FULL STEAM AHEAD

SHORTER cruises, fewer ports of call, activities organised by age and passengers divided into small groups are just some of the new recommendations to get cruise lines operating again this summer.

While a trickle of cruises is already under way on Europe’s rivers and oceans, major cruise lines have paused operations while waiting on public health advice.

That finally arrived last week, with the EU Healthy Gateways’ Covid-19 guidance.

‘The cruise industry is already wellprepared when it comes to cleaning and sanitisation,’ said Andy Harmer, director of the Cruise Lines International Association UK & Ireland (CLIA), ‘but this is all about going further with more conversations to flesh out the details.’

CLIA members include P&O, Cunard, MSC, Saga, Fred Olsen, Crystal, Celebrity, Seabourn and Holland America Line.

‘A door-to-door policy will certainly be part of the cruise experience — from talking to your travel agent right through to disembarkation,’ Mr Harmer told the Mail. ‘The strategy for reducing the risk of Covid-19 on cruise ships will start at the time of booking until passengers return home.’

For older passengers it is suggested advice should be sought from a doctor before making any cruise decisions. Talking to a travel agent will be imperative, including discussion on travel insurance if you are unable to board or need to be repatriated. Fair and flexible booking policies by cruise lines will also help give passenger confidence.

The EU Healthy Gateways’ overall guidance is for ‘a gradual return to the seas’ with the following recommendations:

SHORTER TRIPS

THERE will be shorter itineraries of three to seven days and a limited number of port visits.

BOARD CAREFULLY

THOROUGH pre-cruise and embarkation screening, prevention measures, electronic formfilling — a health questionnaire and a locator form to show permanent and temporary addresses plus travel companions — explanations on physical distancing, mask wearing, hand hygiene and ‘respiratory etiquette’ (sneezing/ coughing) will be part of the arrivals procedure. Disinfection of luggage, especially the handles, to be considered before loading.

ACTIVITIES BY AGE

ACTIVITIES and services could be arranged by age so older passengers are separated from others.

KEEP IT SMALL

DIVIDING passengers into small groups for meals, embarkation and tours to be introduced.

KETTLES CANNED

ANY items that can’t be cleaned and disinfected between changeovers could go. This includes coffee makers and kettles, menus and magazines. These could now only be on request, and the minibar used only as a fridge. A disposable cover should be placed on remote controls.

BUFFETS BANNED

ALL buffets are out and condiments should be in disposable packaging. Self-service of plates, cutlery and utensils should not be allowed; food handlers should serve water, coffee and juice. Room service is recommended to avoid overcrowding in restaurants.

GOODBYE DAILY NEWS

A DAILY newspaper left on your bed may be a thing of the past. Saga Cruises managing director Nigel Blanks says there will ‘definitely be a shift towards a digitalfirst approach’. Many cruise lines already use touchscreen information panels and electronic door keys/cruise passes. MSC guests use electronic wristbands and Princess Cruises has Ocean Medallions to open cabin doors as well making bookings.

TOURS APART

DURING excursions, guides must adhere to distancing measures and the use of masks, including on tender boats. Guests must maintain distance from other tours.

NO GYM JAMS

A record of gym users should be kept and machines placed at least two metres apart and cleaned after each use. Longer intervals between classes will allow the room to be ventilated.

SPACE TO SWIM

INDOOR pools are discouraged and the number of swimmers in any pool should be restricted so each has four square metres of water surface.

HOT TUB RULES

ONLY to be used by those staying in the same cabin.

MASKS ON

WEARING of masks is strongly recommended for passengers and crew in any area where social distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be guaranteed.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

SOCIAL distancing of at least 1.5m is recommended across the ship including receptions, casinos and theatres. Transparent screens at the reception and other service points are advised.

FEWER PASSENGERS

WHILE some cruise lines have already reduced passenger numbers — Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet will sail with 40 percent fewer guests and the new Saga ship Spirit Of Adventure will sail with 800 rather than 999 passengers on her inaugural cruise in November — ships must be able to isolate 5 per cent of passengers in individual cabins when it will not be possible for them to disembark.

NO NOTE NEEDED

OLDER passengers or those with underlying health conditions will not have to obtain a doctor’s note before sailing, but anyone over 65 or with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular, diabetes, or respiratory diseases, will be advised to see a doctor to assess if they are fit to travel.

CHILD’S PLAY

CHILDREN’S play areas outdoors will be preferable, and in indoor areas, numbers should be reduced to maintain physical distancing. Consideration may be given to separating children into groups.

TESTING, TESTING

ADEQUATE testing for Covid-19 and the immediate reporting of any possible case will be a must, as are arrangements for treatment ashore. Daily temperature checks are advised, so expect thermal cameras in terminals and on ships. Virgin Voyages has this already, and other cruise lines are expected to follow.

CLEAN AIR

BATHROOM extractor fans should run continuously. Virgin Voyages boasts an air purification system that has been shown to kill 99.9 per cent of viruses.