RCI-Royal Caribbean International is returning to the UK this summer. The cruise line announced that its Anthem of the Seas will begin sailing from Southampton (England) on July 7.
UK families can benefit from a combination of 4-night Ocean Getaways sailing in early July and 5- to 8-night British Isles voyages, starting July 15, that feature visits to destinations like Liverpool (England), Kirkwall (Scotland), and Belfast (Northern Ireland).
In recognition of the efforts of the emergency services, NHS (National Health Service), the social care sector, and armed forces, Royal Caribbean will offer a total of 999 free staterooms on the first Ocean Getaways to UK residents in these professions.
The new itineraries open for bookings on April 7. Sailing with a fully vaccinated crew, the journeys will be available to UK residents above the age of 18, fully COVID vaccinated, and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.
The current health and safety measures may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Pre-registration for passengers eligible for 1 of the 999 free staterooms open on April 13, and final names will be drawn from a ballot by the end of the month.
Details on the health and safety measures to be implemented for the UK summer cruises will be announced at a later date.
To be eligible for the free voyages, UK residents have to be able to show proof of an official Blue Light Card, available to those working in the emergency services, social care sector, armed forces, and NHS. Free cruises can be secured via pre-registering through the RCI website starting April 13, 2021.