Royal Caribbean Blog

Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, arrived in Port Canaveral on Friday and it marked her official arrival into the United States.

New cruise ships always garner a lot of attention, especially among some really talented photographers.

Just like them, many cruise fans are eager to check out Royal Caribbean's latest creation for themselves, and I have a batch of some great photos to share of her arrival.

Constant Cruiser was at Port Canaveral on Friday to take these great photos of Odyssey sailing in.

Odyssey's arrival coincided with Royal Caribbean's announcement of July cruises restarting, which made for a double whammy of very welcome Odyssey news in one day.

Odyssey of the Seas will offer 6- and 8-night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, starting July 3.

Not only will this be her U.S. debut, but her official inaugural sailings.  Odyssey's previous two inaugurals were cancelled from Rome and Israel.

The 4,198-passenger Odyssey of the Seas is around the world’s 13th largest cruise ship since her debut.

While she may not be as large as the Oasis Class ships, she is still packed with plenty for families and guests of all ages to enjoy, including multiple pool areas, an aqua park for kids, sky-diving simulator, surfing simulator, and even bumper cars.

Cabins onboard range from studio staterooms fit for a single traveler to spacious loft suites that span two decks.

Read more: First look around Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas

Bookings for the newly announced Odyssey of the Seas cruises from Fort Lauderdale are open for sale.

Royal Caribbean has not confirmed when Odyssey's test cruises will begin, nor if she has been approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for test cruises.

Since Odyssey is currently scheduled to be the second cruise ship to sail from the U.S. in early July, her test cruises are certain to be on the docket.

More Odyssey of the Seas information

• A look at the specialty restaurants on Odyssey of the Seas
• 13 Beautiful photos from Odyssey of the Seas conveyance

Two more Royal Caribbean ships are approved to begin test cruises.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved test cruises for Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, which makes them the fourth and fifth Royal Caribbean ships approved for test cruises.

Earlier this week, Symphony and Allure of the Seas were approved. Freedom of the Seas was the first ship to get approved.

The CDC was busy with other approvals, for ships from Celebrity Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises.

Mariner of the Seas will begin her test cruises on August 11, 2021.

Independence of the Seas will begin her test cruises on August 1, 2021.

Royal Caribbean confirmed the test cruise start dates, which coincide with Royal Caribbean's other big announcement of restart plans for this summer.

This just in: @RoyalCaribbean Independence and Mariner of the Seas have been approved for simulation cruises on Aug. 1 and Aug. 11, respectively. ?

— Royal Caribbean PR (@RoyalCaribPR) June 4, 2021

Royal Caribbean plans to start revenue cruises on Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral, beginning on August 23, 2021.

Likewise, Independence of the Seas is scheduled to sail from Galveston with paying passengers on August 15, 2021.

Of the ships confirmed for restart earlier today, we are still waiting on test cruise dates for Serenade, Ovation, and Odyssey of the Seas.

Each cruise ship needs to be approved by the CDC in order to conduct test cruises.

During these test cruises, Royal Caribbean will go through a variety of scenarios to prove to the CDC that the ship can conduct sailings in a safe manner. Specifically, the new protocols aimed at preventing Covid-19 from getting onboard the ship are at the heart of these dry runs.

Each ship must conduct at least one simulated cruise, and each voyage must be between 2-7 days in length with a least one overnight stay, including through embarkation, disembarkation, and post-disembarkation testing.

According to the CDC, passengers and crew must meet standards during the simulated voyage for hand hygiene, use of face masks, and social distancing for passengers and crew, as well as ship sanitation.

Royal Caribbean must modify meal service and entertainment venues to facilitate social distancing during the simulated voyage.

With a week to go until Royal Caribbean begins sailings on Adventure of the Seas from the Bahamas, guests now have a look at what health protocols and changes they can expect onboard.

Adventure of the Seas will be the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to restart operations from North America.  The cruise line announced these sailings from outside the United States in March, as a means of getting around the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Preventions (CDC) prohibition of cruise ships.

Beginning June 12, Adventure of the Seas will begin offering cruises out of Nassau, Bahamas and include two days in a row at the cruise line's private island.

Up until today, the protocols and requirements related to keeping guests safe from Covid-19 were not known, but the cruise line released them to guests booked on Adventure of the Seas between June 12 - September 11, 2021.

The full protocols released for Adventure of the Seas can be found online.

Check-in

As RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com first reported, check-in for the cruise will be held at the British Colonial Hilton resort in Nassau, since there is no cruise terminal appropriate for check-in at the port.

A complimentary shuttle will be provided from the Hilton to the cruise ship.

Complimentary luggage collection will be available when exiting customs at the Nassau airport. Bags must be tagged appropriately with Royal Caribbean luggage tags.

Wear your face mask at all times during the boarding process.

Vaccine requirements

For cruises departing Nassau before August 1, 2021

Guests age 16 years & older are required to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Guests under 16 are not required to be vaccinated at this time.

For cruises departing Nassau on or after August 1, 2021

The age requirement will change from 16 to 12 years of age. Guests age 12 years & older are required to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

Vaccinated guests must bring their original hard copy of vaccination proof issued by their government’s health authority (for example, a U.S. CDC Vaccination Record Card) and be ready to present it to board.

Documentation Checklist

• Bahamas Health travel visa
• RT-PCR negative test reuslts for unvaccinated guests 10 and up
• Proof of full vaccination
• Passport book
• Health form

Testing

• Vaccinated guests are only required to undergo a complimentary boarding day antigen test at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, where check-in will take place.
  • Vaccinated guests do not require any other pre-cruise testing. For re-entry into your home country, you may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test. If needed, we'll offer complimentary testing for you on Day 5 or 6 of your cruise. 
• Unvaccinated guests 12 years and older will need to take three tests
  • SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test within five days of arriving in The Bahamas in order to satisfy Bahamas Health Visa
  • Complimentary antigen test on boarding day
  • A final complimentary test will take place onboard on Day 5 or 6 as required for re-entry into The Bahamas. This test may also be used for entry into your home country, if needed.
• Unvaccinated guests 2 - 11 years old will need to take two tests
  • Complimentary antigen test on boarding day
  • A final complimentary test will take place onboard on Day 5 or 6 as required for re-entry into The Bahamas. This test may also be used for entry into your home country, if needed.
• Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested

Ship and Perfect Day at CocoCay rules

Vaccinated guests

• No masks onboard
• No masks at Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Masks may be necessary in ports of calls

Unvaccinated guests

• Outdoors: Masks are not required in open-air areas onboard the ship or at Perfect Day at CocoCay unless you are in a crowded setting. Masks are not permitted in the pool or for any activity where they could become wet.
• Indoors: Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces onboard the ship unless seated and actively eating or drinking. Masks are not required in your stateroom as long as you are with your own travel party.
• In public ports: Local mask and distancing requirements at public ports of call must be followed.
• Guests under age 2 do not need to wear a mask at any time.

Guests under the age of 2 have no mask requirements.

Dining

• Spaced seating and reservations encouraged.

Reservations for the Main Dining Room and Windjammer can be made once onboard by using the Royal Caribbean App or calling the reservation line.

Windjammer will be open for breakfast and lunch, and food will now be served to you by crew members to avoid guests sharing serving utensils.

If you’d like to dine with other parties during your cruise, you can easily link your bookings by calling us at 866-562-7625.

Entertainment

• Spaced seating
• Reduced capacity
• More show times

While in port

All guests may visit each port freely, but must comply with all local health and safety requirements.

Royal Caribbean announced on Friday cruises from the United States are coming back in July.

After 16 months of not being able to sail, Royal Caribbean announced it will restart cruises from the United States with select cruise ships in July.

Royal Caribbean will begin with the July 2 sailing from Miami on Freedom of the Seas for a short cruise to the Bahama, just in time for the Fourth of July. 

By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising once again across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.

Royal Caribbean said their approach to restart "will remain very deliberate and methodical."

Their roll-out plan will span across the "next several months". 

No doubt today's announcement raises a lot of questions, and Royal Caribbean says a subsequent communication detailing the protocols and boarding requirements passengers can expect for U.S. based ships will be shared at a later date.

The cruise line said it has received guidance from the Healthy Sail Panel, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Preventions (CDC), and various government and health authorities to make this happen.

Royal Caribbean has already announced plans to require the Covid-19 vaccine for all adults, and some teens.

Vacationers sailing from Seattle or The Bahamas who are 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and those 12 or older as of Aug. 1.

Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date. Other measures in place for travelers to cruise with Royal Caribbean include:

• Vacationers sailing to Alaska who are 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and those 12 or older as of Aug. 1.
• If departing from an international port, guests must meet the travel requirements of their home country and the country of departure. The most up-to-date policies can be found online on each country’s tourism site.

The new U.S and Europe cruises extend Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to return to sailing, which include Adventure of the Seas departing from The Bahamas on June 12 as well as Anthem of the Seas sailing out of the U.K. and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus in July.

Short cruises (3-5 nights)

Freedom of the Seas from Miami Florida, beginning July 2, 2021

Now open and on sale

Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida, starting August 23, 2021 

Now open and on sale

7-night Cruises

Odyssey of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, debuting July 3, 2021

Now open and on sale

Allure of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida, starting August 8, 2021

Now open and on sale

Symphony of the Seas from Miami, Florida, starting August 14, 2021

Now open and on sale

Independence of the Seas from Galveston, starting August 15, 2021

Will go on sale beginning June 8, 2021

Serenade of the Seas from Seattle, starting July 19

Now open and on sale

Ovation of the Seas from Seattle, starting Aug. 13

Now open and on sale

UPDATE: Guests booked on Independence of the Seas from Miami departing July 3 - October 23, 2021 will be moved a similar sailing on Odyssey of the Seas departing Fort Lauderdale. Should guests no longer wish to sail due to this change, refunds can be requested through June 18, 2021.

Beginning in July 2021, Navigator of the Seas cruises are being converted over to Freedom of the Seas cruises.

Europe

Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona and Rome, starting August 15, 2021

Now open and on sale

More cancellations

While Royal Caribbean is able to restart operations on 7 ships this summer, a number of other ships are now cancelled since their restart will take longer.

Cruises outside of those announced today will be cancelled through the end of August. 

• Allure of the Seas departing Port Canaveral: July 4-August 1, 2021
• Brilliance of the Seas  departing Tampa: July 3-August 28, 2021
• Enchantment of the Seas  departing Baltimore: July 1-August 26, 2021
• Explorer of the Seas  departing Galveston: July 5-Sept 22 & October 25, 2021
• Freedom of the Seas  departing Bayonne: July 3-October 23, 2021
• Harmony of the Seas  departing Barcelona & Rome: July 4-August 12, 2021
• Harmony of the Seas  departing Rome: August 19 & 26, 2021
• Liberty of the Seas  departing Galveston: July 4-August 8, 2021
• Mariner of the Seas  departing Port Canaveral: July 2-August 20, 2021
• Oasis of the Seas  departing Bayonne: July 2-August 29, 2021
• Rhapsody of the Seas  departing Ravenna/Venice: July 3-November 30, 2021
• Symphony of the Seas  departing Miami: July 3-August 7, 2021

Guests on the cancelled cruises are eligible for a full refund, 125% future cruise credit, or a modified Lift & Shift.

The modified Lift & Shift is an option where you can move your existing booking to a sailing next year on the same itinerary type], sailing length, embarkation port, stateroom category, and within 2-weeks before or after the date of your original cruise.

What about the CDC?

These plans are exciting, but Royal Caribbean's plans are indeed subject to approval by the CDC.

Royal Caribbean says they are in "continuing discussions with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and multiple state, local and port authorities in the U.S. and with various destination communities regarding the various requirements for the upcoming sailings."

The current process requires each ship to complete a simulation cruise before receiving approval to resume sailing once again from U.S. ports.

The applications for simulation cruises are under review and receiving approvals on a rolling basis. The progress made as a result of the ongoing collaboration with and support from the state, local and federal level continues to set the stage for Royal Caribbean to return to sailing this summer as planned.

The cruise line will share updates on measures with guests and travel advisors before their departure dates. 

Celebration of a return

As you might imagine, Royal Caribbean is as excited as cruise fans for the return of cruises.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley welcomed the major announcement, "This is it. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone."

"I would like to sincerely thank our guests and travel partners for their incredible patience and understanding during this very difficult period. Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated."

"As of today, 90% of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise."

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas has arrived in the United States for the first time.

Photo by AdamsAway

The newest cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet sailed into Port Canaveral just before 10am on Friday.

She will be in port at Terminal 1 until she departs on Sunday.

Odyssey was re-routed to the United States after her inaugural season was cancelled from Haifa, Israel. Like the rest of Royal Caribbean's fleet, she is in a state of limbo until the cruise industry can get approval to restart sailings.

Photo by AdamsAway

Odyssey of the Seas can accommodate 4,180 passengers and is a 16-deck-high, 1,138-foot-long ship. 

Presumably, the crew on Odyssey will be receiving their Covid-19 vaccines while the ship is docked in Port Canaveral.  Royal Caribbean has been systematically bringing ships into Florida ports for short stops so that crew onboard can get vaccinated.

It was reported, although never confirmed, that Odyssey's crew was not able to obtain vaccinations in Israel, which may have played a role in the ship's season being cancelled.

Photo by Paul Crow

As of now, Odyssey of the Seas is scheduled to begin cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November 2021, although there are rumors she may start sailings sooner than that.

Royal Caribbean confirmed Odyssey of the Seas will definitely sail from Florida, but did not specify which homeport.

During a recent webinar with travel agents, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, confirmed Odyssey will sail from Florida, "Where in Florida is she going to be? Well, this is like musical chairs, musical ships. So we will be telling you and sharing with you where in Florida as soon as we have more details."

Photo by Paul Crow

Odyssey of the Seas was originally scheduled to be delivered in 2020, but that was pushed back to 2021 due to the global health crisis.  Then Odyssey's inaugural season from Italy was cancelled, and then redeployed to Haifa, Israel.

What makes Odyssey of the Seas different?

Guests sailing onboard Odyssey of the Seas will find plenty to enjoy onboard.

While not the largest cruise ship in the world (that distinction is held by Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas), Odyssey packs a lot to do onboard, including multiple pools, aqua park for kids, surfing simulator, observation pod, and sky diving simulator.

There are even bumper cars you can ride, along with an array of complimentary and specialty restaurant options.

• Caribbean-inspired pool deck– Sporting a whole new look across two decks, Odyssey’s two open-air pools, four whirlpools and Splashaway Bay, anchored by a Quantum Ultra Class first – The Lime & Coconut bar – are designed for all travelers to enjoy the sun and stars in style.  
• SeaPlex – The next-generation of a longtime Quantum Class favorite, this SeaPlex is the largest indoor and outdoor activity center at sea, and debuts this venue’s first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Teppanyaki – Two Royal Caribbean restaurants new to North America join the varied lineup of dining options on board. The fresh take on the cruise line’s signature trattoria is the first to introduce its new wine bar concept while the other serves up East Asian flavors in the traditional Japanese style for which its named.
• Action-packed top deck – Returning guest-favorites include the gravity-defying SkyPad virtual reality bungee trampoline adventure, FlowRider surf simulator, skydiving with RipCord by iFly, and the iconic North Star all-glass observation capsule that boasts 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level.
• One-of-a-kind entertainment – In typical Royal Caribbean fashion, Odyssey’s full-scale productions take top billing in teched-out venues such as the Royal Theater and Two70, where immersive technology, unparalleled special effects and world-leading performers and aerialists take the stage alongside six agile Roboscreensfor a multidimensional live show.

Celebrity Cruises announced it will change the ship sailing summer cruises from St. Maarten.

An email sent to travel agents on Thursday indicated Celebrity Millennium will be swapped out for July and August sailings with Celebrity Summit.

This change does not affect the first sailings on Celebrity Millennium beginning this weekend.

Why the change? The recent bill which was signed into U.S. law to allow cruise ships to visit Alaska this year is the reason.

According to Celebrity, the legislation inadvertently listed the Celebrity Cruises ships originally scheduled to sail in Alaska, which did not include Celebrity Summit.

The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act specifically listed all the ships the new law applies to, and sure enough, Millennium is listed, but not Summit.

As a result, Summit would not legally be able to sail to Alaska this year without visiting Canada.

After evaluating the situation, Celebrity decided that in order to comply with the new law, Celebrity Millennium must sail roundtrip from Seattle in Alaska.

This means bookings will be transferred to Celebrity Summit and itineraries will remain the similar. It will take Celebrity a few weeks to complete all transactions.

When Millennium gets to Alaska, some visits to Skagway, Alaska will be replaced with Icy Strait Point, Alaska at the end of the cruise season.

Summit will change the port order of the itinerary. On Monday, Summit will now visit Bridgetown, Barbados, followed by a sea day on Tuesday, Willemstad, Curacao on Wednesday and Oranjestad, Aruba on Thursday.

Likewise, the sailings on Summit for Alaska will be altered to make way for Millennium.

Celebrity Millennium arrived at St. Maarten on Tuesday in preperation for her first cruise on June 5, 2021.

While the public is left wondering if Florida will allow cruise ships to ask passengers for proof of a Covid-19 vaccine, Mayors of three South Florida cities are now publicly urging the Governor to change his mind.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) championed and signed into law a new bill that prohibts any company in Florida, including cruise lines, from asking customers to provide documentation certifying vaccination against or recovery from Covid-19.

Such a law makes it apparently impossible for cruise lines to restart cruises, since most are requiring its passengers to be fully vaccinated.

Over the last few weeks, everyone has been wondering if a special exemption would be provided for the beleaguered cruise industry, whom Governor DeSantis has been a major supporter.

Thus far, the Governor has not budged and insisted the law will remain in place.

Now, the Mayors of Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood are publicly asking the Governor to reconsider.

In a letter first shared by Miami Herald reporter Aaron Leibowitz, the Mayors sent a letter to allow cruise ships to "come up with a solution" so that cruise lines can operate.

The letters were sent by Broward Mayor Steve Geller, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, and Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy.

The Mayors believe because cruise ships are either interstate or international commerce, they do have the right under to be regulated by the federal government.

Like the Governor, the Mayors want the cruise industry to come back so that the jobs and revenue they produce can help the Florida economy.

Governor DeSantis believes requiring the vaccine is unnecessary, and put the law into place to prevent many businesses from now prohibiting people based on their vaccination status.

Last month, the Governor explained his position on the matter of cruise ships, "What we want is the cruise lines to be open. And we want them to be able to make decisions about how they're going to how they're going to handle a lot of this stuff. That obviously is within the context of a Florida policy that respects the medical privacy of all Floridians."

"I'll hear is most people don't like the idea that if they show up at a ballgame, they got to whip out vaccination records or some things like that. But some say, well, maybe on a cruise, maybe we could do that a little different. Trust me, it will not stop at that. The minute that they start doing this, they're going to continue to do it. It will expand."

Court ordered mediation between the State of Florida and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) appears to have failed.

According to a state official, court ordered mediation between the two parties has not reached any kind of a settlement.

A report by WESH says an official in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration confirmed the mediation effort over the last few days has gone no where.

Florida is suing the CDC to drop the Conditional Sail Order (CSO) so that cruise ships can restart operations immediately.

Read more: Why does the CDC regulate the cruise lines?

ClickOrlando reported Taryn Fenske, communications director for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, issued a statement that the state filed a response to the CDC’s request for more time to relitigate the case.

"After more than a week of good-faith negotiations by the State of Florida in mediation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after Florida sued the CDC to overturn the agencies unlawful No Sail Order, the CDC continues to impose ridiculous, unlawful regulations that targets a single industry by imposing vaccine requirements – something no other business or industry must do."

"These requirements not only discriminate against one industry, but children, families, and small businesses. Despite Florida’s sincere efforts to reach a compromise, the United States District Court declared an impasse."

On May 18, Judge Steven D. Merryday ordered Florida and the CDC into mediation to work out an agreement by June 1st.

Mediation is a common process in the courts where a neutral third person called a mediator helps the parties discuss and try to resolve the dispute.

The official with DeSantis’ administration says the state will wait on a ruling on its lawsuit, which is expected "soon."

Florida believes the CDC does not have the right to hold back the cruise industry for this long, and is unlawful.

Instead, Florida wants cruise lines to be able to sail without any kind of restart approval process.

The CDC not only believes it has the jurisdiction to act in this manner, but thinks dropping the CSO would create a problem for the cruise lines.

In legal paperwork filed this week, the CDC explained an injunction would end cruising in Alaska for the season (because Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA) only benefits ships operating with a Conditional Sailing Certificate under the CSO).

The ATRA temporarily permits “covered cruise ships” to meet an alternative standard, where a “covered cruise ship” is defined as one that  “has been issued, operates in accordance with, and retains a COVID–19 Conditional Sailing Certificate of the CDC” and “operates in accordance” with that Certificate.

In addition, the CDC thinks if the CSO was waived as a result of the lawsuit, the public would not trust cruise ships are safe, "an injunction would cast considerable doubt on public confidence in the industry, particularly in the State of Florida, which is publicly battling with the industry over its own laws."

The same official from Governor DeSantis' administration says Florida will maintain its ban on cruise lines asking for proof of vaccination from passengers.

Florida would fine the cruise line $5,000 for each passenger who is asked for proof.

Two of the world's largest cruise ships have gotten approval to start test cruises.

Royal Caribbean confirmed on Thursday Allure of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas have received permission from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to start test cruises.

These two ships the second and third Royal Caribbean International ship to get approval for test cruises, following Freedom of the Seas.

Both ships are the first Oasis Class ships to get test cruise approval, and are the largest ships to date with approval from the CDC to conduct simulated voyages.

Read more: Here's how to sign up to be a volunteer for a Royal Caribbean test cruise

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley confirmed the news on Facebook, along with sail dates.

Allure of the Seas will start her testr cruises from Port Canaveral on July 27 to July 29.

Symphony of the Seas will conduct her test sailings from PortMiami on August 1 through August 3.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean test cruises

"Yippee," Mr. Bayley added with the news. "Just got approval from the CDC for our simulated sailings."

Royal Caribbean issued a statement confirming what Mr. Bayley posted, "We are encouraged to see our ongoing work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to progress on all fronts. Allure and Symphony of the Seas, two of the world’s largest cruise ships, are the latest in Royal Caribbean International’s fleet to be approved for simulation cruises. The ships will follow Freedom of the Seas and embark on their simulation sailings on July 27 and August 1, respectively. "

Simulated voyages (also known as test cruises) are when cruise lines can operate ships with volunteer passengers in order to prove their new protocols work.

These are not cruises you can book, but rather, are limited voyages where a cruise line invites certain unpaid volunteers to help go through all the necessary steps and procedures to ensure cruise ships can be run safely.

Each cruise ship needs to be approved by the CDC in order to conduct test cruises.

During these test cruises, Royal Caribbean will go through a variety of scenarios to prove to the CDC that the ship can conduct sailings in a safe manner. Specifically, the new protocols aimed at preventing Covid-19 from getting onboard the ship are at the heart of these dry runs.

Each ship must conduct at least one simulated cruise, and each voyage must be between 2-7 days in length with a least one overnight stay, including through embarkation, disembarkation, and post-disembarkation testing.

According to the CDC, passengers and crew must meet standards during the simulated voyage for hand hygiene, use of face masks, and social distancing for passengers and crew, as well as ship sanitation.

Royal Caribbean must modify meal service and entertainment venues to facilitate social distancing during the simulated voyage.

The new port project in Freeport, Bahamas is still in negotiations, but a closing this summer is the goal.

Royal Caribbean Group Vice President Government Relations, Americas, Russell Benford, provided an updated that the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport is "close" to being a done deal.

For months, the joint venture of ITM Group and Royal Caribbean Group has been negotiating the sale of the government owned resort so that the land can be turned into a new port destination.

If completed, the joint venture would transform the Grand Lucayan hotel and surrounding area into a new cruise port area, with new berths for ships at Freeport Harbour as well as the creation of a water-based adventure theme park for the thousands of passengers that the cruise line plans to bring to Freeport on an annual basis.

Mr. Benford  told Tribune Business that while the discussions have taken a while to discuss, things are still moving forward, "I think we’re close."

"I’m hopeful that we close this summer, and I think we’re down to a handful of documents that need to be reviewed and a couple of financial instruments that have to go through the legal process, but we’re getting there and are hopeful of a summer closing."

The timeline for the project's construction may also change due to the cruise industry shutdown, and Mr. Benford said a phased approach to construction may be likely to better accommodate cash flow.

"I think the timelines have shifted a little bit,” Mr Benford said. "We are not able to be as aggressive as we’d like with reconstructing the project at once. We have to do it in phases and explore what we can do. It’s taken us a bit longer to negotiate with Hutchison... Covid-19 was a tough time for all of us and to do business."

In addition to buying the hotel, Royal Caribbean is negotiating with the owner of Freeport Harbor, which Mr. Benford also said are moving along.

"We’re close," he said. "Everything is moving in parallel to each other. The harbor is moving along with the hotel, and we’re trying to close at the same time for both those properties."

In early March 2020, Royal Caribbean announced its subsidiary joint venture, Holistica Destinations, would purchase the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport so that it could transform the resort and surrounding area into a world-class beachfront destination with a 526-room hotel, shopping village, spa and wellness center, water-based family entertainment including a massive water and adventure theme park, a 40,000-square-foot convention center, adventure activities such as zip lines and off-roading, restaurants and bars, entertainment and lively nightlife. 

Shortly thereafter, the cruise industry shutdown and capital spending disappeared with it, and the cruise line has made no public comments about this project.