Coronavirus
Royal Caribbean Delays the Launch of Its New Megaship After Crew Members Test Positive for COVID-19
Royal Caribbean’s new megaship, Odyssey of the Seas, was supposed to hail the company’s return to business as near-usual this summer. But the ship’s launch is now delayed after eight crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. Its first scheduled trips are now canceled.
The Odyssey of the Seas had been slated to make its debut sail with paying passengers on July 3 — more than a year after the pandemic hobbled the cruise ship industry. Its first voyage is now delayed for four weeks, until July 31. By then, summer will be nearly halfway over.
“While disappointing, this is the right decision for the health and well-being of our crew and guests,” Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley said as he announced the delay.
