RCI Announce Cruises From Homeport Bermuda

March 23, 2021

The Royal Caribbean cruise line has announced 7-night cruises from “first-time homeport Bermuda”, saying that “sailing with vaccinated crew,” the cruises “will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.”

This follows after Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott recently said that homeporting — as in cruise lines using Bermuda as their home base — could have a potential economic impact of over $40 million dollars into Bermuda’s economy and there is opportunity for up to 60 additional local part-time jobs.

A statement posted today on the cruise line’s website said, “Vacationers looking to soak up the sun and walk the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and the white sandy beaches of The Bahamas this summer need look no further than Vision of the Seas.

“Beginning June and through August, Royal Caribbean International will bring more adventure to the tropics with a series of new 7-night cruises from first-time homeport Bermuda. In store for guests who sail on Vision is an overnight to explore Bermuda’s culture, history and cuisine as well as a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination in The Bahamas.

“The new 2021 summer itineraries from Bermuda will open for bookings on Monday, March 29 and depart as soon as June 26. Sailing with vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. This current health and safety measure, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.”

“We are thankful to the government and people of Bermuda for welcoming us to their beautiful island nation with open arms as Vision of the Seas’ new homeport. This is another step in our safe and measured return to sailing beginning in June,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“Travelers are eager to venture out gradually and start cruising again. By adding a second unique option to sail the Caribbean from a destination as rich and vibrant as Bermuda, we’re offering guests choice in how they can enjoy their well-deserved vacations this summer.”

The statement added, “The pink sand beaches and charming, colorful homes of Bermuda will be where vacationers can start and end their 7-night cruise in paradise, a destination that is also a prime spot for travelers to extend their time ashore, before or after the cruise, by staying at one of the island’s world-class hotels and resorts. While Vision is docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard, guests can enjoy quality time exploring the island nation’s culture and natural beauty throughout an overnight stay.

“Plus, guests of all ages will have the chance to add to the excitement with a visit to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. The private island destination is home to a lineup of first-of-their-kind thrills and one-of-a-kind ways to chill, ranging from 13 jaw-dropping waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America – Daredevil’s Peak; Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club.”

“Bermuda has safely and responsibly managed the reopening of its tourism economy by air, and we will meet the challenge of doing the same for the cruise industry. We look forward to homeporting Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas this June as part of the island’s strategic tourism recovery planning which, as always, is guided by science,” the statement quotes Bermuda Premier David Burt as saying.

“We look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean passengers back to our shores and the opportunity for pre- and post-cruise stays in Bermuda. I am very excited that Bermuda will commence safe cruising this summer with our partner Royal Caribbean for their homeporting initiative from Bermuda to their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay,”  the statement quotes Transport Minister Lawrence Scott as saying.

The statement added, “Vacationers can rest assured their well-being and that of the crew members and communities visited are Royal Caribbean’s top priorities. Details on the health and safety measures to be implemented will be announced at a later date. The comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures to come will continue to be led by science and leverage expert guidance from the Healthy Sail Panel, Royal Caribbean Group’s Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, and local government and health authorities.

“In addition, travelers must meet the travel requirements of Bermuda. This currently includes receiving a negative PCR test result before traveling, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms. The most up-to-date policies can be found on Bermuda’s website.

“Royal Caribbean’s 7-night sailings from Bermuda continue the cruise line’s measured and safe return to cruising the world once again, following months of successful cruises in Singapore with more than 50,000 guests to date who have now sailed aboard Quantum of the Seas, and the recent announcements of plans for the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas to cruise from Haifa, Israel and cruises from The Bahamas with Adventure of the Seas. For more information on Vision’s new summer cruises, click here.”

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Comments (20)

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  1. Eyeswideopen says:

    So what about quarantining until you get your negative arrival result???????? They won’t enjoy their overnight stay….

    • I heart 441 says:

      Results take about 5 hours after taking covid tests at our airport. If negative, they can enjoy our island in the late afternoon, early evening

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      I am sure there will be a Government official to make sure there is no hanky panky going on.

  2. Bermudian says:

    As a local this is a great opportunity for us to go on cruises without flying to USA first for those who want to experience the cruise “product”. Finally a potentially affordable holiday!

    • colibm says:

      I’m with you on this one! I like their vaccination policy :)

  3. VIP says:

    I recently returned from overseas travel and misplaced my work permit. The customs personnel in the both treated me like I had committed the worst crime as a foreigner and began to lecture me. Another officer took me into a back room and checked my information on a computer and said welcome home.
    I started to explain to them the behavior I had encountered from the first customs officer and before I could finished they let me know that they were a Immigration officer and had no control over the other officer’s behavior and apologized. They also explained to me that they were recently informed that the Premier himself may want to remove all the Immigration officers from the airport that assist with work permit holders to give customs control of the airport. Mr. Burt you really need to rethink this specially if Bermuda is trying to attract new investors and visitors.

    • World view says:

      To be honest, entering any foreign country without the correct paperwork will result in additional checks and you’d likely be treated in a similar or worse way. No excuse for rudeness, I agree.

  4. Mixitup says:

    Win Win here.. The Airport will receive revenue, flights will fill up.. Very good decision.

  5. Ringmaster says:

    That was quick as Minister Scott told the HOA on Monday it was something being looked at and nothing agreed. Lots of potential pitfalls, but to start with, how are the passengers getting transferred from the airport to the ships? Busses are limited to 17 passengers, or will this be lifted and will the drivers agree? That’s still a lot of busses (when the fleet is being reduced), minivans and taxis which means none available for other people.

    • Ray says:

      How do tourist normally move idiot! TaXi taxi taxi. You obaupers are always negative and you wonder why the voters kicked you out.

      • Ringmaster says:

        Not understanding maths is the least of your problems, but you need to know how to add and multiply. What are obaupers? Another part of your failed education?

    • Warrior says:

      My thought exactly…. after the ink had dried. Don’t trust any of them.

    • colibm says:

      They put that dock back in at the airport for a reason :P

    • Joe Bloggs says:

      “how are the passengers getting transferred from the airport to the ships?”

      By taxi. The taxi owners and drivers I know are all struggling. Some have even taken on part time work in other industries. I am sure they would be happy to be back to their chosen profession on a full time basis.

  6. Joe Bloggs says:

    It’s a start

  7. Astra says:

    The government may be jumping too soon as there is no international standard for vaccination. There will be fake certificates and the risk of an outbreak on a ship is possible even if all are vaccinated.

    Cruise passenger are just as likely to misbehave and we will see a death blow to tourism if this goes wrong.

    • Morning says:

      Everyone who has been vaccinated is in the USA data base computer. Trust that uncle sam has all this information and will be sharing it with USA Customs Immigration boarder control before the passengers get on any ship.

  8. Shika says:

    Sounds like there would need to be a two night hotel stay on the front end just because of the volume of testing that would need to be turned around to ensure all passengers receive a result before boarding the ship. Perhaps RC will take the pre-boarding testing expense in addition to their on-board testing. First night might be quiet / limited to the hotel, second night could be an opportunity for a nice $$ boost to local restaurants. I’m more concerned with where passengers will stay for two nights….do we have enough beds? taxis? (I’m not taking the pink and blue with my suitcases).I have disembarked ships at rusty-looking ports but they have the transportation on point….

    • trufth says:

      Agree. And keep in mind, many people go on cruises because they can’t afford to stay in hotels… wait until they see the price of hotels in BDA. We all know the cruise demographic are not huge money generators. But this is def a win for locals who like to cruise.