This summer, Royal Caribbean International passengers can soak up the Mediterranean sun and explore the captivating coastlines of Greece and Cyprus on new 7-night cruises departing from Limassol, Cyprus. Beginning July 10, the Jewel of the Seas will be based in Cyprus for the first time, sailing past the picturesque beaches and ancient ruins of that country and Greece and its islands through October. Passengers can visit a combination of culturally rich cities and idyllic islands, including Limassol, Athens, and the islands of Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini.
New summer 2021 itineraries from Cyprus will go on sale starting April 7. With a vaccinated crew, cruises will currently be available for adult passengers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and for those under 18 with negative test results. These current health measures, like others, are subject to change as they are continuously being evaluated.
“I am delighted to announce our gradual and safe return to Europe. We know how eager all our guests are to enjoy a getaway this summer, and these cruises, featuring a mix of diverse itineraries and must-see islands, are perfect for that escape,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Cyprus is a truly beautiful island, and we thank the Cypriot government for its support and enthusiasm in making these itineraries a reality.”
Passengers aboard the Jewel of the Seas can enjoy a perfect balance of culture, relaxation, historical destinations, natural landscapes, and local cuisine. They can also delve into ancient Greek and Roman history at sites like Kourion in Limassol or the Parthenon in Athens, swim in the waters of Mykonos, or enjoy the seaside tavernas of Santorini.
Savvas Perdios, Cyprus' Deputy Minister of Tourism, stated: “We are delighted that Royal Caribbean has chosen Limassol as its homeport for the first time. This has been our ambition for many years, and we are thrilled that this dream has finally become a reality. We are confident that Royal Caribbean's presence in Limassol will be beneficial for Cyprus, and we are equally confident that Cyprus, both as a homeport and as a country, will meet the expectations of Royal Caribbean and its passengers.”
Onboard the Jewel, passengers can cool off in the pools, relax in the jacuzzis, recharge at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, and sample the various bars and restaurants, including our passengers' favorites Chops Grille and Izumi. Spread across its 13 decks are a climbing wall, a casino, a sports deck, a 9-hole miniature golf course, an outdoor cinema, and many other amenities.
The Greek Minister of Tourism, Harry Theoharis, added, “We warmly welcome the announcement of this new itinerary, which will give more passengers the opportunity to have unique experiences in Greek destinations this summer. Our history, culture, and renowned cuisine, along with our philoxenia, will create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Passengers can rest assured that their health and well-being, as well as that of all our crew members and the communities we visit, are Royal Caribbean's top priority. Details regarding the health and safety measures that will be implemented will be announced at a later date. These comprehensive, multi-layered health and safety measures will continue to be guided by the expert, scientific advice of the Healthy Sail Panel, the Chief Public Health Officer and Medical Director of Royal Caribbean Group, and local government and health authorities.
In addition, passengers must comply with the travel requirements of Cyprus and their place of residence.
Royal Caribbean's new 7-night itineraries from Cyprus are another step in the company's Safe Return to Sail initiative, launched months ago with great success in Singapore, where more than 50,000 passengers have sailed aboard the Quantum of the Seas. This is in addition to the recent announcement of cruises aboard the Odyssey of the Seas from Haifa, Israel, and cruises from the Bahamas aboard the Adventure of the Seas and from Bermuda with the Vision of the Seas.
