Royal Caribbean confirms local deployment as Spectrum relocates away from China.
Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced that its recently launched Spectrum of the Seas will relocate to Australia, and will offer free cruises from Sydney in support of those who battled the bushfire crisis.
The ship’s 05 March and 13 March China sailings have been cancelled, and Spectrum has not been in China for more than two weeks, meaning it has exceeded health guidelines in relation to the coronavirus incubation period.
“We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders,” said Royal Caribbean International CEO, Michael Bayley.
“By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality.”
The company is also moving Celebrity Millennium to the USA earlier than scheduled, with the ship to offer a series of ‘Cruising for Heroes’ sailings in support of California firefighters.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Chairman, Richard Fain, said “when things go wrong, this is a company that wants to find a way to help… at Royal Caribbean, we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to use our ships in a positive way during difficult times”.
Details of the Australian Spectrum of the Seas deployment have not been released at this stage, with more information available as the final itineraries are developed.
More information in Monday’s issue of Cruise Weekly.