We’re all eagerly awaiting that day… you know, the one where you’ve stepped aboard your cruise ship, checked out your stateroom, visited the buffet and got a cocktail/mocktail ready in hand for your Bon Voyage moment.
Well, it’s coming.
As you’d imagine, there’s a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to shape the future of cruise holidays. Cruising has always been one of the safest ways to holiday, having been at the forefront of cleaning and sanitation for decades. How many hotels on land did you see, before Covid-19, where staff were actively cleaning down stair rails, elevator panels, and door handles throughout the day? How many times were you asked to use anti-bac on your hands before entering a restaurant on land? These examples are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to protocols already in place for ships.
Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line came together, back in June 2020, to develop the Healthy Sail Panel, which has created recommendations for public health guidance and preventative measures aboard cruise ships.
With a focus on testing, screening and exposure reduction; sanitation and ventilation; response, contingency planning and execution; destination and excursion planning; and mitigating risks for crew members, it’s not a small task they have undertaken.
Working alongside the CDC and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), we hope the Healthy Sail Panel continue to create positive news, such as this from a CLIA Statement on October 6, 2020:
CLIA ocean cruise line members worldwide have agreed to conduct 100% testing of passengers and crew on all ships with a capacity to carry 250 or more persons—with a negative test required for any embarkation. This is a travel industry first and an example of the cruise industry leading the way. We see testing as an important initial step to a multi-layered approach that we believe validates the industry’s commitment to making health, safety, and the well-being of the passengers, the crew, and the communities we visit our top priority.
Additional Information:
As cruises continue to gradually resume around the world, the cruise industry is the first in the travel and tourism sector to commit to 100% testing for passengers and crew worldwide.
For many months, cruise lines have worked tirelessly with experts worldwide, and in recognition of health authorities, to develop unprecedented public health protocols and are optimistic these measures will allow for gradual, phased resumption of cruising of cruising to continue in ever more markets.
And then we have this wonderful update from Royal Caribbean’s chairman, Richard Fain:
In the UK, CLIA have shared with the government a Framework detailing how cruise ship operators can implement the new measures with enhanced public health protection.
Andy Harmer, Director, CLIA UK and Ireland, said:
This is the culmination of extensive dialogue and collaboration by representatives from across the maritime sector working together with government and national health authorities. The rigour and detailed planning that has gone into these Framework documents demonstrates the commitment of the cruise industry to caring for public health and upholding a robust and uniform set of safety measures. This is an industry that supports more than 88,000 jobs and generates £10 billion to the economy each year and the industry is taking the necessary steps to be ready to restart in the UK when the time is right.
Like you, we can’t wait to get back to cruising and seeing the world once more!
If you’re ready to start cruising again, then why not call us on 0800 810 8481 to help you plan. Alternatively, you can explore the website and send us an enquiry if you see something that catches your eye!
