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On Friday, Royal Caribbean International announced six of its major cruise ships would begin sailing from major U.S ports from July onwards. This comes after news that the CDC has granted more cruise lines permission to begin test cruises throughout the summer.
In addition, the company also expects its entire fleet to be fully operational by the end of 2021. After almost 16 months of having zero cruise ships in the US, this is welcome news to all cruise enthusiasts!
The Royal Caribbean Summer Plans
Royal Caribbean will start its comeback on the 2nd of July, when the Freedom of the Seas will embark on a 4th July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Furthermore, the company also announced that the new Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship would start sailing from July, followed by Symphony, Allure, Independence, and Mariner of the Seas. Royal Caribbean states that by August 12th, 12 Royal Caribbean cruise ships will start cruising across Europe, Alaska, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
The CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, was delighted at the news, stating, “This is it! Vacationers can now plan their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone.” Michael Bayley also went on to thank guests and travel partners for their patience during this “very difficult period.”
Michael Bayley states that the July return of Royal Caribbean Cruises is thanks to the fast and effective vaccination rollout across the United States. He also went on to say “the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests.”
According to Royal Caribbean, 90 percent of passengers booking on the cruise have received a vaccination or have plans to get vaccinated before their cruise sets sail. Michael Bayley also thanked numerous governors for their support to the cruise industry in the previous 15 months.
The Full Royal Caribbean Summer Line Up
- Freedom of the Seas: 3 and 4 night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay cruise setting sail from Miami. This cruise will begin on July 2nd.
- Odyssey of the Seas: 6 and 8 night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises setting sail from Fort Lauderdale on July 3rd.
- Serenade of the Seas: 7-night Alaska sailings from Seattle, setting sail from July 19th.
- Allure of the Seas: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises setting sail from Port Canaveral, beginning on August 8th.
- Ovation of the Seas: 7-night Alaska cruises setting sail from Seattle, beginning on August 13th.
- Symphony of the Seas: 7-night Western Caribbean cruises setting sail from Miami, beginning on August 15th.
- Independence of the Seas: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises setting sail from Galveston, Texas, beginning on August 15th.
- Mariner of the Seas: 3 and 4 night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay setting sail out of Port Canaveral, beginning on August 23rd.
Travelers will be delighted to hear that the expanded summer lineup will go far beyond the United States. It will include international ports, such as Rome and Barcelona when the Harmony of the Seas returns to Europe on August 15th. The cruise ship will stop at famous places like Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
The Cruise Ship COVID-19 Requirements
Royal Caribbean highly recommends that passengers get vaccinated before they travel. If you’re unable to have a vaccine for whatever reason, you will have to undergo testing requirements. However, Royal Caribbean will release these details later this month. You can check their website for more details.
The company claims its in constant discussions with the CDC to maintain safety and ensure that these cruises remain COVID safe. In addition, the company claims that it will inform all travelers about safety requirements before the ship sets sail.
Read More:
Covid-19 Travel Insurance – Everything You Need To Know
Countries Open For Vaccinated Travelers: The Complete List
CDC Grants More Cruise Lines Permission To Start Test Cruises
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