Royal Caribbean is back to the Caribbean from Nassau, Bahamas

After a long wait, the company is back in business. Can you give a brief summary of what you have experienced in this period?
As we know, it was not easy for anyone, but what I would like to raise is the great leadership, planning and action power that Royal Caribbean International has. We have sailed at low tide, but that does not mean that we have done nothing, but on the contrary. We have prepared very well along with the guidance from our Healthy Sail Panel and their open source recommendations for the industry. After months of working with the government of Singapore, a country with high sanitation standards, since November the Quantum of the Seas has sailed safely and furthermore we have extended the season until June 2021. Then the announcement of Israel, which will be the first cruise with both crew and passengers over 18 years of age, completely vaccinated… And I think the great news announced on Friday was that starting June 12 we will return to the Caribbean from Nassau, Bahamas. This is great news and there was a lot of work behind it. We are very happy and positive that it is the right decision.

Royal Caribbean return no less than in the Bahamas, how has this decision been lived internally?
Both the employees and all the links that help Royal Caribbean have received this news in a positive way, not only reinforcing Royal Caribbean's commitment to the industry but also to be able to return to the Caribbean. This brings a lot of positivity internally. We have a close relationship with the Bahamas for more than 50 years, so the decision to leave from there is very encouraging and proves how Royal Caribbean appreciates and helps all its partners.

Tell us about the product and itineraries. When is it open for sale?
Royal Caribbean has announced a series of 7-night itineraries aboard the Adventure of the Seas, which sets sail in June from the new home port Nassau, The Bahamas. Cruise passengers now have the opportunity to hop from island to island to enjoy the adventures they have missed, including the first set of two-day consecutive itineraries on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, and explore. Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.
Travelers thinking about their vacations can book their cruise on WednesdayMarch 24, 2021 and set sail from June 12, 2021. The new itineraries with departure until August, which will sail with a vaccinated crew, will be available for adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under 18 years of age with negative test results.

Adventure of the Seas is undoubtedly a great ship, could you recall the biosecurity measures that it offers today to enjoy it with peace of mind?

We have added layered / tiered measurements that start when our guests book their vacation and when our crew is assigned to a private ship or destination. Everyone is asked to take the necessary precautions to be able to navigate.

• This includes completing the COVID-19 test, electronic health questionnaire, a form of recognition of good health and check-in online.

• When designing our health and safety measures, we carefully create multiple layers / tiers to stay agile and evolve with science and the changing environment. 

• Boarding and disembarking are safer and healthier for guests, crew and terminal staff with measures such as:

• Improved cleaning in the terminal

• COVID-19 testing on site 

• Wellness exams including temperature checks, verification of electronic health questionnaires, and negative PCR test results. 

• Scheduled and staggered arrival and departure times

• Staggered and scheduled embarkation and disembarkation times

• We sail with 100% fresh filtered air, improved cleanliness standards, expanded expert medical care, and best practices for our guests, crew, and the communities we visit.

• As the world learns more about COVID-19 and circumstances change, we will continue to adjust and modify our measures in accordance with the latest science and guidance from experts and our Medical Director. The landscape therefore changes our protocols as well. 

• For agents https://www.soyagenteroyal.com/regresoalcaribe 

Perfect Day at CocoCay as a destination par excellence.
It's in the name: it's a Perfect Day! Latin American passengers feel very identified because you have adrenaline options and relaxation options. With 2 consecutive days to enjoy Perfect Day at CocoCay the best combination of adventures and ways to relax on the island, during the day, travelers can enjoy the 13 waterslides that Thrill Waterpark offers, including the highest in America. North; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabins in the Bahamas at Coco Beach Club. And as the sun goes down, they can relax with a cocktail in hand on the tranquil beaches of Chill Island or in the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon.
Be ready to receive our passengers this June.

The cruise will be available only to those vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under 18 with negative test results, do you think this is a measure that will become standard in the industry?
It's a good question, as we begin sailing again in June from The Bahamas, we feel that the strongest approach to protecting our guests, crew and the communities we visit is that all adult guests and crew are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. ; Guests under the age of 18 must provide negative PCR test results prior to boarding. We hope that these requirements will eventually change, but what can I say is that as the landscape changes our protocols and measurements will change as well.

Could you share with us the results of a program like SoyAgenteRoyal?

• We launched the campaign in February of this year and the truth has been very well received in the region where our network of travel agents grows day by day. They identify with the message and like to feel part of Royal. They are our best ambassadors.

• This was the way to formalize our commitment and loyalty with travel agents since 2020.

• Resounding success in the campaign and we are happy and humbled to say that  we are the pioneers in the industry for the Latin American region in creating a Travel Agent community.  

• Our community grows every day. Our commitment to the industry is stronger than ever. 

What is your vision for the coming months and in which markets could you see the greatest sales rebound?
I think this is the beginning of everything and with all the experience we have from Singapore, we have learned a lot, from measurements to how to handle other external situations. We are proud to once again offer these experiences to all international passengers. Our departures are open to all passengers in the world looking for that adventure. I don't think there is any market more important than the other, but I think the proximity of the countries to Nassau and the evolution of vaccination worldwide will help. Latin American passengers have received it very well and we look forward to seeing you on board soon. In conclusion, we have returned to the Caribbean and we welcome everyone!