Celebrity Edge leads return of US cruising

Celebrity Edge has become the first large cruise ship to sail from a US port following the industry’s suspension of service 15 months ago.

Launched in 2018, the Celebrity Cruises’ ship is sailing from Fort Lauderdale on a seven-night itinerary to Mexico and the Bahamas.

Celebrity Edge was given the green light to be the first ship back in service from the US on Saturday, having met all new standards for providing a healthy and safe cruise for its passengers and crew.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Celebrity Cruises’ owner Royal Caribbean Group, said: “We are elated to once again welcome guests on board, sailing from south Florida, our home.

“Today is a day that brings momentum to our industry and to countless individuals and port communities around the world that are part of our travel and hospitality network.”

He added: “This is a momentous sailing and one that we have been preparing for a long time.

“It’s not only a huge honour to be the first ship back in the water, leading the industry in the long-awaited return to US-based cruising, it’s also an incredible achievement and testament to the tireless efforts of our shoreside team and on board crew,”

“Travel is a powerful catalyst for positive change in our world. There’s nothing more enriching in life than exposing yourself to new cultures, sights, and experience and nothing more luxurious than doing it on board a Celebrity cruise ship.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s health and safety standards are the culmination of more than a year of work by its ‘Healthy Sail’ panel and industry partners, and collaboration with government officials.