Royal Caribbean has a brand-new megaship it was planning to launch in a back-to-business, post-pandemic celebration cruise. Unfortunately, the ship was docked and the celebration and four weeks of cruises postponed when eight crew members tested positive for coronavirus.
The crew had been vaccinated June 4, 2021, but authorities say they tested positive “before their vaccinations could be considered fully effective.” The Odyssey of the Seas will now have to delay its cruises until July 31 and all 1,400 crew members are under quarantine.
NPR also noted that “under the CDC's new guidelines, cruise ships will be able to operate under near-normal conditions if a large portion of passengers and crew are fully vaccinated. Guests who are vaccinated against the coronavirus can even fill up their own plates at the buffet, for instance.”
SOURCE: NPR June 16, 2021