Royal Caribbean promises free cruises to those fighting coronavirus in China
Royal Caribbean Cruises is providing free cruises to firefighters who battled recent fires in both Australia and California.
The cruise line will also offer cruises to those who have helped combat the coronavirus in China once the crisis is over, it said.
"When things go wrong, this is a company that wants to find a way to help," said chairman and CEO Richard Fain.
"At Royal Caribbean, we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to use our ships in a positive way during difficult times."
Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia’s first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.
"We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders," said Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley.
"By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognise their contribution and offer them our hospitality."
In addition, Celebrity Millennium is repositioning to the west coast of the US earlier than previously scheduled and will offer a series of "Cruising for Heroes" sailings in support of California firefighters, other first responders, and veterans throughout March and April.
A variety of three-, four- and five-night sailings have been added to the brand’s offerings to travel the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles. Further details will be announced soon.
"The women and men of Celebrity were keen to have this opportunity to give back, even though this repositioning presented a challenging timeline," Fain said. "We know the hard work and sacrifice of those who have been keeping Californians safe, and it feels good to be able to say ‘thank you.’"
Fain said Royal Caribbean was also working with its suppliers to deliver one million N-95 protective masks into China for government distribution into areas affected by the ongoing coronavirus.
"We admire the all-out efforts of the Chinese government and people to address this crisis, and we want to bring our resources to bear to help their efforts," Fain said. Royal Caribbean will dedicate a ship in China to a series of complimentary sailings to thank first responders and medical personnel for their heroic efforts to defeat the virus.
Further details of the cruises will be shared as final itineraries are developed, said Royal Caribbean.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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