The Australian bushfire crisis is finally over, thanks to the heroic efforts not only of the firefighters who were always at the forefront of the blazes but also ordinary citizens within and outside of Australia that did their part to help.
But no one can deny that the firefighters carried most of the burden in that fight and no words can convey that depth of gratitude that one nation can feel towards these men and women.
But the Royal Caribbean cruise line is trying to express a thank you in a tangible way by offering a free holiday to these firefighters and no one can deny that they deserve it. The details are still being worked out but the opportunity arose, strangely enough, because of the coronavirus.
The cruise line’s Quantum-Ultra-class ship, the Spectrum of the Seas, was unable to serve its Asian market after the coronavirus effectively locked it out of Chinese waters. Now, the company is hoping to make use of the 5,622-berth ship in order to do a good turn in Australia.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said that rather than have the ship sit idle in port, it might as well be used for the benefit of Australian firefighters.
The spokesperson said: “It is our privilege to offer two complimentary sailings onboard our newest superliner Spectrum of the Seas from Sydney in the coming weeks, as a way of thanking the incredible first responder community who worked tirelessly over the bushfire season.
“We are in a fortunate position to offer such brave members of our community and their families the chance to join us for a few days to relax and unwind.
“We will be announcing further details in the coming week following consultation with the relevant authorities, including cruise schedules and the booking process.”
It seems that the lucky firefighters can have a plus one with them although the exact itinerary hasn’t been worked out.
7News reported that the ship could sail from an Australian port as early as the end of February but that might not be enough time for firefighters to secure approval from work.
Michael Bayley, the Royal Caribbean’s Chief Executive, released a statement thanking the ‘brave and selfless members of the Australian community’ and expressed that they would love ‘the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders.’
Bayley added: “By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality.”
At 347 meters in length, the Spectrum of the Seas is the 10th largest cruise ship in the world. With 18 decks, 20 restaurants, a surfing wave machine, and other fantastic amenities, it’s one sweet reward, indeed.
Replaced!