Royal Caribbean International has been given the green light to operate a test sailing in US waters next month.
USA Today reported that it was the first cruise line to receive approval from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for such a voyage.
Michael Bayley, chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, shared the approval letter for the “simulated voyage” from CDC on Facebook.
He wrote: “After 15 months and so much work by so many during very challenging times. To all our colleagues, loyal guests and supporters all over the world I am proud and pleased to share some bright and wonderful news! Boom! Onwards and upwards team!”
The letter says the voyage can take place on June 20-22 on Freedom of the Seas.
A tweet from Royal Caribbean said: “After 15 months of hard work and collaboration, @RoyalCaribbean
has received CDC approval for simulated cruises on #FreedomoftheSeas in June. This is the latest promising step to return to sailing in the U.S. We look forward to seeing our crew and loyal guests this summer.”
USA Today said all volunteers for test cruises must be 18 years of age or older, but passengers aren’t required to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
They will be evaluated for Covid symptoms before and after the cruise.
The Miami Herald said the cruise will be from PortMiami and the approval is “a significant step forward” for the cruise industry, which has not been able to operate in the US since March 2020 after virus outbreaks and deaths on several ships.