Key workers from the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces are being offered free cruises by Royal Caribbean in recognition of their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
The cruise line has announced that 999 rooms will be allocated on the Anthem of the Seas ship sailing from Southampton from 7th July 2021.
The Anthem of the Seas will operate ocean cruises as well as UK voyages, with Liverpool, Belfast and the Orkney Islands among its destinations.
Workers who want to apply must register on the cruise line’s website from 13th April and the ballot will be drawn by the end of the month.
The sailings will be available to UK residents who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine, and children with negative test results.
Royal Caribbean chief executive Michael Bayley said: “The UK is a place we hold near and dear to our heart at Royal Caribbean. We miss our UK guests and are as eager as they are to get back to cruising from Southampton.
“We are delighted with the UK Government’s recent announcements regarding cruising and excited to set sail again with a phenomenal ship and favourite such as Anthem of the Seas,” he added.
“After a tough year, we all need a holiday, but no one more so than the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces who will have the long-awaited opportunity to get away and relax with total peace of mind.”
How do I apply?
Workers who want to apply for the voyages must register on the cruise line’s website from 13th April to enter a ballot which will be drawn by the end of the month.
To be eligible for one of the free sailings, UK residents must be able to show proof of an official Blue Light Card, which is available to those working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces.
Free sailings can be secured by pre-registering through the Royal Caribbean International website starting 13th April 2021. Pre-registrations will be entered into a ballot to be drawn by the end of April.
Further terms, conditions and information on how to pre-register for the free sailings are available on the Royal Caribbean website.
