The Oasis of the Seas sets sail from Bayonne on September 5th. Photo via Royal Caribbean

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The Oasis of the Seas sets sail from Bayonne on September 5th. Photo via Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has resumed cruises from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne.

The first ship left Bayonne on September 5th. Cruises from the port had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekly offers can be booked again with immediate effect. Seven-night cruises on the Oasis of the Seas are now available from port until the end of October.

The company announced its schedule for the return of its remaining ships, including the Oasis, in early August. All other ships are scheduled to resume sailing by 2022 after Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in Asia, Europe and other parts of the United States.

Before the Oasis could set sail from Cape Liberty, it had to take a simulated cruise in late August. Upon completion of the voyage on September 3, Royal Caribbean announced that the Oasis had received the go-ahead from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to return to sea on a regular basis.

Vaccination guidelines

Royal Caribbean requires all crew members and guests who are eligible to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Children younger than the legal age on a cruise must undergo tests and follow other safety measures.

The vaccination policy is one of the measures taken by the cruise line to contain the virus. These protocols include the ships’ ventilation systems, improved cleaning and disinfection, and sailing with reduced occupancy when the ships are initially sailing again.

Regardless of the port of departure, the cruise line said it will continue to follow guidelines recommended by health professionals, including the CDC. Health and safety measures are evaluated as public health conditions develop, and guests and travel companions are notified of any updates.

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