After saving countless homes and lives in this hellish bushfire season, firefighters can now look forward to a free cruise as a reward.

Royal Caribbean International has just announced that it will be deploying a luxury cruise ship to Australia to host bushfire first responders across two complimentary four night sailings.

The cruise line brand’s newest ship Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia for two humanitarian cruises in support of Australia’s volunteer first responder community.

RELATED: Why you need to book a holiday at home in 2020

Spectrum of the Seas will take bushfire heroes on the holiday of a lifetime. Picture: Royal CaribbeanSource:Supplied

Bushfire first responders will experience a luxurious vacation. Picture: Royal CaribbeanSource:Supplied

The first complimentary four-night coastal cruise will set sail from Sydney on Saturday February 29, returning on Wednesday March 4.

The second cruise will follow the same itinerary from March 7-11.

“We are in a fortunate position to give back to the brave and dedicated members of our community and their families by presenting them with the chance to join us for a few days to relax, unwind and enjoy our hospitality,” said Gavin Smith, Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International Australia and New Zealand.

Bushfire first responders can finally kick back and relax after the toughest season yet. Picture: Royal CaribbeanSource:Supplied

Up to 7000 volunteer first responders and their families will be accommodated across the two cruises. Guests on-board Spectrum of the Seas will enjoy delectable dining experiences, top-class entertainment, and endless on-board family adventures.

“At Royal Caribbean, we band together not just in good times, but also during difficult times. We have a strong history of support and solidarity for communities, our guests, our valued travel partners and employees in times of hardship,” continued Smith.

Royal Caribbean is working with state-based volunteer agencies to directly notify and encourage eligible volunteers to register for their complimentary cruise.

DON’T DELAY YOUR STAY

The next few months will be critical in rebuilding communities hit hard by the recent bushfires.

News.com.au has launched the Don’t Delay Your Stay campaign to encourage Australians to support the communities who need our help by visiting. Over the coming weeks we provide detailed guides, interactive maps and videos showing you all the great places right at your doorstep.

We are kicking off the campaign with detailed guides to the Blue Mountains, East Gippsland and Kangaroo Island and will be adding more each week to give you a comprehensive guide on everything to see and do in some of the most beautiful parts of our great country.

By booking a trip to these regions we can all help the local economy and pump much-needed funds back into towns that need tourist dollars to survive.

While donations have flooded in from around the world, the number of tourists visiting has dropped by 80 per cent in some regions compared to this time last year. It’s time to start turning that around.

As part of our nationwide campaign following the bushfires this campaign aims to encourage Australians to plan, book and take a domestic holiday and share their experiences with friends and online with the hashtag #DontDelayYourStay.

“There is no doubt that Australian tourism has been hit hard by the recent bushfires,” Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison said.

“It’s critical that we help the industry get back on its feet as soon as possible.

“The desire from ordinary Australians to assist the communities impacted both directly and indirectly by the bushfires has been overwhelming. This campaign seeks to show them how they can directly support the recovery by simply holidaying here in Australia.

“Whether it’s a drive up the coast, taking a trip interstate, or ticking off a bucket list destination – and to spread the word that Australia is ready to welcome more travellers.”

Check out news.com.au’s Australian Holidays for all your Don’t Delay Your Stay travel inspiration

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