Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

plan the Healthy Sail Panel is reviewing.” Like every other cruise company, Royal Caribbean Group and its brands have been significantly impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past few months. “Few could have imagined just how long the pandemic would impact the world to the degree that it has, but here we are in the second half of the year and most operations have not resumed,” says Fain. “We have made several difficult, but necessary, decisions to see us through the situation. In addition, shipyard closures and the effects of the pandemic on global supply chains have also altered the timelines for our upcoming newbuilds and revitalisation projects.” Some of the most recent changes include delaying Odyssey of the Seas’ delivery to Royal Caribbean International to spring 2021 and postponing the ‘Royal Amplified’ upgrade and enhancement projects on Allure of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas to a later date. “We hope to bring those amplifications to life soon, likely after 2021,” says Fain. However, there has been good news; two of Royal Caribbean Group’s brands have celebrated important milestones over the past few months. In what is believed to be a cruise industry first, Celebrity Cruises took virtual delivery of its second Edge-class ship, Celebrity Apex, via a video conference with officials from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in April. Then in June, Silversea Cruises took delivery of Silver Origin from Shipyard De Hoop in Rotterdam, Netherlands, marking the first in-person cruise ship delivery since the Covid-19 pandemic. And in July, Royal Caribbean Group purchased the remaining shares of Silversea, taking full ownership of the luxury cruise line. “Silversea has been a great fit for our company from the very first day,” says Fain. “The cultures of the two organisations have proven to be harmonious, and guests have responded favourably to the combination. We’re 2 0 KEYNOTE “Silversea has been a great fit for our company from the very first day” Royal Caribbean Group has been working hard to protect the health and wellbeing of its crew members during the pandemic