Royal Caribbean has resumed cruising in Alaska following a long hiatus due to the pandemic.

On Monday (19 July), Serenade of the Seas departed on the first of a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

It is the second Royal Caribbean ship to welcome back guests in the US after Freedom of the Seas set sail from Miami.

A total of 13 Royal ships will be sailing worldwide by the end of August, including Ovation of the Seas, which is set to sail on seven-night itineraries to Skagway, Sitka and Juneau, and through the Inside Passage. The line has also extended Ovation’s Alaska season into October with four additional sailings.

Royal said that 97 per cent of all those on board on Serenade of the Seas are fully vaccinated. The ship will visit Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, as well as the Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier.

Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley said: “Cruising in Alaska is finally back and we are excited to be the first to return. Alaska is one of the most popular destinations among our guests, especially families with young kids – children who are ineligible for the vaccine today.

“We are grateful for the support of our partners, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and other government and health authorities. This is a return that is significantly felt by many, including those whose communities rely on cruise tourism.”

On sailings to Alaska, all crew members and guests who meet the age of eligibility for the vaccine are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. As of 1 August, the vaccine age requirement will be lowered from 16 to 12.

Cruise Trade News was recently on Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas for a shakedown sailing, as the line continues its series of British Isles cruises.