Royal Caribbean first trial voyage sets sail from Port Canaveral

“People really want to cruise. They’re just waiting. So I’m so excited we’re invited to do this and to be able to experience it and tell my clients it’s safe,” said travel agent and passenger Donna Entrichel.

Once Royal Caribbean is sailing from Florida with paying passengers, it will “strongly” recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for those who are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated, or unable to show proof of vaccination, will be subject to testing and additional health protocols at their own expense.

READ: The Disney Dream embarks on test voyage, paving the way for cruise industry return

The cruise line said children will be tested at no cost.

The cruise line also said if a certain threshold of COVID-19 is detected onboard a ship during a voyage, the voyage will end immediately, and the ship will return to the port of embarkation.

READ: How do you know if you have the delta variant; what are the symptoms?

The Allure of the Seas could be departing Port Canaveral with paying passengers by Aug. 8.