Royal Caribbean International has handed out 999 free cruises to public sector workers after receiving 21,000 applications to take advantage of its offer.
Places were drawn through an independent ballot with the successful entrants to sail on board Anthem of the Seas on its four-night Ocean Getaways in July.
Royal is offering Blue Light Card holders that missed out on the free sailing a 20% discount until June 14, 2021. It is available on all Anthem of the Seas sailings from Southampton and Jewel of the Seas sailings from Cyprus, departing this summer.
Ben Bouldin, vice president EMEA, Royal Caribbean International, said: “We have been blown away by the positive response and interest in our UK cruises and are excited to set sail again from Southampton.
“The interest from NHS and emergency service workers has exceeded our expectations and we are delighted to be welcoming 999 members of these professions, along with their families, onboard in July.”