OVER 21,000 NHS AND EMERGENCY WORKERS APPLIED FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S 999 FREE CRUISES

LONDON, 5 May 2021 – Royal Caribbean International’s 999 free cruises for UK residents working in the emergency services, National Health Service (NHS), social care sector and armed forces, received over 21,000 entries. The free cruises were drawn through an independent ballot with 999 lucky winners finding out last week.

The 999 successful entrants will sail on board Anthem of the Seas on 4-night Ocean Getaways taking place in early July. From globally renowned entertainment and high-adrenaline activities to a variety of cuisines from around the world, the award-winning ship makes for the perfect high-tech playground and relaxing getaway that will consistently wow and delight from bow to stern.

For entrants that missed out on the free sailing, Royal Caribbean is offering a 20% discount to Blue Light Card holders until June 14, 2021. The discount is available on all of Anthem’s sailings from Southampton and Jewel of the Seas sailings from Cyprus, departing this summer. Guests can book through the Royal Caribbean call centre on 0344 493 2069 and will need to provide their Blue Light Card number at the time of booking.

Ben Bouldin, vice president EMEA, Royal Caribbean International said: “We have been blown away by the positive response and interest in our UK cruises and are excited to set sail again from Southampton. The interest from NHS and emergency service workers has exceeded our expectations, and we are delighted to welcome 999 members of these professions, along with their families, on board in July”

Top highlights on board Anthem include:

• Thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping in no time, thanks to the RipCord by iFly skydiving experience, FlowRider, the cruise line’s popular surf simulator; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, complete with bumper cars, roller skating and more.
• Signature productions fuse art, multimedia and game-changing technology in Two70, while the Tony Award-winning West End production of We Will Rock You takes center stage in the Royal Theater. As night falls, guests can dance the night away at Music Hall – the hottest live music venue at sea – and grab their signature drink mixed by a pair of robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar.
• A haven for teens, there are teens-only spaces, activities and games galore. The youngest of guests can enjoy an abundance of fun at the award-winning Adventure Ocean, where there are dedicated activities designed for their age group.
• Parents and grandparents can recharge in The Solarium, a tranquil adults-only lounge area, that offers a swimming pool, whirlpools and a crystal canopy overlooking the ocean. Not forgetting: further breathtaking panoramic views of the British coastline can be seen from 300 feet above sea level in the iconic North Star all-glass viewing capsule on the pool deck.
• The wide selection of complimentary and specialty dining venues will please palates of all kinds. The culinary lineup includes Wonderland, where diners will be wowed by imaginative cuisine; Chops Grille for classic American steakhouse perfection; and Izumi, where guests can sample Far East flavors and fresh sushi.

Anthem’ summer itineraries are open for bookings and available to UK residents above the age of 18 who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. For more information on Anthem’s limited series of summer cruises, visit the Royal Caribbean website.

Notes to Editors
To be eligible for the discount, UK residents must be able to show proof of an official Blue Light Card, which is available to those working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces.

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island

Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call 0344 493 4005.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

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