Royal Caribbean International will resume roundtrip cruises from the Bahamas with the Adventure of the Seas, beginning on June 12. News of the resumption mirrors that of corporate cousin Celebrity Cruises, which announced it would also be resuming sailings in the Caribbean in June.
“We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a press release.
A major factor in next summer’s restart is the impact of COVID-19 vaccines, which Bayley calls a “game changer for all of us.” Only fully vaccinated passengers and crew will be allowed to cruise, along with those under the age of 18 who test negative for COVID-19.
“We believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice,” he said. “As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time. The opportunity to homeport in the Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.”
Additional safety measures, as outlined by the cruise line’s Healthy Sail Panel (formed in corporate collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.) will be implemented on the voyages. Travelers must also meet travel requirements of the destinations they visit, which may include receiving a negative PCR test before arrival, testing on arrival and filling out health forms.
Seven-night itinerary highlights will include the homeport of Nassau and two consecutive days at the company’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, plus Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel, Mexico. Itineraries will take place through August.
“As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in the Bahamas is exciting,” said Hubert A. Minnis, the prime minister of the Bahamas, in a release.
“Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before,” he said. “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected the Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes. This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”
The new cruises go on sale March 24.
The Details
Royal Caribbean International
www.royalcaribbean.com
