After multiple setbacks and delays for Odyssey of the Seas’ debut, the ship will finally set sail on her inaugural voyage on Saturday, July 31.
The Quantum Ultra-class ship will depart Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow on an eight-night southern Caribbean cruise, kicking off a season of six and eight-night voyages to the western and southern Caribbean. Port calls during the inaugural sailing will include Aruba, Curaçao, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
At the time of writing, starting in August all 5+ night Royal Caribbean departures from Florida will require a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before embarkation, regardless of vaccination status.
Odyssey‘s inaugural sailing technically departs in July, but Royal Caribbean has included that cruise in this testing requirement as well. Since the change is so last-minute, Royal Caribbean will be providing testing at a different terminal at the port for Odyssey passengers who could not get tested before leaving home.
Since Odyssey of the Seas is sailing from Florida, it cannot require that passengers are vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the line strongly suggests that all eligible passengers are vaccinated, and there are additional testing requirements and restrictions for those who are not.
Unvaccinated passengers 12 and older, or those who are not willing to provide proof that they are vaccinated, will be required to undergo additional testing at the terminal before embarking, as well as on the ship before disembarking at their own expense. A mid-cruise test will also be performed on sailings six nights or longer.
Kids ages 2 to 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine will also be required to do these tests, but Royal Caribbean will cover the cost. Those under two years old will not need to be tested.
At least through December 31, 2021, unvaccinated guests sailing from Florida must also provide proof of travel insurance with specific requirements.
On the ship, some venues and events will be restricted to vaccinated passengers only, or some time slots will only be open to vaccinated guests.
Several Royal Caribbean ships are now sailing around the world:
- Freedom of the Seas from Miami
- Serenade of the Seas from Seattle
- Adventure of the Seas from Nassau
- Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, UK
- Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus
- Quantum of the Seas from Singapore
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