"We’re Back. Today We Set Sail On the First U.S. Cruise!”
Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean International CEO couldn't help himself - he burst into song onboard Celebrity Edge as they prepare to sail for the first time from a U.S. port in 15 months.
“This is the first cruise and just one cruise, but it’s the start of something huge,” Fain said.
He equated the transition from winter to spring with that of the cruise industry returning to sailing from U.S. ports. He wanted to tell us that there would be smooth sailing and that he had all the answers from the CDC and ports of call, but he admitted that there's still a lot of uncertainty.
“For example, we’re still not 100 percent sure about the specific protocols on specific sailings. Here in Florida we still don’t understand all the implications about the law about vaccination documentation,” Fain said. He did indicate that 90% of passengers surveyed have either been vaccinated or intend to be, and that they are ready to resume cruising.
He thanked "all the people that helped us get to this amazing day". He thanked the crews that stepped up repeatedly to get crews home safe and keep ships safe and operational. He also thanked them for implementing the new protocols which build confidence that passengers will have a healthy and fun-filled experience back onboard their ships.
He also thanked passengers who have booked and rebooked cruises, some multiple times, with hopes that their cruise would sail. "Up until now those hopes had been dashed but they were never crushed".
Finally, he thanked the travel partners for their efforts to keep their business strong during these tough times. He mentioned that phones are beginning to ring again "and that's a happy sound for all of us". "Together we are going to get our way back to cruising".
He reported that he will be on Freedom of the Seas next weekend as well as that ship has it's first revenue sailing, having successfully completed the CDC mandated test cruise this past weekend.
Yes, Richard, this is a beautiful morning, and we are grateful that you have been at the helm, getting us to this historic day in the cruise industry. Thank you and the entire Royal Caribbean family for all that you personally did to make this possible.
Watch this video for his complete remarks:
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