Have cruises been shipwrecked by Covid?

HAS anyone in the Government ever been on a cruise? How can they allow people to sit on a packed plane for hours, but not allow cruising, where it is easy to socially distance? I have been on cruises with Saga, on spacious ships that are kept spotless. The cabins are cleaned twice a day. Many people would be prepared to sail around Britain without shore excursions just to enable cruising to get back in business.

L. SHAW, Nottingham. MY WIFE and I have been on 20 ocean and river cruises over the past ten years, but we will not go on any more. There are too many risks to health, and to finances, if you have to cancel. Passenger enjoyment will be hit by restrictions to the main cruise experiences of dining, excursions, bars, pools and entertainment, so who would want to go?

RHOD TIBBLES, Norwich.

THE cruise ship companies are missing a trick. If they can’t sail anywhere because of restrictions, why not dock in Britain as floating hotels? Thanks to all the facilities on board, they could be run as holiday camps for families who don’t want to risk going abroad this year.

RAY NORTHCUTT, Tewkesbury, glos.

THE lumping together of all cruise ships demonstrates a real ignorance. Ships that carry 3,000 passengers are more likely to have problems keeping people at a safe distance than those that accommodate only up to 600 guests. Cleaning regimes on board ships are excellent, and cruise companies have introduced temperature testing and ended buffet meals. I am fed up with my own company and want to get back to cruising. I’m willing to take the risk of exposure to Covid-19 with a cocktail in my hand as I see the world, not with a cup of tea looking at the four walls of my house.

EVELYN EVANS, Bath.