Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Sydney and offer Australia’s emergency service personnel a break following weeks of bush fires. 

In addition, Celebrity Millennium is repositioning to the west coast of the US earlier than previously scheduled to offer a series of Cruising for Heroes sailings to California firefighters and other first responders.

Celebrity Millennium will offer three-, four- and five-night itineraries along the Pacific Coast, leaving from Los Angeles.

Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley said: “We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders.”

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises, added there was enthusiasm among Celebrity Millennium “to give back”.

“We know the hard work and sacrifice of those who have been keeping Californians safe, and it feels good to be able to say thank you.”

Royal Caribbean plans a similar offer in China when it is safe to do so and will meanwhile deliver a million protective masks to the country.