Odyssey of the Seas crew will go in a 14-day quarantine again, after eight crew members tested positive for COVID-19. Six team members who tested positive are asymptomatic and two with mild symptoms. They are quarantined on board and are being closely monitored by the ship’s medical team.

Royal Caribbean brand-new ship arrived in Fort Lauderdale set to debut on July 3, after the company canceled Mediterranean sailings from Israel. Now the ship will have to postpone the inaugural test sailing again, to July 31, 2021.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are postponing Odyssey of the Seas’ first sailings from July 3 until July 31, 2021. The simulation cruise, originally scheduled for late June, will also be rescheduled.” Royal Caribbean International spokesperson said.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International described the restart of cruises as two steps forward and one step back. 

“During routine testing, eight crew members received a positive test result for COVID-19. All 1,400 crew onboard Odyssey of the Seas were vaccinated on June 4th and will be considered fully vaccinated on June 18. The positive cases were identified after the vaccination was given and before they were fully effective. 

The eight crew members, six of whom are asymptomatic and two with mild symptoms, were quarantined and are being closely monitored by our medical team. To protect the remaining crew and prevent any further cases, we will have all crew quarantined for 14 days and continue with our routine testing. 

Guests and travel partners will be notified and given several options to consider. While disappointing, this is the right decision for the health and well-being of our crew and guests.” Mr. Bayley said.