Royal Caribbean International is to resume sailings in the Caribbean in June.
The ship Adventure of the Seas will run seven-night cruises from Nassau in The Bahamas, including two days at its Perfect Day and CocoCay private island and Cozumel in Mexico.
Cruises will depart from Nassau from June 12 with booking opening on Wednesday (March 24).
Passengers will have to be vaccinated while those under the age of 18 will need a negative test result.
Holidaymakers must also meet the travel requirements of The Bahamas. This may include receiving a negative PCR test result before their arrival, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms.
The new limited series of summer sailings will run through August and follow sister company Celebrity Cruises announcing a restart of cruising with departures from St Maarten from June 5.
The development follow months of sailings by Quantum of the Seas from Singapore and new ship Odyssey of the Seas to cruise from Haifa, Israel.
Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley said: “We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely.
“The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time.
“The opportunity to homeport in The Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.”
Bahamas prime minister Hubert Minnis said: “As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in The Bahamas is exciting.
“I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes.
“This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”
Tourism and aviation minister Dionisio D’Aguilar added: “Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism.
“We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.”