Royal Caribbean International has confirmed a UK cruise season on the Anthem of the Seas in the summer of 2021. Selected key workers have the opportunity to sail for free.
The Anthem of the Seas – a “firm favorite in the region” according to Royal Caribbean’s press release – will set sail from Southampton, England on July 7th.
British families can choose between a combination of four-night Ocean Getaways in early July and five to eight-night cruises in the British Isles starting July 15, which include visits to destinations such as Liverpool, England, Kirkwall in Scotland and Belfast, Northern Ireland .
In recognition of the tremendous efforts made by emergency services, the National Health Service (NHS), the social sector and the armed forces last year, Royal Caribbean announced that it would offer 999 free cabins to UK residents in these professions for their first ocean getaways.
The new summer routes will open for bookings on April 7th.
The cruises, which will be operated with a fully vaccinated crew, will at this time be available to UK residents over 18 who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as those under 18 with negative test results.
These current health and safety measures could evolve like others as they are continuously evaluated, the cruise line said. Pre-registration for guests who are eligible for any of the 999 free cabins, which will open on April 13th, and final names will be drawn from a voting slip by the end of April.
“Great Britain is a place that we at Royal Caribbean appreciate very much. We miss our UK guests and are just as excited to cruise from Southampton again, “said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.” We are excited about the recent announcements from the UK government regarding cruising and we look forward to setting sail again with a phenomenal ship and favorites like the Anthem of the Seas. After a tough year, we all need a vacation, but none more than the emergency services, the NHS, the social security sector and the armed forces who will have the long-awaited opportunity to relax in peace. “
On land there is an “adventure” in Liverpool, Scotland and Belfast, Royal Caribbean said. Not only is the birthplace of the Beatles and home of the Premier League football clubs, Liverpool is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a wealth of maritime history and modern art. In Kirkwall, in the charming Orkney Islands in Northern Scotland, guests have some of the most picturesque scenery in Britain in store and the chance to discover and learn about the Viking heritage of this Old Norse town. Belfast is the perfect gateway to explore Northern Ireland, known for its historic landmarks, old Irish castles and stunning natural surroundings.
The cruise line said guests can rest assured of their wellbeing and that crew members and communities visited are Royal Caribbean’s top priority. Details of the health and safety measures to be implemented for the UK summer cruises will be announced at a later date.
