Royal Caribbean To Launch Summer Caribbean Cruises From Bahamas

MIAMI, FL — With cruising on hold in the United States through at least November 1 by federal orders because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Royal Caribbean International announced it will resume Caribbean cruises out of the Bahamas starting in June.

COVID-19 vaccines will be required for all adult guests boarding Adventure of the Seas for a seven-night cruise sailing from the company’s new homeport in Nassau, Bahamas this summer, Royal Caribbean said in a news release. Negative coronavirus tests are required for guests 18 and younger before boarding.

The Miami-based global cruise line also said that all crew and staff will be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The new cruise itineraries include the cruise line’s first series of two back-to-back days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island destination in the Bahamas, and quality time exploring Grand Bahama Island, the Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Travelers planning their summer vacations can start booking these roundtrip cruises Wednesday. The first cruise will embark June 12 and will sail through Aug. 31.

"We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely. The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said.