First Cruise Trip from America in 15 Months

Tourists lined up to board the cruise ship "Freedom of the Seas" operated by Royal Caribbean, marking the first cruise trip to depart from an American port since the COVID-19 pandemic halted operations 15 months ago. Travelers arrived at the Miami port, pulling their luggage in a scene that has not occurred at the largest cruise port since March 2020. The "Freedom of the Seas" can carry 4,500 passengers and is expected to host 650 passengers on its first two-night voyage, all of whom are volunteer staff from Royal Caribbean. Bloomberg reported Carolina Jimenez, a 25-year-old law student who received an invitation to participate in the trip, stating, "I really feel safe with the mask on, and I've been vaccinated, so I feel comfortable about this... It's unfortunate that it took so long to return, but I think it's something no one could control, and I'm happy we're here now and returning to normal."