Royal Caribbean announced the cancelation of July 3, 11, 17, and 25 sailings on board Odyssey of the Seas due to eight crew members testing positive for Covid-19. Similarly to when there were some positive cases on the first cruise aboard Celebrity Millennium, many news outlets and bloggers are spinning this news as a step backward in the process of resuming cruises. I maintain the opinion that these choppy waters are simply part of the process and prove the cruise lines have taken the necessary steps to sail safely.

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Statement from Royal Caribbean: Odyssey of the Seas cancelations

As we continue to prepare for the Royal Comeback, several safety measures have been implemented to protect the health and well-being of our crew onboard.  As part of this, routine testing has been enacted and based on recent results, it was identified that eight crew members have tested positive for COVID-19 onboard Odyssey of the Seas.  Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the decision has been made to cancel her initial sailings, departing July 3-25, 2021.  Odyssey’s first sailing departing Fort Lauderdale will now take place on July 31, 2021. The COVID positive crew members were immediately quarantined and are being monitored by our medical team.  For further protection, all crew will be quarantined for 14-days and will continue with the routine testing.

Royal Caribbean

According to Royal Caribbean, the eight Odyssey of the Seas crew members — along with 1,440 others — had been vaccinated but the positive test results were prior to the vaccine being fully effective. These individuals were quarantined, are being monitored and cared for, and are doing well. All this reinforces my belief that Royal and all the other cruise lines have the health and safety of crew members and guests at the top of its priority list and, more important, have protocols in place to care for those who test positive on board.

If you were scheduled to be on Odyssey of the Seas on the canceled dates (July 3, 11, 17, and 25) you have options:

• Choose another Odyssey of the Seas cruise in 2021 and keep the same room category. If you choose this option, Royal will protect the cruise fare (or adjust it to prevailing prices if that’s a better price). Guests do have to make a choice on or before June 23, 2021 and holiday sailings are excluded.
• Lift and Shift to to a qualifying 6-8 night Caribbean cruise next year (within 2 weeks of the original cruise) and Royal will protect the cruise fare and promotions. Choose a qualifying cruise by June 23, 2021.
• 125% Future Cruise Credit to be redeemed by April 30, 2022 for a cruise sailing on or before September 30, 2022. This is the default option.
• Guests may also request a 100% refund of monies paid by July 31, 2021.

For assistance with your next vacation, use the contact form or call Joel at 844-483-6669.