What’s the forecast?
Q HOW likely is it that I will be able to go on a summer cruise?
A VERY strong, when it comes to British Isles cruises. This week’s Government announcement that domestic voyages are OK from English ports from May 17 has effectively restarted cruise holidays. The first are likely in June.
Q WHAT do you mean ‘restarted’ — haven’t all holidays been illegal recently?
A YES. However, even before the lockdown, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised against all ‘sea-going’ cruises.
Q YOU say ‘sea-going’ — what were the rules on river cruises?
A RIVER cruises were not included in the FCDO ban, so these had been possible; see ‘Tales from the river bank’ on Pages 62-63.
Q I WANT to go to the Caribbean, the Med or somewhere else hot. Can I?
A NOT unless Government rules change to allow foreign travel. The FCDO advice against ‘sea-going’ trips would have to be cancelled, too. If both of these happened then, in theory, yes.
Q GREAT, so I can book a cruise trip to the sun this summer right now?
A NOT so fast. There are two further considerations. First: most cruise holidays in hot places are not being offered until October, as cruise lines are wary of travel restrictions in the UK and overseas (though msccruises.co.uk,tui.co.uk,royalcaribbean.com, iglucruise.com and celestyal. com do have a few).
Q WAIT, you mentioned a second consideration — what is it?
A YOU must carefully read cruise line terms and conditions. The key word is ‘flexibility’. Cruise lines have been introducing flexible terms so you can postpone or receive a credit voucher if you cancel.
Q BUT what happens if the cruise line itself cancels my booking?
A YOU will be due a refund under the Package Travel Regulations, if your trip involved a flight. If it did not include a flight, most companies will offer refunds anyway.
Q CAN you tell me if I’ll need a Covid test before boarding? And will I need to prove I have been vaccinated? A SAGA is the only UK cruise line currently requiring all passengers to be vaccinated. It is expected that others will use rapid Covid tests before boarding.
Q HOW about if I test positive for Covid before I board the ship?
A THE cruise line will probably allow you to postpone your trip; again, check the terms and conditions.
Q I LOVE a cruise and all this sounds worth the risk. Are there any good deals?
A POSSIBLY: check for incentives such as free spa treatments, cabin upgrades, free wifi and onboard credits, says Adam Coulter, managing editor of Cruise Critic. Richard Downs of iglu.com agrees, and adds that last-minute deals may be possible.