The first sailing by a Royal Caribbean International ship from Cyprus signals the line’s return to service in Europe since the start of the pandemic more than a year ago.
Jewel of the Seas embarked on a two-night preview trip from Limassol ahead of its inaugural cruise on Saturday (July 10), marking the start of a limited summer series of seven-night itineraries to the Greek islands.
Jewel of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to return to cruising in Europe this week with Anthem of the Seas setting sail from Southampton on UK coastal cruises today (Wednesday).
Harmony of the Seas is due to follow next month with departures from Barcelona.
It is the first time Royal Caribbean has based a ship in Cyprus to run an itinerary including Athens, Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos and Santorini.
The vessel will sail with fully vaccinated crew and passengers aged 18 years and older, along with children who are ineligible for the vaccine.
As a requirement of the Cypriot government, non-vaccinated travellers between 12 and 18 must provide negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours of arrival in Cyprus. All guests over the age of 2 must participate in complimentary testing on the day of boarding.
The measures are specific to sailings from Cyprus aboard Jewel of the Seas this summer, and they will be continuously evaluated as health circumstances evolve, according to the company.
EMEA vice president Ben Bouldin said: “Jewel of the Seas’ first sailing out of Cyprus marks the beginning of an exciting return to cruising in Europe for Royal Caribbean.
“Cyprus is a beautiful country with a multitude of must-visit regions, and it is an extremely popular destination among our European guests – we know they are ready and waiting to enjoy a Cyprus and Greek Isles getaway this summer.”