Royal Caribbean Group sets June return for sailing from the U.S.

Rhea-AI Summary

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has received approval to resume sailings from the U.S., with the inaugural voyage set for June 26, 2021, from Port Everglades aboard the Celebrity Edge. After a year of suspended operations due to COVID-19, this marks a significant milestone for the company and the cruise industry. The ship has met CDC standards for safe cruising, and all crew will be vaccinated. Passengers over 16 must also provide proof of vaccination, expanding to ages 12 and older from August 1, 2021. This revival aims to boost U.S. port economies and the global cruise tourism sector.

Positive

• Approval to resume U.S. sailings after a year-long suspension.
• Inaugural sailing on Celebrity Edge set for June 26, 2021.
• Celebrity Edge meets CDC standards for safety.
• Vaccinated crew and passengers over 16 required to show proof of vaccination.

Negative

• None.

MIAMI, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has received approval to resume sailings from the United States after more than a year of suspended operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 26, the cruise company will mark a long-awaited return with Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

"Cruising from the U.S. is back!" said Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO. "After months of working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government officials, our Healthy Sail Panel and industry partners, we can again offer cruise lovers the chance to enjoy the wonders of cruising.  We are truly thankful to reach this special milestone."

The cruise company's return is heralded with a sailing on its much lauded, state-of-the-art, luxury ship Celebrity Edge. The ship was given the go-ahead by the CDC to be the first ship back in the water, meeting all new standards for delivering a safe and healthy cruise experience for guests and crew. The inaugural sailing from Fort Lauderdale sets the stage for Royal Caribbean Group to announce additional itineraries, reviving local U.S. port economies and kick-starting the rebound in cruise tourism around the world. 

All sailings will depart with vaccinated crew and everyone over the age of 16 must present proof of vaccination against COVID-19; as of August 1, 2021, all guests ages 12 and older must present proof of vaccination. 

About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is the operating business name for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three global cruise vacation brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Royal Caribbean Group is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, our brands operate 59 ships with an additional 15 on order as of March 15, 2021.  Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

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SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group

FAQ

When is Royal Caribbean Group's first cruise sailing from the U.S.?

Royal Caribbean Group's first cruise sailing from the U.S. is scheduled for June 26, 2021.

What ship will launch the resumption of Royal Caribbean Group's U.S. operations?

The Celebrity Edge will launch the resumption of U.S. operations.

What health measures are in place for sailings from the U.S.?

All crew will be vaccinated, and passengers over 16 must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

How has COVID-19 impacted Royal Caribbean Group's operations?

Royal Caribbean Group suspended operations for over a year due to COVID-19 before receiving approval to resume sailings.