Royal Caribbean is offering key workers free cruises around UK to thank them for their efforts during Covid pandemic
- Royal Caribbean revealed 999 cabins would be made available this summer
- Workers in emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces
- Those who want to apply must register on cruise line’s website to enter ballotÂ
Royal Caribbean has offered key workers free cruises around the UK in a nod of appreciation for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some 999 rooms will be gifted to workers in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces.
Those who want to apply for the voyages must register on the cruise line’s website to enter a ballot.
The firm’s Anthem of the Seas ship will begin sailing from Southampton from July 7.
It will operate ocean cruises as well as voyages around the UK coastline visiting destinations such as Liverpool, Belfast and the Orkney Islands.
Some 999 rooms will be gifted to workers in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces. Pictured, the firm’s Anthem of the Seas ship will begin sailing from Southampton from July 7
Sailings will be available to UK residents who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine, and children with negative test results.
All crew will be fully vaccinated.
Since July 9, 2020, all holidaymakers have been advised to avoid taking a cruise due to the pandemic.
But maritime minister Robert Courts told MPs recently that domestic cruises could be permitted from May 17.
Royal Caribbean chief executive Michael Bayley said: ‘The UK is a place we hold near and dear to our heart at Royal Caribbean.
It will operate ocean cruises as well as voyages around the UK coastline visiting destinations such as Liverpool, Belfast and the Orkney Islands (pictured)
Coronavirus vaccines being prepared at Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire on March 27
‘We miss our UK guests and are as eager as they are to get back to cruising from Southampton.
‘We are delighted with the UK Government’s recent announcements regarding cruising and excited to set sail again with a phenomenal ship and favourite such as Anthem of the Seas.
‘After a tough year, we all need a holiday, but no one more so than the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces who will have the long-awaited opportunity to get away and relax with total peace of mind.’
A number of other cruise lines are offering summer staycation sailings for UK residents, including P&O Cruises, Cunard, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Saga Cruises.