After more than two years, all 26 of Royal Caribbean Cruises ships are officially back in service for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in March 2020.

The Rhapsody of the Sea  is completing the company’s restart plan, which started in December 2020 with the Quantum of the Seas. 

For its first cruise in over two-years, the Rhapsody is sailing from Civitavecchia, a port near Rome, Italy, on an open-jaw itinerary. A Vision-class cruise ship, the Rhapsody of the Seas originally entered service in 1997.  

The cruise line company is celebrating this important next step with a live stream, giving prospective guest, fans, and individuals a look at the largest cruise line fleet in the world.

While the cruise experience has improved rapidly with higher guest satisfaction scores, more ships back in service, and rolled back Covid protocols, there are still a few notable issues that Royal Caribbean is tackling. There has been many bumps on the road to Royal Caribbean's restart, but they've been able to navigate them well, and it stands to reason these issues are likely temporary as well.

Royal Caribbean stated, “to date, Royal Caribbean International has delivered memorable vacations to more than two million friends and families, cruising to 160 destinations across 2,000 voyages. Key to achieving this milestone is our passionate, committed and friendly crew members - 55,000+ individuals who’ve returned to their homes in the Royal Caribbean International fleet.”