Across the cruise industry, frameworks and guidance have been issued outlining the protocols required for a safe return to cruise. This guidance is required to be met and followed for the resumption of cruise ship operators either from the UK or U.S.
Please read our content carefully below.
As you have probably heard, there have been many changes to how we cruise, and new health and safety protocols that all cruise lines have been added to make the return to cruising safe for everyone.
Each cruise line, part of the world, or country may have slightly different procedures depending on the current local situation with COVID-19 – and these are always subject to change. We encourage you to check the cruise line’s own website for the most up-to-date information regarding any updates and the Gov.uk website for any region or country-specific information.
Please respect any rules put in place by the cruise line, they are all in place for your health and safety.
We hope that these changes make you feel at ease about returning to cruise. All the new protocols have been meticulously put together and sanctioned by multiple organisations (including the US CDC and CLIA) to ensure maximum safety for guests and crew.
While it may take a little getting used to these new measures (some of all of which may only be temporary) please feel rest assured that they are all there to keep you safe and healthy and back enjoying cruising.
Created by the UK Chamber of Shipping, in collaboration with CLIA, the guidance for UK cruise operators identifies the key plans and measures operators must have in place to ensure they are able to restart safely. This involves recommendations, external verifications and upholding existing UK Government shoreside guidance too. Guidance for passengers on-board these cruise lines includes:
At time of booking
Check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice; confirm your travel insurance cover; check your cruise lines exclusion policy to see where you fall
Before boarding
Travel safely to the terminal, avoiding busy times and routes where possible, and remain socially distanced when travelling. Arrive at the terminal only with those you are travelling with, maintaining social distance and adhere to the current guidance regarding face coverings
At the cruise terminal
All passengers are required to take a COVID-19 test for voyages on all ships carrying 250+ persons. A negative test is required in order to embark, if a screening concludes you have COVID-19 or have been exposed, you will be denied boarding
On-board your cruise
Follow the cruise line protocols in place to ensure a safe journey, such as:
In port
Follow the cruise line protocols in place to ensure safe port visits. Be aware of the local or national COVID-19 requirements. You may also have your temperature checked when disembarking or re-embarking the ship or be required to take a COVID-19 test
Return to UK
You may be required to take a COVID-19 test, and you may need to self-isolate in the UK, depending on your previous destinations. Leave the port terminal as soon as possible
Remain safe
Maintain social distancing from people outside your household or support bubble and wash your hands regularly. Follow the cruise line protocols
You can find out more about the framework and read the guidance in full at https://ukchamberofshipping.com.
There is also a framework for cruise lines operating in the US. The Conditional Sailing Order was released on 31st October, detailing the requirements cruise lines must meet before allowing passengers aboard. You can read this in full at https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/management/technical-instructions-for-cruise-ships.html.
Each cruise line has been developing their own health and safety measures, ready for resuming sailing. These measures will apply to all guests and crew on-board and be mandatory to follow in order to reduce the risk of infection and maintain safety for all.
These protocols are subject to change in line with the evolving response measures as conditions warrant. They will be continually evaluated and adjusted against the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cruise lines have also developed Cruise with Confidence programmes to offer more flexibility for customers. Where applicable, you can find these listed below. It is important to know that this information was correct at the time of publishing and we recommend checking the cruise line's website directly to confirm their policies should you wish to amend or cancel your booking.
Published on 21st December 2021.
Please be aware that these were correct at the time of publishing and we recommend reviewing the cruise lines own policies for up-to-date information, the links of which are provided below.
APT
AmaWaterways
Amadeus
Avalon Waterways
Emerald Cruises
Riviera Travel
Saga River
Scenic River
Uniworld
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