The CEO of the Royal Caribbean Cruises said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved a test sail in U.S. waters for the company, the first to do so in the industry.

"After 15 months of hard work and collaboration, today’s approval of our simulated cruises is the latest promising step in our path to return to sailing in the U.S.," the company said.  "We look forward to welcoming our crew, loyal guests and supporters from around the world this summer." 

"To all our colleagues, loyal guests and supporters all over the world I am proud and pleased to share some bright and wonderful news! Boom! Onwards and upwards team!," CEO Michael Bayley wrote on Facebook. 

The CDC will allow the company to operate its "Freedom of the Seas" ship for a simulated voyage from June 20 to June 22 with volunteer passengers, according to a letter posted by Bayley.

The cruise industry has been essentially closed for business since mid-March 2020, when it became clear that the deadly and contagious virus had already been sweeping through the U.S. unabated for weeks. The cruise association estimates that the suspension of cruises knocked out more than $25 billion in economic activity in the U.S. and 164,000 American jobs.