All 26 ships in the fleet will be back in service in various destinations around the world
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International expects all 26 of its ocean cruise ships to be back in service by spring 2022.
The line has already resumed safe cruise operations in Alaska, Asia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Europe, and the next group of returning ships will begin offering itineraries in September.
Highlights of the season will include Oasis of the Seas becoming the first of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels to cruise from Cape Liberty in New Jersey to The Bahamas on 5 September, as well as Grandeur of the Seas homeporting in Bridgetown, Barbados to offer Caribbean sailings on 5 December.
Other notable itineraries include Ovation of the Seas heading back to Australia on 13 December to sail domestic cruises from Sydney, Radiance of the Seas offering seven-night Alaska departures from Vancouver, Canada from 29 April 2022, and Rhapsody of the Seas sailing seven-night Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries from Rome, Italy from 23 May 2022. A complete list of 2021 sailings can be found here.
"We are excited and appreciative to be able to say with confidence when all of our ships will return, especially for travellers looking ahead to plan their getaways,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “More than 110,000 guests have cruised with us since December, and they've done so safely while enjoying the memorable vacations they trust we'll bring to life. It's been incredible to see families come together again onboard our ships sailing in the USA, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. And to know we'll soon welcome more in a safe manner when our entire fleet is back by spring 2022 is wonderful."
All cruises will operate in accordance with Royal Caribbean’s enhanced health and safety protocols, which require all eligible crew members and guests to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and all children younger than the eligible age to undergo testing and follow other measures. Royal Caribbean has also equipped ships with robust ventilation systems, increased cleaning and sanitisation processes and is sailing with reduced occupancy. A full list of the health and safety requirements is available here.