Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain has reiterated that the cruise industry and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) share a “common goal” in getting the cruise sector back on its feet, in his latest video update.

Fain said that activity had “heated up” in recent weeks and months, with people “pulling in all directions” to work towards a safe resumption of operations.

He explained: “Just last week the CDC issued new and tougher restrictions on cruising out of US ports. But the CDC has also said they see a way to restart in the US as early as July. We are eager to work with them towards that goal.

“[Vaccines] are being administered at a record pace – almost 45 per cent of eligible Americans have already received at least their first dose. Three million shots a day are being administered. This transforms the situation.”

Fain also highlighted how Royal Caribbean has operated sailings in other regions in recent months and emphasised the importance of testing.

“Just as important is the experience we are gaining from our operations aboard. Our company has successfully carried more than 100,000 guests on more than 150 cruises,” he continued.

“With all those, we’ve had only 10 positive cases, and each case has been handled smoothly with no outbreaks or disruption to other guests or local communities. We no longer have to theorise about what might possibly happen.

“Extensive testing is now available, and testing is the key to catching the virus early and preventing a spread.

“Contact tracing on board ships can be done with a precision undreamed of on land. The combination of testing and effective contact tracing are part of the reason why we can reduce the risk of an outbreak on a ship to levels below that on land.

“Constructive dialogue with public health officials has been very positive. More and more countries are moving forward with cruises. There are signs that we are approaching the end.”