Royal Caribbean is giving away free cruise holidays to workers in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces.
The cruise line announced today that it will offer a series of UK sailings from July onboard Anthem of the Seas, with itineraries including destinations such as Liverpool, Kirkwall and Belfast.
The company has set aside 999 places across the sailings as part of its free offer. To qualify for a free sailing, you'll need to be a UK resident and be able to show proof of an official Blue Light Card.
It's also worth noting that cruises are only open to adults who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, although anyone under 18 will be allowed to board provided they can show proof of a negative Covid test result.
Workers in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces will be able to pre-register from April 13 on royalcaribbean.com for the free places, and be entered into a ballot which will be drawn at the end of April.
So, what exactly will be on offer on the sailings?
At the moment the cruise line hasn't revealed too much about the itineraries, although we know there will be four- to eight-night British Isles cruises available from July.
All of the sailings will be onboard Anthem of the Seas, which boasts some pretty cool features including an onboard skydiving simulator, an onboard surf simulator, bumper cars, rollerskating, pools, and West End shows, not to mention there are heaps of restaurants and lounges on offer too.
The ship is family-friendly and children will be welcome on board - but there is also an adults-only lounge area.
It's worth noting that at the time of writing the Foreign Office continues to advise against cruise holidays during the pandemic although it's hoped that domestic cruises could be allowed to resume from May 17 as part of England's lockdown roadmap.
As a result, a number of cruise lines are offering UK sailings although some such as P&O Cruises and Saga are only opening these to Brits who are fully vaccinated against Covid.
Are you tempted by domestic cruises this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
