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We test Royal Caribbean’s Covid-safe cruise ahead of Brit launch

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SURFING the FlowRider, riding dodgems in the fairground and sipping a cocktail on deck – all await you on the high seas this summer.

Cruising is back, with 13 cruise lines announcing sailings from UK ports, including Royal Caribbean’s Anthem Of The Seas.

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Royal Caribbean cruises are set to welcome British guests back[/caption]

And having tried out Royal Caribbean’s unique Cruise To Nowhere from Singapore this week on Anthem’s sister ship Quantum Of The Seas, I can assure British holidaymakers they’ll have a brilliant time.

The firm has been blazing the trail, testing out all the vital protocols to allow safe UK cruises, since last December.

Singapore residents have been sailing on two, three or four-night getaways, and it’s never been more fun.

Safety is the top priority, of course, but everything that makes cruising one of the most popular holidays for Brits remains.

More than 50,000 Singaporean residents have taken the chance to cruise, and with no Covid cases to date, their safety precautions have certainly worked.

Quantum’s food and beverage director Derek McKnight told The Sun: “It’s great to be back. I can honestly say I feel safer here on cruise ships than I have anywhere in the world.

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The Anthem Of The Seas is Royal Caribbean’s most technologically advanced cruise ship[/caption]

“We have our sanitary stations, tap-in stations for tracing in case anything breaks out, and masks are the new norm. We have had feedback from guests, who really appreciate it because they feel safe.

“Guests are really enjoying it, the crew are happy and it’s fantastic to be back.”

Of course, Singaporean and British safety precautions may differ, depending on each country’s regulations. But Royal Caribbean has made sure it is across all the Covid rules.

The first step for us, a few days before setting sail, was to take a pre-cruise Covid test. But when cruises start in the UK, Royal Caribbean will open it up to over-18s who are fully vaccinated and those under 18 with negative test results.

The entire cruise ship for guests is Covid secure

Once on board, our fun could really begin. Anthem and Quantum are designed for year-round cruising — ideal for the UK’s rather eccentric summer weather, with a huge indoor sports complex as well as a pool protected by a retractable roof.

With the ship at only half capacity, there is plenty of space to ensure social-distancing.

On deck, there are bigger gaps between sunbeds, but all activities are open to use.

After a short queue, we took our chance at riding the waves, boogie-boarding on the FlowRider.

Have fun on board by taking on the FlowRider

But if you want to get your adrenalin really pumping, you have to try the RipCord by iFly skydiving experience.

There are plenty of other activities to entertain you throughout the day, such as a chance to test your brain with quizzes — we did rather well on ABBA trivia.

Or if you prefer rest and relaxation, the adults-only Solarium is a great place to chill out with a cocktail.

And if you fancy getting away from the crowd, you can take in the breathtaking panoramic views from 300ft above sea level in the North Star all-glass viewing capsule.

Cruises remain the perfect haven for youngsters, too, with Adventure Ocean providing hours of entertainment for the kids.

Or you can unwind at the bar in the adults-only Solarium

They will also love the Seaplex sports complex, spanning two floors and featuring everything from bumper cars to a full-size basketball court and video games room.

In the restaurants, alternate tables are left unoccupied to make sure you are still separated from fellow diners.

The Windjammer Marketplace offers a full buffet, with all the trimmings throughout the day, and the speciality restaurants are fully open.

If you fancy the perfect steak, Chops Grille is your place, with our waiter Kasim explaining to us how excited the staff are to have guests back on board.

There is a choice of restaurants to eat at on board

If you’re still peckish, you can grab a slice of late-night pizza at Sorrento’s or be wowed by the imaginative dining experience at Wonderland.

After such delicious grub, checking out the nightlife is a must, especially the Bionic Bar.

It’s quite the mesmerising experience to have two robot bartenders serving you your favourite tipples to perfection.

With guests back on board, the show must go on, and you can watch top entertainment in the Music Hall, Two70 venue or Royal Theater.

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The on board performance of We Will Rock You is a highlight of the evening’s entertainment[/caption]

So with cruises returning, there is everything covered for your trip.

Anthem Of The Seas will begin sailing from Southampton around the UK from July 7, with four, five or eight-night getaways that will also stop in Liverpool, Kirkwall and Belfast.

Having been on cruises several times before, I was curious to see if the experience would be much ­different.

After a tough year for so many, everyone on board appeared to be delighted to enjoy a proper holiday — despite not being able to go anywhere.

So much effort has been put into making sure the ship is Covid-safe, but that has taken nothing away from the cruising experience we all know and love.

So get your sunglasses out, your swim shorts ready and get yourself back on board.

How to book

GETTING/STAYING THERE: Royal Caribbean International will sail in a round trip from Southampton from July 7, 2021 with fares currently starting at £699pp.

Bookings are on sale now. For further details see royalcaribbean.com or call 0344 493 2069.

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