After booking an Adventure of the Seas cruise for this summer, what should you be doing now to be ready?

In just the first week the new Adventure of the Seas cruises from The Bahamas have been on sale, they have sold extremely well. With the cruise booked, now is a good time to take care of a few things, and plan for a few others.

Adventure of the Seas will not only be the first Royal Caribbean ship to sail from North America in well over a year, but it will also include plenty of changes.

Expect changes

Royal Caribbean has promised to update its passengers with exactly what to expect about a month before the cruise.

"Travel requirements are fast evolving. We will communicate with you in the 30 days before you set sail, to ensure you know the latest travel requirements."

If your Adventure of the Seas cruise is in late June or later, you will have the benefit of others determining what exactly everyone needs to do before your sailing comes around.

In the meantime, here is what we do know about what to expect.

Check your passport

Before you do anything else, find your passport and check the expiration date.

Since you have likely not had to use your passport in over a year, you want to double check the passport expiration date to ensure it will be valid by the time your Adventure of the Seas cruise rolls around.

Royal Caribbean says your passport should be valid at least 6 months after you sailing’s return date.

If your passport is or will expire, turn around times for passport renewal is pretty quick.

If you do not have a passport, you need to get one before the cruise begins.  Unlike cruises from the United States, you need a passport in order to sail from The Bahamas.

Read more: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Purchase flights

If you have not looked at flights yet, now is a really good time to purchase flights for your cruise.

You can book flights through traditional methods, but you should also look at booking your airfare through Royal Caribbean before booking anything.

Royal Caribbean has bought up space on a number of flights to Nassau, and is actually subsidizing fares.

This means you may find substantial savings compared to booking flights on your own.  Many cruisers have reported savings of $100 or more per person on flights booked through Royal Caribbean.

Read more: Why you shouldn't fly to your cruise the same day it begins

Book a refundable hotel room

Another easy task to get out of the way now is to book a hotel room in Nassau before (and maybe after) your sailing.

The best strategy is to fly into Nassau at least one day ahead of your cruise to ensure travel delays do not impact your ability to get on the cruise ship.

Nassau (and New Providence Island in general) has many hotels and resorts you can stay at.  

Booking a hotel now locks in a spot at a great resort, but be sure to book refundable rates so that you can cancel if there is a lower price later.

Bahamas travel visa

In order to go on this cruise, you need to get into The Bahamas first, which will require something new to all cruisers: a travel health visa.

To get a head start, you can go to The Bahamas website to complete the initial steps now.

You can create a profile and upload a photo of your passport.

In addition, you can add your trip details and other family members.  Doing all of this now means when it is time for your test results, you will be ready to drop the results in and submit them.

Get a vaccine in time

One of the requirements of summer 2021 Adventure of the Seas cruises is all adults must be fully vaccincated at least 14 days prior to sailing.

For guests 18 years of age and older, proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be required. It is not yet known what the cruise line will require for proof of vaccination quite yet.

If you have not gotten a vaccine yet, be sure get one with enough time for the inoculation to take full effect.

Negative PCR test

In order to enter the Bahamas, you will need to get a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for that health visa.

The health visa is required no more than 5 days before arrival. You may want to start looking around for which testing options near you are available, and how long it will roughly take to get the test to be processed.  

The key is to find a place that can get you a negative test as quickly as possible.  Some locations can provide test results in a matter of hours, while others can take a few days. Moreover, some locations are free and some will require an insurance copay.

It is a good idea in the weeks and months leading up to your cruise to determine a location that can provide the results as quickly as possible, keeping in mind there may be an additional cost for the speed you need.

While there are exceptions, one to three days for COVID-19 test results seem to be standard across the United States.

You may need to research PCR testing locations that promise same-day results or provide rapid PCR tests analyzed on-site if the arrival of your test results could make or break your trip.

This article provides an excellent resource of a city-by-city guide of where to get a test done.

Complete the health questionnaire

Remember that health form you had to fill out in the cruise terminal? It's digital now!

Beginning 24 hours before your cruise sails, you can access Royal Caribbean's Health Questionnaire in the app to fill out.

You will be asked some basic questions about your traveling party and if anyone has not been feeling well.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas packs a lot of family fun, activities and things to do onboard.

If you want to know the best ways to maximize your time and money, here are some of my top tips for anyone going on Adventure of the Seas.

These tips should ensure you have a great time onboard.

Adventure of the Seas got a refurbishment in 2018

In 2018, Royal Caribbean sent Adventure of the Seas for an extensive refurbishment that added a variety of new amenities onboard the ship.

The work was split between two dry docks: one in 2016 and the other in 2018, but the ship now offers water slides, new dining venues, new staterooms and a Suite Lounge.

Only ship with Izumi on Royal Promenade

So far, Adventure of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship with an Izumi location on the Royal Promenade.

Izumi has been one of the fastest spreading specialty restaurants across Royal Caribbean, but on other Voyager Class ships, it has been added to either the top of the ship or near the Schooner Bar on Deck 4.

Only on Adventure can you enjoy sushi with a view of the comings and goings of the Royal Promenade.

How to avoid waits for the water slides

Perhaps no activity is as popular as the Perfect Storm water slides on Adventure of the Seas, but there are some easy ways to avoid a long wait.

Bring your bathing suit on embarkation day and change once you are on the ship to take advantage of the short lines for the slides. Most people are not even thinking about going on the water slide on the first day, so this is the best time to try it out.

Another good strategy is to ride the slides when they open up in the morning.  That first hour is usually not bad with lines.

You can also try the water slides while the ship is in port.  Many other guests are off the ship on tours, leaving less competition for the slides.

Try booking one of the new staterooms

During the ship's latest refurbishment, more than 100 new staterooms were added.

Chief among the new rooms are the oceanview panoramic staterooms on deck 12 that were added.

These rooms have an incredible view from anywhere in the cabin, with a floor to ceiling wrap around panoramic window that is 76 inches high by 103-321 inches wide. 

Restaurants included with your cruise on Adventure of the Seas

Wondering where you can eat with no additional cost on Adventure of the Seas?

Here is a list of options:

• Windjammer (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Main Dining Room (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Cafe Promenade (Early morning until late night)

Keep in mind there may be some extra cost items at these locations.

Read more: Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Specialty dining packages can save you money

If you plan on eating at more than 1 or 2 specialty restaurants while on Adventure of the Seas, you probably should invest in a dining package.

Specialty dining packages offer a fixed cost for some, or even unlimited, specialty restaurants during your cruise.

There are four specialty restaurants on Adventure of the Seas that are included with the packages:

• Johnny Rockets
• Giovanni's Table
• Chop's Grille
• Izumi

I would not recommend eating at Johnny Rockets with your package (pay for it individually instead), and save your credits for the big three choices.

Be sure to buy dining packages before your cruise to save even more money.

Two days in a row at Perfect Day at CocoCay!

Special just for the summer 2021 cruises from Nassau, Adventure of the Seas will offer the rare double dip to Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Adventure will spend two consecutive days at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which means lots of time to explore and enjoy Royal Caribbean's little slice of paradise.

A good strategy is to pre-book anything you want to do at CocoCay to avoid it selling out. 

Read more: Do's & Don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay

Read Cruise Compass to see entertainment each night

There will be nightly entertainment around the ship , so be sure to read about what is offered in your Cruise Compass.

Each evening, your stateroom attendant will deliver a new copy of the next day's schedule.  You can also find the schedule in Royal Caribbean's app.

It is a good idea to read about what is coming up, so you can plan ahead for the must-see shows.

Download Royal Caribbean's app

Royal Caribbean's app has gone from "nice to have" to "must have" quite quickly, and it is your key for a smoother experience overall.

Not only does Royal Caribbean's app allow for a smoother and faster embarkation process, it makes managing your schedule super easy.

Royal Caribbean has even said that its app is required, so download the app before you leave home and ensure it is set up prior to arriving.

Read more: The Royal Caribbean App: Everything you should know

Try to learn to surf

Adventure of the Seas features the FlowRider surf simulator, which allows anyone to try stand up surfing.

The FlowRider is complimentary, although you can reserve private time for an extra cost to give you lots of reps without waiting.

Just like the water slides tip, the best time to check out the FlowRider is on embarkation day or while the ship is in port.

Read more: Everything about the Flowrider on Royal Caribbean ships

Go to the helipad during sailaway

My favorite part of any Voyager Class ship is the helipad at the bow of the ship.

You can walk to the helicopter pad and enjoy unobstructed views that are perfect for sailaway.

To access the helicopter pad, go outside on deck 5 and then walk forward, climb up a set of stairs and continue walking forward until you reach the helicopter pad.

Register kids for Adventure Ocean on the first day

If you have kids, there is complimentary kids programming that is supervised and a lot of fun.

Children are separated into different age groups to ensure programming is appropriate:

• Aquanauts: 3-5 years old
• Explorers: 6-8 years old
• Voyagers: 9-11 years old
• Teens: 12-14, 15-17 years old.

Adventure Ocean is run every day, but you want to register them on the first day of your cruise.

There will be an open house held (usually in the early afternoon) of the first day of the cruise, so be sure to go up to meet the staff and meet the staff. Plus, it will save you time later.

Read more: Cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean

Try mini-golf at night

Mini-golf is a great family activity, but nighttime is a great time to try it out.

There is very little shade on the mini-golf course, so going at night means it will be more comfortable to play.  Moreover, there are less people to contend with at night, so no waiting to put.

You can go ice skating

Did you know there is an ice skating rink on Adventure of the Seas? And you can go skating on it?

Adventure of the Seas has an ice skating rink in Studio B where one of the ship's best shows is performed during your cruise (more on that later), but guests can also don a pair of ice skates and hit the ice rink too!

Check the Cruise Compass for open skate sessions during your sailing.  Royal Caribbean will provide you with complimentary ice skate and safety equipment rentals. 

Be sure to pack long pants and socks.

Peek-a-boo bridge

It may sound weird, but there is something called the Peek-A-Boo bridge feature, where guests can peer into the bridge at almost any time.

The observation window allows guests to look down onto the bridge and observe what the officers are up to in their daily navigational duties.  

To reach the Peek-A-Boo bridge, head up to deck 11 and walk past the sliding doors that go forward of the Solarium and do not seem to lead anywhere.

Don't miss the Tutti Salad Bar

On sea days, do yourself a favor, and go down to the main dining room for lunch.

Not only is there a special menu available to order from, but the center of the dining room has a large salad bar area where you can pick your favorite ingredients to make a fresh salad, just the way you like it.

The balcony dividers do not open on Adventure

If you have had adjoining balcony cabins on other Royal Caribbean ships, you might have been able to open up the balcony divider to create a giant balcony. Unfortunately, that is not possible on Adventure of the Seas.

The first three Voyager Class ships (Voyager, Adventure & Explorer) balcony dividers are not physically possible to open because they are bolted shut. 

Restrooms with a view

If you go to the men's or ladies restrooms on Deck 11 near the Windjammer, you get a nice view.

A floor-to-ceiling window greets guests in the public restroom outside at these restrooms only.

Free sauna and steam room

The fitness center locker rooms have a free sauna, steam room, and very large showers for anyone to use free of charge. 

The showers are great for families, and the sauna and steam rooms are lesser-known amenities open to guests on Adventure of the Seas.

Try one of the culinary classes

Adventure of the Seas offers some fun ways to learn to make food on your cruise.

The Cupcake Decorating class is a way to be creative with sugar and frosting, and then you get to eat your creation!

The sushi making class is a combination of meal and learning, where you get to learn from a sushi chef how to make traditional and modern sushi specialties.

You can sign up for either of these classes before the cruise on the Cruise Planner site, or once onboard your ship.  Both classes have an extra cost.

If you want to reserve a spot on one of the first Royal Caribbean sailings in North America, your opportunity has arrived.

UPDATE: The new Adventure of the Seas sailings from Nassau, Bahamas are available to book via Royal Caribbean's website, phone, or through a travel agent.

The new bookings are available to book immediately, beginning with the June 12 sailing. Sailings between June and August 2021 are open for booking.

Any nationality or residency may book these sailings, but all guests 18 years or older must be fully vaccinated by the time of sailing.

All crew on Adventure of the Seas will be vaccinated for COVID-19 before the sailings begin.

Specifically:

• For guests 18 years of age and older, proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID - 19
• Proof of a negative SARS- Co V- 2 RT- PCR test result for entry into the country where you are sailing from (age requirements vary by jurisdiction)
• Completed Royal Caribbean Health Questionnaire, available in the app 24 hours before sailing
• Typical t ravel documents, including passport or any visas as required by the departure country

The new sailings will have a variety of new health and safety protocols to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 onboard. These rules will be announced closer to the start of sailings.

These Adventure of the Seas sailings will not visit any U.S. ports of call in order to bypass approval of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For the first time ever, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship will sail from Nassau, Bahamas. Itineraries include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay (two visits per sailing), Cozumel and Grand Bahama Island.

For over a year, the CDC has banned cruise ships from sailing in U.S. waters because of the global health crisis, and there is no end in sight when that restriction may be lifted.

Adventure of the Seas will be among a handful of ships to restart operations this summer, following the successful relaunch of Quantum of the Seas in Singapore in late 2020.

Odyssey of the Seas will sail from Haifa, Israel to the Mediterranean, and Vision of the Seas will sail from Bermuda to the Bahamas.  Both ships will have cruises beginning in June.

Next week, Vision of the Seas cruises from Bermuda will go on sale.

While four ships is a small fraction of Royal Caribbean's fleet, it is a significant achievement for a cruise line that has bled money quarter after quarter, and barely had any sailings. Moreover, this marks the first possible return for Americans to cruise.

Royal Caribbean has not released all the health protocols and changes for Adventure of the Seas restarted sailings from The Bahamas, but expect to only be able to go on cruise line shore excursions.

Other cruise lines around the world that have been able to restart cruises have done so with the limitation that guests may only go on cruise line sponsored tours in order to ensure guests are safeguarded from undue risk of exposure to Covid-19.

On the same day Royal Caribbean announced Adventure of the Seas would restart cruises in June from Nassau, Bahamas, the line also confirmed guests will only be able to disembark the ship if on a ship tour.

 Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, told Cruise Industry News guests will be limited to Royal Caribbean excursions in Cozumel and Grand Bahama Island.

"With our own little bubble, we can really make sure the health and safety protocols are being followed."

Royal Caribbean's own Shore Excursions Health Acknowledgement confirms that only cruise line tours will be permitted, "guests are currently only permitted to book and participate in Shore Excursions which are selected and approved by Royal Caribbean Group."

In addition, guests booked on Odyssey of the Seas sailings from Israel received a list of terms and conditions for their sailings which also allude to the limitation of shore excursion options you can book.

Read more: How to book a Royal Caribbean shore excursion

Why limit shore excursions?

The origin of limiting shore excursion options goes back to the first cruise ships to restart sailings.

In an effort to create a travel bubble, MSC Cruises restarted sailings in August 2020 with the rule in place. They even refused to let a family back onboard that broke the rule.

In September 2020, the Healthy Sail Panel addressed shore excursions in their 74 recommendations for how to operate a cruise ship safely during the global health crisis.

The number 59 recommendation recommended limiting shore excursion options.

"During the initial return to sailing, cruise operators should only allow guests debarking from a ship at a destination port to participate in cruise line-sponsored or verified excursions as a way of limiting potential exposures in the destinations they visit."

The Panel did classify this recommendation as a temporary one, and something that could be modified or removed later when health conditions permit.

Read more: Are Cruise Ship-Sponsored Shore Excursions Really Safer?

Royal Caribbean announced it will restart cruises from Nassau, Bahamas on Adventure of the Seas and there are a lot changes and new policies to digest.

Royal Caribbean provided some important details surrounding these new sailings and what you should know about changes and other policies guests can expect onboard.

This information was up to date as of the writing of this post. Keep in mind policies can change, and I will do my best to keep this information updated.  

Who can book Adventure of the Seas from Nassau?

Guests of all nationalities and residencies are eligible to book. We are excited to welcome vacationers from around the globe.

What requirements are there to sail?

At this time, Royal Caribbean expects each guest will need to provide the following:

• For guests 18 years of age and older, proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID -19
• Proof of a negative SARS- CoV-2 RT-PCR test result for entry into the country where you are sailing from (age requirements vary by jurisdiction)
• Completed Royal Caribbean Health Questionnaire, available in the app 24 hours before sailing
• Typical travel documents, including passport or any visas as required by the departure country

The Bahamas requires a health visa, which ranges in price between $40-$70 per person. 

Do you need to get a Covid-19 vaccine to cruise?

At this time, guests 18 years and older are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID –19, along with all crew members onboard.

Each guest must submit proof of vaccination no later than boarding day, in the form of the original vaccination record document issued by either

1. The country’s health authority that administered the vaccination (e. g., U.S. CDC's Vaccination Record Card)
2. The guest' s medical provider that administered the vaccination.

Electronic vaccination records will only be accepted for residents of those countries where electronic documentation is the standard issued form (e.g., a unique QR code).

The vaccination record submitted to Royal Caribbean must show that the guest is fully vaccinated.

This means that the guest has completed the full cycle of required doses for the vaccine administered (e.g., received the second dose in a two- dose series), and that the guest has received the final dose at least 14 days before the sailing date.

What if I am unable to be vaccinated due to a medical condition?

Guests unable to comply with safety requirements due to medical disabilities should contact Royal Caribbean' s Access Department at (866) 592 -7225 or send an e- mail to [email protected].

What about masks, social distancing, and other protocols?

Royal Caribbean has not released those details yet.

Masks will be required onboard.

What would deny you boarding?

Royal Caribbean's Refusal to Transport Policy covers the non-exhaustive list of reasons why a guest may be denied boarding.

Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Prior to boarding, or at any time during the voyage, failure to comply with our safety and health policies
• Failure to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated for COVID -19
• Failure to provide truthful answers to our health questionnaire
• Evidencing COVID-like symptoms, including but not limited to temperature readings that equal or exceed 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

A full refund will be processed for the individual who tested positive, as well as his/her immediate travel party if a positive test result occurs within three weeks of the sail date.

What happens if you test positive for Covid-19 during the cruise?

In the event that a guest tests positive during his/her cruise vacation, a full refund will be  administered for the impacted guest, as well as those individuals within his/her immediate travel party.

Additionally, guests that test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise or are deemed a close  contact of someone who has, Royal Caribbean will cover onboard medical treatment, cost of any required land -based quarantine, and travel home for the affected guest and his/her travel party.

What is the definition of a travel party?

Royal Caribbean defines "traveling party" as it can include guests traveling in the same stateroom or reservation, guests traveling in multiple staterooms or as part of multiple reservations; as well as guests we determine to be legally or socially related or proximate in any way, at any time prior to or during the voyage, for any duration of time.

It is important to note that contact tracing may deem you or someone in your travel party a "close contact" of another guest outside your travel party if you were within 6 feet (2 meters) of them for at least 15 minutes in the preceding 48 hours.

If you are found to meet this contact threshold, certain actions may be required for your safety and the safety of your fellow guests.

What if I don't like these new health protocols and want to cancel?

If the booking was made on or before May 31, 2021, it qualifies for the Cruise with Confidence program, meaning that the guest can opt to cancel up to 48-hours prior to the sail date in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit to be used at a later date.

What you need to know about testing and check-in

It is likely that a rapid polymerase chain reaction (RT -PCR) test for SARS- CoV-2 will be required prior to boarding and obtain a negative result. Royal Caribbean will update booked guests via email and text message, in the 30 days prior to sailing, to reinforce the latest requirements for the designated departure port.

Should a fever or other symptoms of illness be apparent while at the terminal, this could result in a denial of boarding for the ill guest, as well as those in his/her traveling party. Given this, we strongly encourage all guests to monitor their health in the days leading up to the cruise and cancel or change plans if symptoms of illness should arise. Should boarding be denied at the terminal due to a positive SARS- Co V-2 test, and/or because active communicable disease symptoms are demonstrated, the
affect guest and his/her travel party will receive a full refund.

A separate check-in flow and lounge area in the terminals will remain available for Suite guests.

With fewer guests, staggered arrival appointments, and the ability to complete necessary steps via the Royal Caribbean App before arriving, the cruise line does not anticipate that the embarkation process will take much longer than is typically required.

Onboard the ship

The number of hand sanitizer stations onboard have been increased by 75 % and are located near elevators, at exits and entrances to all venues, plus anywhere onboard that doesn’t have handwashing stations or restroom sinks in the immediate vicinity.

Additionally, a new bottle of hand sanitizer will also be provided in all staterooms on embarkation day.

For convenience, room service will be available and, as an added measure to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, will feature contactless delivery.

Additionally, between 6 a. m. and 11 a.m., guests can enjoy daily American breakfast delivered free of charge.

Medical care on Adventure of the Seas

In the event that a cruise must return to the port of departure earlier than planned for reasons related to SARS- CoV-2, guests will receive a full refund.

Rapid tests will be available onboard in case any guest is not feeling well, with results in an hour. He/ she can be evaluated immediately by medical staff, with an in- stateroom visit or by video tele-consultation.

A guest that tests positive for SARS- CoV-2 will be moved to an isolation stateroom located close to the Medical Center and will enjoy complimentary amenities such as WIFI and room service, along with regular visits or tele-consultations with medical staff to monitor his/ her wellness.

SARS- CoV-2 evaluation and testing that is performed as a recommendation of the onboard medical team is free of charge, as well as COVID -19-related medical treatment provided while onboard, should additional treatment be necessary.

What is the response plan for a positive SARS-CoV-2 test onboard?

In the event that a guest or crew member tests positive for SARS - Co V- 2 onboard, a robust, tiered response plan will be activated and is in accordance with guidance from local authorities and leading public health experts.

The tiers increase protocols and vigilance onboard, while providing transparent correspondence to guests throughout the process. In partnership with local authorities, Royal Caribbean has developed transport protocols to ensure impacted guests get home safely and swiftly.

Thanks to rapid technology - enabled contact tracing, potential exposure to other guests and crew can be promptly identified and an action plan enabled.

Royal Caribbean announced it will begin offering cruises on Adventure of the Seas from Nassau, Bahamas in June 2021.

Beginning in June, Adventure of the Seas will be relocated to her new homeport of Nassau, Bahamas to offer 7-night cruises to destinations such as Cozumel, Grand Bahama Island, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The new cruises will sail June through August 2021.

The new sailings are open to guests of all nationalities and residencies are able to book these sailings.

All crew members will be vaccinated for Covid-19 onboard, and fully vaccinated guests 18 years of age and older are able to sail. Children under the age of 18 with proof of negative COVID-19 test results are able to sail as well.

Read more: First look at Royal Caribbean's newly refurbished Adventure of the Seas

Details on additional health and safety measures will be announced at a later date.

The new cruises on Adventure of the Seas will go on sale beginning March 24, 2021.

Consequently, the Adventure of the Seas 2021 Europe season has been canceled. Guests booked on sailings departing June 5 — October 14, 2021 can elect to: 1) choose a refund of all funds paid or 2) accept a 125% Future Cruise Credit to be redeemed at a later date. All impacted guests and associated travel agencies will soon receive an email.

In order to sail on Adventure of the Seas, here is what passengers will need to provide the following:

• For guests 18 years of age and older, proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID -19
• Proof of a negative SARS- CoV-2 RT-PCR test result for entry into the country where you are sailing from (age requirements vary by jurisdiction)
• Completed Royal Caribbean Health Questionnaire, available in the app 24 hours before sailing
• Typical travel documents, including passport or any visas as required by the departure countr

"We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely. The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

"The opportunity to homeport in The Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing."

The announcement comes days after Royal Caribbean teased a big announcement, but delayed it a few hours later.

This is the second ship to restart sailings outside of the United States, with Grandeur of the Seas sailing from Barbados in December.

Similarly, Celebrity Cruises announced it will restart cruises outside the United States with Celebrity Millennium from St. Maarten.

Moving away from the United States

It is difficult to look past the fact Royal Caribbean deploying a ship to sail from Nassau is a move to get ships sailing again faster.

When the CDC lifted the No Sail Order at the end of October and replaced it with the Framework for Conditional Sail Order, the CDC outlined a series of steps required for cruises to be able to progress towards restarting.

Cruise lines are still waiting for those instructions.

While cruise lines wait for approval to sail again from the United States, today's announcement that Adventure of the Seas will sail from the Bahamas appears to be a strategy to move around those restrictions.

Royal Caribbean had already scheduled Grandeur of the Seas to sail from Barbados in December, but many cruise lines are now looking to return to service sooner with sailings this summer.

In terms of getting a sense of what the CDC or cruise lines are looking for in these statistics, there are still unknowns, but Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain pointed to factors such as how quickly the vaccine continues to roll out, or how the Covid variants will affect numbers going forward.

"I think it's premature for them, or for us, to try and speculate on what threshold the number has to be, because it's so many variables."

"I think we're more encouraged to see the really dramatic drop that we've been experiencing and the really nice roll out, particularly in the United States, in the U.K., in the in the vaccine."

Guests on select Adventure of the Seas cruises in 2021 received emails from Royal Caribbean that their cruises have been shortened by a day due to pier construction delays.

A number of guests took to social media to share copies of an email they received from Royal Caribbean to inform them of a change in their Adventure of the Seas sailing.

Citing "pier construction delays in the Galveston terminal", the cruise line has altered the planned 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary to a 4-night sailing.

Thanks to Kimberly Coker for providing this screenshot

Guests on affected sailings should be contacted via email.

Royal Caribbean has offered these guests three options:

• Stay on the new 4-night Western Caribbean sailing departing from Galveston
• Rebook to a different 5-night Adventure of the Seas sailing later in 2021 or 2022
• Cancel for full refund

Guests have until  September 17, 2020 to make a decision on which option they would like to choose. If nothing is chosen, they will automatically be moved to the new 4-night Western Caribbean sailing departing on the same day as the original cruise.

Royal Caribbean has also created a form to process which option they would like in order to bypass waiting on the phone. The form must be filled out by September 17.

Royal Caribbean released additional new 2021 European sailings for booking on two ships, Odyssey of the Seas & Adventure of the Seas.

Odyssey of the Seas will offer a transatlantic sailing in April 2021 from Fort Lauderdale to her summer homeport of Rome, Italy.  Odyssey will then offer a variety of Mediterranean cruises from Rome, to destinations in Italy, Greece and Israel. Royal Caribbean is highlighting the fact Odyssey will offer overnight stays in Athens, as well as late night stays in select ports on select itineraries.

View Odyssey of the Seas 2021 European sailings

Adventure of the Seas will offer an 18-night transatlantic sailing from Galveston to Copenhagen in April 2021.  Once she arrives in Europe, Adventure will sail in summer 2021 to Scandinavia & Russia.  Adventure will alternate homeports between Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden.

View Adventure of the Seas 2021 European sailings

These new sailings are open for booking to Crown & Anchor Society members on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, and the general public on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

Royal Caribbean has released version 1.10.0 of its new smart phone app, which adds support to Adventure of the Seas.

The new version does not list Adventure as a supported ship in the app store, but opening the app shows both ships on the list.  Some blog readers have reported seeing Brilliance of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas supported in their apps, but we have not been able to see that on our devices.

Independence and Mariner of the Seas were recently added as well.

The new app is being actively developed, which means not all features area available on the app yet.  Moreover, the cruise line is slowly rolling out support for more ships.

The app is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas has returned to service following an extensive refurbishment, and we have a look around the ship at some of the changes.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader RKSister shared these photos from onboard the ship, at the start of the first sailing post-refurbishment.

Photos by RKSister