Thousands volunteer for Royal Caribbean’s ‘mock cruise’

For those interested in the ‘mock cruise’ scheme, Royal Caribbean has launched a Volunteer of the Seas Facebook page which now has over 46,000 members.

“As many know from reading the CDC conditional sale order we will be operating trial sailings with volunteer guests. It has been so gratifying to receive literally thousands of emails and calls offering to volunteer,” wrote Mr Bayley.

Volunteers for the mock cruise, which would be free, must be over 18 years of age. At present it remains unclear as to how many volunteers will be needed for the mock voyages, when the sailings might take place, and their destination.

Before cruise lines can commence ‘mock cruises’, they must confirm they’ve met the CDC’s requirements for protecting crew members on board ships – namely through proper safeguards and regular testing.

The cruise giant is currently gearing up for its return to the waters in Singapore with a series of three- and four-night ‘Ocean Getaways’,  also known as ‘cruises to nowhere’.

Singaporean residents boarding Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas on December 1 must take a Covid-19 test 48 to 72 hours before boarding, and be able to prove a negative result.

In addition to producing a negative test result prior to embarkation, all passengers (as well as crew and port personnel) will have their temperature taken at the terminal.

To ensure sailings are safe, there will be frequent deep cleaning and sanitisation onboard as well as beefed-up medical centres and 100 per cent fresh ocean air throughout the ship – as part of the fight against Covid-19.

Meanwhile the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise British nationals against any travel on sea-going ships as England endures another nationwide lockdown.