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Royal Caribbean International said that more than 150,000 consumers have so far expressed interest in taking part in the line’s simulation sailings.
Royal last month invited past guests to apply to be on the test sailings that the CDC is requiring that cruise ships perform before being certified to enter service. The company asked that people who were interested in the prospect sign up at a site called “Volunteer of the Seas.”
“The participation in and sentiment of the comments and conversations on the Volunteers of the Seas group has been incredibly motivating,” the line said in a statement. “It’s refreshing to be reminded of all the people out there who are excited about the possibility of sailing and eager to come onboard a Royal Caribbean International ship again.”
Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean, was quoted as saying that the line’s Pinnacle passengers, those at the top of its Crown & Anchor loyalty program, would be the first to be invited on its trial cruises.
According to Cruise Critic, while speaking at the International Cruise Summit in Madrid, Bayley said, “We haven’t figured out our protocols yet for the volunteers, but certainly loyalty status will be a key selector. Our top tier has the name of Pinnacle, and they’ve cruised with us a gazillion times they’ll be amongst the first to receive the invitation.”
Royal said in a statement that it does not have a date or details on who will eventually be invited on the simulation cruises, and that it will make that determination “as we continue to work directly with the CDC through each and every step in the Conditional Sail Order.”
“We still have a lot of details to work out to make sure everyone’s experience on board is as safe and enjoyable as we can make it,” the line said. “So while we currently have no details, we are excited about the interest we have received so far — we can’t wait to finally welcome our guests back on board.”
Source: travelweekly.com
