Royal Caribbean International is bringing Anthem of the Seas back to the UK this summer to run domestic cruises.
The line is making 999 cabins available free to NHS, social care sector and armed forces workers in recognition of efforts of the emergency services in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pre-registration for those eligible for one of the 999 free cabins open on April 13, with final names will be drawn from a ballot by the end of the month. Overall bookings are available from April 7.
The ship will sail from Southampton from July 15 on a series of five to eight-night itineraries visiting destinations including Liverpool, Kirkwall and Belfast.
The cruises will be available to UK residents who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.
The line said the ship will sail with a fully vaccinated crew.
“These current health and safety measures, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis,” the company said.
President and chief executive Michael Bayley said: “The UK is a place we hold near and dear to our heart at Royal Caribbean. We miss our UK guests and are as eager as they are to get back to cruising from Southampton.
“We are delighted with the UK government’s recent announcements regarding cruising and excited to set sail again with a phenomenal ship and favorite such as Anthem of the Seas.
“After a tough year, we all need a holiday, but no one more so than the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces who will have the long-awaited opportunity to get away and relax with total peace of mind.”