Hope Floats
Hope floats, oh yes it does.
The Celebrity Edge set sail from Ft. Lauderdale over the weekend, becoming the first cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port in 15 months.
Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo tweeted: “#HopeFloats. Today marks the rebirth of our company and our industry, as our beautiful Celebrity Edge sets sail on a new-luxury experience that will – once again – feed peoples’ love of travel.”
Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only American female to captain a major cruise ship, now leads Celebrity’s fleet – and the industry – back into operation from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. The ship set sails for Mexico and the Bahamas.
Celebrity notes that rarely has a seven-night cruise of the Caribbean come with such symbolism and hope, but there is no underestimating that this is an historic moment for the brand as it cruises back to normal. Celebrity Edge was given the green light – and the honour – to be the first ship back in the water, having met all new standards for providing a healthy and safe cruise experience for its guests and crew.
Richard Fain, Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, observed: “This is a momentous sailing and one that we have been preparing for a long time. It’s not only a huge honor to be the first ship back in the water, leading the industry in the long-awaited return to U.S.-based cruising, it’s also an incredible achievement and testament to the tireless efforts of our shoreside team and onboard crew.”
Fain continued: “Travel is a powerful catalyst for positive change in our world. There’s nothing more enriching in life than exposing yourself to new cultures, sights, and experiences… and nothing more luxurious than doing it on board a Celebrity cruise ship.”
And he concluded: “All that’s left to say is welcome aboard.”
All Celebrity ships will sail with a vaccinated crew.
U.S. guests ages 16 and older must be fully vaccinated and, as of Aug. 1, 2021, all U.S. guests ages 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.
In Florida, vaccinations are strongly recommended.
Requirements for Non-U.S. guests vary and more details can be found by visiting https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea.
