MIAMI — Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas has set sail from Cyprus, marking the beginning of the cruise line’s return to the Med.

Jewel of the Seas embarked on a preview sailing from Limassol on July 6, ahead of an inaugural cruise on July 10 that will mark the start of the limited summer series of 7-night itineraries to Athens, Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos and Santorini.

This is the first time Royal Caribbean International has homeported in Cyprus.

Jewel of the Seas is sailing with fully vaccinated crew and guests 18 years of age and older, along with children under 18 who are ineligible for the vaccine. As a requirement of the Cypriot government, non-vaccinated vacationers between 12 and 18 are providing negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours of arrival in Cyprus. All guests over the age of 2 must participate in complimentary testing on the day of boarding.

The cruise lines says these measures are specific to sailings from Cyprus aboard Jewel of the Seas this summer, and they will be continuously evaluated as health circumstances evolve. 

“Jewel of the Seas’ first sailing out of Cyprus marks the beginning of an exciting return to cruising in Europe for Royal Caribbean,” said Ben Bouldin, vice president, EMEA, Royal Caribbean International. “Cyprus is a beautiful country with a multitude of must-visit regions, and it is an extremely popular destination among our European guests – we know they are ready and waiting to enjoy a Cyprus and Greek Isles getaway this summer.”

Jewel of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to return to cruising in Europe this week. Starting today, July 7, Anthem of the Seas set sail from the UK.

More of Royal Caribbean’s ships will return to Europe this summer, including Harmony of the Seas sailing from Barcelona. 

And in the weeks ahead Royal Caribbean plans to announce the reintroduction of its full fleet around the globe by year’s end.