Celebrity Cruises returned to service on 5 June as Celebrity Millennium set sail from the Caribbean port of Philipsburg, St Maarten.

The seven-night itinerary is scheduled to visit Aruba, Barbados and Curacao. The sailing  represents the first time Celebrity Cruises has homeported in St Maarten, with eastern and western Caribbean itineraries planned through August.

The departure marks the first phase of Celebrity’s return to active operations. The line has announced plans to sail eight of the 14 ships in its fleet as part of its phased restart, including sailings to Alaska from Seattle beginning 23 July.

In addition, Celebrity Apex will sail the Aegean beginning June 19; Celebrity Edge will cruise the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale on 26 June, and Celebrity Silhouette is scheduled to operate itineraries along the UK coastline from the 3 July.

Elsewhere, Celebrity Flora will return to the Galapagos Islands as of 3 July, followed by Celebrity Xpedition and the 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration on 24 July and 18 September, respectively.

Celebrity is cruising in the Caribbean with a vaccinated crew and at least 95 per cent vaccinated guests.

Other health and safety measures include staggered arrivals and departures, contactless payments and a new form of muster drill that guests can complete on their mobile device or interactive stateroom TV.

Celebrity Cruises president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “This is such a significant moment for our company, our industry and the Caribbean. That this day has finally arrived for our guests and our crew is truly special – beyond words, really.

“I am so happy to have our crew back on board doing what they love and providing amazing vacations and service to our guests. I also am extremely grateful to the leadership of the St Maarten government for their vision and support to make this moment happen. What an honour to now be the first to enthusiastically say, once again – welcome aboard.”

Celebrity Cruises senior vice-president of hotel operations Brian Abel added: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our guests back to relax and start enjoying the travel experiences they’ve been craving all this time.

“Once on board, they will discover reimagined accommodation, spa and entertainment offerings, along with considered and thoughtful health and safety measures. The end result of all that we have implemented will make cruises one of the safest ways to explore the world, while enjoying a wonderful and uncompromised vacation experience.”