welcome Norwegian Jade and her guests to Greece. The planned itineraries will offer unique experiences that combine our rich history, bustling culture and famous gastronomy," Greek Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis said.

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"Welcoming our guests and crew on board has been one of the most memorable moments of my over 30-year career," Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement. 

The company announced in April that it would require all passengers and crew on board its ships to be fully vaccinated two weeks prior to boarding.

No date has been announced for the resumption of the cruising industry in Australia, with a current ban to lift on September 17 likely to be extended.