The CDC requires cruise lines to conduct trial runs to check for covid-19 safety compliance. For Royal Caribbean, that involves cruising to the private island of Cococay and back.
This will help the crew and service staff practice the safety procedures on an isolated route.
When these trial runs are complete, the company will earn a certificate that will allow them to resume operations.
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How a CDC Test Could Get You on a Free Cruise
Are you interested in going on a free cruise? If so, you can apply via the Royal Caribbean website. Be prepared for a bit of competition. The company has already received more than 3,000 emails requesting information about the trial cruises.
The dates for the trial runs have yet to be released. If the CDC approves, the company plans to resume normal cruises starting in January. Onboard CDC officials and third-party observers will monitor the test runs. Safety requirements will include enforced social distancing and mandatory masks in all public areas of the ship. Passengers and crew will need a negative covid-19 test before stepping aboard. The ship will operate at reduced capacity.
If you’re lucky enough to get onboard a free Royal Caribbean cruise, don’t expect the experience to last long. New CDC guidelines for cruise ships limit the length of the cruise to a week or less. The trial runs will most likely only be a few days.
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Recovering from Major Losses
It’s a good thing Royal Caribbean has a plan to get back out on the water. After suspending all cruises in early March, the company reported a net loss of $1.6 billion for the second quarter of 2020. In comparison, the company made $473 million in profits during the same quarter a year prior.
Like many industries, cruise lines have suffered during the pandemic. Industry leaders are looking at ways they can reduce costs and improve functionality. According to chief executive Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean is using this time to streamline operations.
Royal Caribbean plans to resume normal cruises in early December with the launch of the Quantum of Seas. The ship will depart from Singapore and make no stops during the journey, ensuring everyone onboard remains safe.
The cruise industry was among the hardest hit by the covid-19 pandemic. Royal Caribbean has a plan to get back on the high seas, and if you’re lucky, you might get a free cruise out of the deal.