Royal Caribbean International has announced updates to its summer line-up for 2021/22, with 67 cruises for Australian travellers to choose from, ranging from 2- to 15-nights to 33 destinations around the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.
Quantum of the Seas will now sail her debut Australian season from Brisbane’s new International Cruise Terminal, replacing the previously scheduled Radiance of the Seas.
Serenade of the Seas will offer sailings from Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, while Ovation of the Seas’ itineraries departing Sydney remain largely unchanged.
“This year we have endured a lot together. Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges, and we are encouraged by the solidarity and drive our travel partners have shown in these tough times,” says Gavin Smith, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, Australia and NZ.
“Our 2021/22 summer season will be the most technologically-advanced fleet to ever sail Australia and we are committed to providing the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that your Aussie clients know and love, and delivering them home safely at the end of their cruise.”
Guests who book their 2021/22 cruise getaway before 30 November 2020 can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before the cruise begins.
Travel partners and guests affected by the season updates are being notified directly. These existing bookings are covered by Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program. Travel partner commissions remain protected.
The announcement coincides with the launch of a new “Royal Reignited” travel partner campaign which aims to reignite business and prepare travel partners for cruising’s long-awaited comeback.
“Royal Reignited” will see the launch of revamped marketing toolkits, training, policies, and the latest Royal announcements over the next few months, allowing trade partners to reach new heights with their clients. Royal’s signature online trade portal, HomePort, also enables easy access to updates, educational materials, offers and marketing tools.
The announcement follows the recommendations** set forth by the Healthy Sail Panel submitted to the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Lines, which Royal Caribbean is now using to form an aspirational set of fleetwide health and safety protocols.
“We’re applying the best available public health, science, environmental and engineering insights and working closely with local health and government authorities,” said Smith. “Keeping the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities and environments we visit continues to be our top priority as we cement our commitment to Australian cruising in 2021 and 2022.”
*The Healthy Sail Panel was formed in June by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. It comprises globally recognised experts in medical practice and research, public health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations that have applied the best available public health, science and engineering insights to their recommendations. The Panel is chaired by Governor Mike Leavitt, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
