Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship set off on extensive sea trials Sunday evening, March 14. The programme includes nautical and technical trials on the North Sea.
In the past days, more people and necessary material, have come onboard. The new ship is expected back in Bremerhaven Germany after the test program has been completed. In the meantime, the final interior works are underway to deliver the liner to the shipping company in a few weeks.
Thomas Weigend, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT, said Odyssey OTS would be the 3rd liner they delivered during the pandemic. That was a tremendous achievement that was "only possible due to the far-sighted and responsible actions of all people at the shipyard and on board."
According to project manager Thorsten Kroes, the current situation showed how important it was to act quickly and transparently.
"We have prevented the virus from spreading and can therefore now start the sea trial. All of us on board are glad that we can now take this important step. With the experience gained in the last few days, we are now even better positioned to counter the virus."
The safety concept with extensive protective measures onboard includes, among other things, a task force to provide support onboard in order to work out as well as implement further measures at short notice.
Antigen testing of the several hundred people onboard continues to take place daily. New persons are allowed on board if they can present a PCR test not older than 48 hours. All persons are required to observe hygiene measures and distances onboard and to reduce contacts to a minimum.