Royal Caribbean International continues with crewing up its ships for the upcoming cruise season. With the latest announcement of its gradual restart with more cruise ships on the way the company will bring team members from all around the world back on board.
Several crew members from India have contacted Crew Center raising concerns about their current status and rejoin dates on Celebrity Cruises. The crew said since the decision by Royal Caribbean to temporarily suspending all crew assignments in April, amid a surge of Covid-19 cases in India, they haven’t received a Letter of Employment or sign-on date by Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Cruises has come up with an interesting solution how to meet the CDC threshold of 95% of passengers and 98% of crew to be vaccinated on cruises sailing from U.S. ports, and at the same time comply with Florida law that prohibits companies asking guests to provide proof of vaccination.
The latest test results of the 4 Royal Caribbean crew members who tested positive for Covid-19 last week onboard Odyssey of the Seas are now all negative. The great news for the crew and for their fellow shipmates was announced by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.
Royal Caribbean International plans to restart cruises on the Spectrum of the Seas from Hong Kong this summer. Hong Kong authorities have given Royal Caribbean approval to restart operations with short "cruises to nowhere" only for Hong Kong residents following strict health protocols.
After more than a year since the suspension of cruising in the U.S. Royal Caribbean International announced another big comeback with the cruise line's return to Alaska this summer season. The company plans to launch its popular Alaska itineraries with 7-night cruises – roundtrip from Seattle – on board Serenade and Ovation of the Seas, starting July 19 and August 13, respectively.
Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas is the latest cruise ship to get the crew vaccinated at the port of Limassol, Cyprus. According to information provided by a fellow crew member, vaccination will start today (May 22) and will be completed by tomorrow (May 23). The crew will get their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a crucial step to resume cruise operation scheduled in the UK, this summer.
Royal Caribbean International has canceled Odyssey of the Seas cruises from Israel scheduled for this summer from Haifa to Cyprus and Greece. Several crew members on board reported that the news was announced by the ship’s captain via the PA system. The decision comes after the escalating conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Royal Caribbean International changed the health and safety protocols onboard Quantum Of The Seas sailing out from Singapore, reports Singapore Cruise Society. The new measures will reduce guest capacity to 25%, all restaurants will be closed for guests and room service with the main dining room menu will be provided.
Starting May 21st Royal Caribbean will once again hire crew from India. This great news comes two weeks after the company announced a temporary suspension of all assignments for shipboard employees from India or people who reside in this country.
