Cruise lines have begun to roll out enhanced safety measures to ensure a safe return to sea for all guests and crew. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) made a statement on Global Health Policy announcing mandatory 100% testing with a negative test result required by all staff and guests prior to boarding.

This announcement came with the introduction of further mandatory core safety elements, while also taking into consideration the Healthy Sailing Panel’s 74 detailed recommendations, along with science and medical expert contributions.

Mandatory vaccinations against Covid-19 on initial sailings

At present, some cruise lines have announced that all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Visit your cruise line’s website for more details on guest vaccination requirements.

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  Testing & Screening

  
  Mandatory pre-travel testing for COVID-19 will be required by all guests and crew prior to embarkation with a negative test result required. Secondary screenings will be enforced, including temperature checks throughout the cruise.

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  Use of masks

  
  Guests will be required to wear face coverings/face masks when and where physical distancing cannot be maintained on board and on shore. All crew will wear personal protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves.

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  Physical distancing

  
  Guest capacity on board will be reduced in order to provide more space for safe social distancing. All onboard activities will still be available, although operated at a reduced capacity, and in some cases, slightly modified.

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  Air management and ventilation strategies

  Installation of medical-grade air-filters and other HVAC technologies to wherever possible to mitigate risk. Air will be replaced throughout public spaces and staterooms every five to six minutes to ensure the air you breathe is clean.

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  Comprehensive medical response plans

  
  Suited to each individual ship to manage medical needs and recommended cabin capacities, as well as allocation for isolation measures, advance arrangements for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation should the need arise.

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  Safety planning for shore excursions

  
  Cruise lines will partner with local tour operators to ensure health and safety protocols are extended to the shoreside experience. Guests will be asked to follow the cruise operators’ protocols, or they could be denied of re-boarding for non-compliance.

Resources to help you travel smart and travel safe

Use our COVID-19 travel guide and find the information you need whether you’re planning your next trip or you’re ready to depart. There is also this handy search tool that can help you find out more about regulations for destinations, and safety and health guidelines.

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