Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is to sail a series of ‘Green Island’ cruises from Haifa, Israel, for vaccinated Israeli passengers only, starting in May.
In conjunction with Israel's health and tourism authorities, Royal Caribbean is the first to offer fully vaccinated sailings, where both crew and guests above the age of 16 will be vaccinated against COVID-19.
This is a signal step for cruise lines and for travel companies across the board, as it demonstrates the faith that will be placed in vaccines as a way out of the devastation of the industry caused by COVID-19.
These are the first cruises the company has ever sailed from Israel, and offer Israelis a combination of three- to seven-night escapes, visiting the Greek Isles and Cyprus on board its much-anticipated, brand-new ship, Odyssey of the Seas.
Boasting new and first-to-brand experiences, the ship’s highlights include the next-generation SeaPlex (a sports and activities space), a variety of dining options, such as the first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar; a vibrant, two-level pool deck; the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator; and dedicated kids’ and teen spaces that offer interactive, personalised experiences.
The itineraries, roundtrip from Haifa, will include visits to idyllic isles and destinations in the Mediterranean, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens in Greece and Limassol in Cyprus.
"We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas. Israeli travellers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best," said Michael Bayley, president and ceo, RCI.
“I am proud that Israel will be the first country in the world to launch Royal Caribbean's new flagship. Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our policy. This is an important economic, touristic moment for the State of Israel," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Israel would continue its ‘Green Passport’ programme so that the country could get out of the COVID-19 virus in peace.
