Ministers all at sea over ban on cruises

Operators warn up to 90,000 jobs are at risk

OFFICIAL advice against taking a cruise is putting up to 90,000 jobs at risk and could cost the economy billions, operators warned last night.

They – and their customers – are furious at the Foreign Office for declaring an indefinite embargo on all holiday sailings.

The edict was announced as thousands of families poured into airports yesterday following the opening of quarantinefree travel corridors to 58 countries and 14 British territories.

Since March, cruise operators have been working on stringent measures to

Yesterday’s Daily Mail safeguard the health of passengers.

These include introducing ‘ hospitalgrade air filtration systems, temperature checks, preboarding Covid19 swabs and social distancing in communal areas. Some cruise lines had been expecting to welcome their first passengers in September.

Culture minister Caroline Dinenage yesterday said the advice against cruises might not be lifted until October.

Operators warned of ‘significant consequences’ and accused the Government of singling them out.

Andy Harmer, of Cruise Lines International Association, said: ‘We are a £10billion UK industry, supporting 90,000 jobs. Cruises can berth at around 50 ports in the UK, and our impact on those regional economies should not be understated.

‘We are stressing that health protocols on cruise ships go further than any other form of transport and hospitality.

‘Even before the pandemic, we had some of the most robust protocols and procedures in place out of anyone in terms of medical facilities and screening measures.’

Richard Ballantyne, of the British

THEY’VE SUNK OUR CRUISES

Ports Association, said: ‘The UK is the secondlargest market for cruises worldwide, bringing tourists to ports across the country.

‘This is yet another blow to the travel industry and the economies of the regions. It is extremely unhelpful of the Foreign Office and there will be significant consequences.’ There was further anger last night when it emerged that three of Germany’s cruise lines will resume operations this month.

An industry source said: ‘ The resumption of sailings from Germany is an example of what can happen if you have a government that is prepared to help vital industries, rather than throwing up unnecessary roadblocks.’

Whitehall sources say the advice was issued amid fears over the spread of coronavirus on cruise ships, which typically carry around 3,000 passengers. There are also concerns over the cost of repatriating passengers.

The Foreign Office pledged to continue to review its position, saying it was determined by advice from Public Health England.