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Over the last few months, cruise lines around the world have suspended many of their sailings for 2020 and some even beyond that. They have however also been preparing to put in place various safety measures to ensure the safest environment for all customers and crew on their ships.
We’re excited about the prospect of being able to cruise again soon and while we understand that things still are not back to normal just yet, our favourite cruise lines have been working hard to ensure that the return back to sailing will be as smooth and safe as possible.
To make things a little easier we have decided to collate all the information we are receiving from cruise lines regarding when they are sailing again, as well as any new health and safety procedures they are introducing, all in one place for you. Some of the enhanced measures that we can expect to see from cruise lines are:
So, whenever you feel ready to set sail again, you can find everything you will need to help you choose the right cruise holiday for you.
Cruise industry leaders, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd have come together to work collaboratively on the development of enhanced cruise health and safety standards.
Responsible for seven cruise lines between them: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, both leaders have gathered industry experts to create the Healthy Sail Panel.
Richard Fain, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group revealed that the new program will focus on four key aspects:
Fain explained, “This unprecedented disease requires us to develop unprecedented standards in health and safety […] bringing aboard these respected experts to guide us forward demonstrates our commitment to protecting our guests, our crews and the communities we visit.”
Also commenting on the developments, Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. President and CEO said, “We compete for the vacationing consumer’s business every day, but we never compete on health and safety standards […]While the cruise industry has always had rigorous health standards, the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 provide an opportunity to raise the bar even higher.”
The health and safety of guests, crew and the communities they visit, remain their top priority. Royal Caribbean International, in collaboration with cruise line industry partners, formed the Healthy Sail Panel, a taskforce of globally recognized medical and scientific experts, to develop recommendations for establishing the strongest protocols in the travel industry. When they resume operations, they will be implementing a comprehensive set of health and safety measures for their crew, guests and the destinations they visit. They will not sail until they are ready and have received Government approvals in each market.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
With Norwegian's Peace of Mind, you can cruise safely with enhanced health and safety protocols and flexible booking. Feel Free to change plans as needed and feel confident knowing that they are looking out for your health and safety.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
Celebrity Cruises have come together with other leading cruise companies an created The Healthy Sail Panel. Together they have identified five areas of focus every cruise operator should address to improve health and safety for guests and crew, and reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships:
In each category, the Healthy Sail Panel created practical and actionable recommendations to address specific safety concerns. Among the recommendations are key strategies such as:
P&O Cruises continue to have in place the highest standards to ensure the health, safety and well-being of their guests, crew, and communities they visit. Working closely with medical experts and global authorities to help determine the best way to move forward while honouring their highest responsibility – the health, safety and well-being of their guests, crew and communities they visit, along with compliance and environmental protection.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURED INCLUDE:
Cunard are committed to delivering the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing for their guests, crew and the wider communities they visit.
“We have always taken pride in having the highest levels of health and safety. We are now reviewing every aspect of the Cunard experience and will only resume sailing when we have the approval and accreditation of enhanced health protocols from the most trusted and informed sources.”
- Cunard President, Simon Palethorpe.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURED INCLUDE:
Princess Cruises are constantly monitoring the global health map, as well as actively working with public health officials and medical experts to ensure everything possible is done to prevent illnesses on-board their ships.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
With MSC Cruises your health and safety will always be their top priority. In addition to the already rigorous attention to hygiene on board their ships, MSC Cruises is taking additional steps to protect their guests and crew to ensure that you can cruise with confidence on your next holiday with them.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
The cruise line has been working hard with other UK cruise lines, CLIA and Public Health England to establish its approach, as well as reviewing the EU ‘Healthy Gateways’ guidelines to ensure that the best protocols are put into place before sailing resumes.
The Safe Sailing Charter has been developed to advise customers in all the ways which Fred. Olsen is keeping guests safe and will be continually reviewed and updated as the situation evolves over the coming months. Initially, just some of the ways which Fred. Olsen has developed its Safe Sailing Charter includes a dedicated sanitation team frequently cleaning with anti-viral solutions; development of agreed and comprehensive processes to treat guests with symptoms on-board; pre-approved tour partners and small groups; and additional port options.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
The cruise line has confirmed it is planning the correct practices to put into place when cruising resumes, offering strengthened health measures which have been developed in line with government health authorities, public health experts, local ports and CLIA.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
Virgin Voyages has launched its ‘Voyage Well’ health plan to support the innovative protocols on-board Virgin Voyages ships and will welcome future 'sailors' into an environment designed to meet health expert recommendations and sailor expectations before, during, and after a voyage.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
• Advanced pre-boarding health checks prior to embarking will be required
• Thermal camera technology in terminals and on-board
• Rapid and effective testing of all passengers and crew
• Managing occupancy and implementation of best practices around sanitation, physical distancing, and health checks
• Use of an HVAC system that pumps fresh air through the ship’s public spaces and cabins, removing recirculated air
• Digital on-board technology to limit contact, including contactless payments, service chat and virtual queues.
• Post-voyage notification process (health app) for all passengers and crew to report becoming unwell within 14 days of leaving the ship
Many of Azamara’s current procedures have been elevated and introduced to ensure the cruise line keeps everyone on-board healthy. The cruise line is focused on additional safety enhancements for the return to service, collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and their own team of medical experts.
ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE:
For further information please call our Cruise Experts.
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