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Royal Caribbean boss pledges support to Ukrainian and Russian crew

Royal Caribbean International boss Michael Bayley has taken to social media to respond to questions the line has received about Ukrainian crew members.

The company employs more than 500 crew from Ukraine and 200 from Russia.

Royal Caribbean is offering its Ukrainian crew members various forms of assistance.

“We have made available all communication channels that we have so they can access their families,” Bayley said.

“Understandably they are extremely concerned and anxious about their loved ones at home.

“We have offered assistance getting them home or close to home if they wish to leave their ship and we are trying to expedite any Ukrainian crew who wishes to join any of our ships earlier than scheduled.”

Counselling has been made available and ships’ captains are in daily communication with them to offer assistance as needed.

He added: “We also have over 200 Russian crew who also are concerned and anxious over these events and we are offering them the same support.

“The ‘Royal’ family is here for all our crew and our thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by these events.”

Royal Caribbean International and sister line Celebrity Cruises yesterday confirmed that they would be dropping St Petersburg in Russia from Baltic itineraries this summer.

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