The notice was first issued in March 2020 and marks the latest step in the slow return to operation and normality for the cruise industry.

"We’re still on cloud nine after the CDC lifted its cruise travel health notice last week, leading to our strongest day of bookings ever," said Virgin.

The line is also gearing up to launch its third ship, Resilient Lady, which has completed its final sea trial after returning safely to the Sestri shipyard in Genoa.

Resilient Lady achieved speeds of 23 knots (26.5mph) during the trial. The ship is due to debut in Athens in August following finishing touches by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

It will sail a series of seven-night itineraries from Athens; one taking in the Adriatic and another Greece’s many islands, including Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos.

These will be followed by a nine-night itinerary visiting Catania, Palma, Malaga and Lisbon, and then an 11-night transatlantic sailing from Portugal to Puerto Rico visiting Madeira, Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Juan.

In the winter, Resilient will sail the Caribbean from San Juan. Itineraries will focus on the southeastern Caribbean and the Lesser Antilles.

Virgin revealed the ship’s "mermaid" figurehead last week.