The company has gotten this far, and it certainly will get even further. While the cruise industry took a major hit after the global pandemic that has been COVID-19 shut it down for more than 18 months, Royal Caribbean’s Richard Fain says that it’s business as usual, despite growing fears of the new Delta variant of the virus. In fact, in a new YouTube video, Fain says that the variant “has not shaken the underlying trajectory” of the cruise industry. Here’s what you need to know.
Royal Caribbean CEO Says It’s Business As Usual, Despite Delta Variant Fears
Surprisingly, Fain compared the COVID-19 pandemic to the World War II Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, for all of those history buffs out there.
“Like World War 2, we’re fighting a powerful and determined enemy. It’s a hard battle, and fighting it is costing us heavily in casualties and money. But it’s a battle we simply can’t afford to lose,” Fain said. “We are a country that admires rugged individualism. But despite that individualism, there are times when we need to do what is best for all rather than doing just what seems best for me personally. Sometimes we have to sacrifice some of that individuality to look out for each other.”
With that said, he did encourage all Royal Caribbean guests and travelers to get vaccinated in order for everyone to move forward from the pandemic.
“We all need to do what it takes to contain COVID by taking the vaccine – not for ourselves but for our loved ones, our friends, and yes, for our country,” Fain noted. “Delta hasn’t changed our ultimate trajectory towards containing this disease. My hope is that we can speed up that ultimate victory by acting together and getting vaccinated. But we are going to defeat this virus eventually. The Delta variant is a big bump in the road, but the fundamental pathway is clear. Cases are up, but that will soon peak. Hospitalizations and fatalities are up by a much lesser degree and mostly among those who have made a voluntary choice to refuse the vaccine.”
If that weren’t enough, he also said that things are looking “upward” in a very positive way.
“More than half of our fleet is already operating, and more ships are opening up every day. Bookings – especially those in the near term – are still not at the level we and you want to make the kind of money that we all need, but that too is ramping up. The end of this battle is in sight, but we can’t let down our guard,” he added.
In the meantime, tell us, where are your travels taking you this season? Drop us a line with your thoughts in our comments section below. How concerned are you about all of the new travel rules and regulations this year? Also, come back here for all of the latest news, details, and updates you need to know before your next adventure!
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