Anthem of the Seas will set sail from Southampton for the first time in five years this summer for UK cruises, Royal Caribbean International has announced.

The ship will sail four-night Ocean Getaways in early July and five to eight-night British Isles cruises from 15 July, visiting destinations such Liverpool, Kirkwall and Belfast.

The line is also providing 999 staterooms free of charge for those working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces.

To be eligible for one of the free sailings, UK residents must be able to show proof of an official Blue Light Card.

Free sailings can be secured by pre-registering through the Royal Caribbean website, starting 13 April 2021. Pre-registrations will be entered into a ballot to be drawn by the end of April.

The itineraries open for bookings on 7 April and will be available to UK residents above the age of 18 who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.

Royal Caribbean added the ship will sail with a fully vaccinated crew.

Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley said: “The UK is a place we hold near and dear to our heart at Royal Caribbean. We miss our UK guests and are as eager as they are to get back to cruising from Southampton.

“We are delighted with the UK government’s recent announcements regarding cruising and excited to set sail again with a phenomenal ship and favourite such as Anthem of the Seas. 

“After a tough year, we all need a holiday, but no one more so than the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces who will have the long-awaited opportunity to get away and relax with total peace of mind.”

Royal Caribbean also plans to base a ship in Cyprus this summer.

Jewel of the Seas will sail seven-night cruises from Limassol, starting from 10 July. Itineraries will open for bookings on 7 April.