Royal Caribbean brings Oasis-class giants back into service

The world’s largest cruise ships have resumed cruise operations, with Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas both departing on their first passenger voyages this week.

Symphony of the Seas resumed cruising for the first time since March last year, out of Miami, while Harmony of the Seas commenced a Mediterranean cruise season out of Barcelona.

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On her first cruise in 17 months, Symphony of the Seas visited four ports in three different countries. After leaving Miami, she called in Cozumel and Costa Maya, in Mexico, before crossing to Roátan in Honduras.

A stop in Perfect Day at CocoCay concluded the itinerary, which also featured two days at sea. Symphony of the Seas will repeat this itinerary every other week, as she’s set to sail alternating Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami until December.

Harmony of the Seas has also resumed cruise operations. The ship sailed from Barcelona on Sunday, commencing a summer season of of 7-night cruises around the Western Mediterranean.

From August to October, Harmony of the Seas will sail to the scenic Spanish isle of Palma De Mallorca, Spain before sailing to Italy, where guests can explore art and culture in Florence, visit world-renowned landmarks in Rome and experience the beauty of Naples with its iconic skyline defined by the towering Mount Vesuvius.

Guests can also choose to begin their vacation in Italy and sail roundtrip from Rome.

“We are delighted to welcome back another ship to our European lineup this summer with the return of the award-winning Harmony of the Seas,” said Ben Bouldin, Vice President for EMEA, Royal Caribbean International.

“Harmony is an incredibly popular ship and one of the most revolutionary in our fleet, so families are in for a summer of adventure,” he added.

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Symphony and Harmony of the Seas are the 10th and 11th Royal Caribbean International ships to return to service.

Also this week, Independence of the Seas resumed cruising from Galveston on a Western Caribbean itinerary, while Oasis of the Seas resumed cruising from Cape Liberty.

Royal Caribbean requires all crew members and guests 18 years of age and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Children younger than the eligible age can sail with a negative test result and must follow other health and safety protocols.

The cruise line’s health measures, such has vaccine and testing requirements, are available here on the Royal Caribbean website and listed by point of departure.

The vaccine policy is one of the cruise line’s multilayered health and safety protocols. These include the ships’ robust ventilation systems, enhanced cleaning and sanitization, and cruising at reduced occupancy as ships initially return to sailing.

Royal Caribbean is in ongoing discussions with multiple national, state and local health and government authorities around the world regarding the various requirements for all upcoming sailings.

Independent of the port of departure, the cruise line will continue to follow the guidelines as recommended by health experts. Health and safety measures will be evaluated as public health circumstances evolve, and guests and travel partners will be notified of updates.