WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF CRUISING

THE Government has given the go-ahead for international cruising from Monday — and after a successful summer of sailing in UK waters, cruise lines are ready to re-introduce overseas itineraries.

Fully vaccinated cruise passengers can visit amberlisted countries without having to quarantine on return.

It also means people arriving at UK ports, who have been fully vaccinated in the U.S. or the EU, will not have to quarantine.

All cruise lines have upgraded their health and safety protocols, with most insisting on all adults being double-jabbed as well as taking a lateral flow test before embarkation.

Andy Harmer, Cruise Lines International Association managing director for the UK and Ireland, says: ‘The resumption of international cruising is very good news and follows the successful restart of domestic sailings, so now is an ideal time to book up if you’re looking to start exploring overseas destinations again.

‘Travel agents and cruise lines can advise on the overall onboard experience, as well as conditions for getting back on ships, such as testing requirements.’

Here are some of the new measures:

ON-BOARD testing includes a daily saliva test on Viking Cruises.

THERE will be daily temperature tests on TUI’s

Marella ships.

SAGA Cruises and Marella Cruises have received the top-rated Lloyd’s Stay Safe certification.

ALL pre-embarkation testing is free, so no-fly sailings from a UK port to overseas will now be a particular plus, together with designated boarding times for reduced queues.

WITH the Foreign Office having advised against cruise ship travel abroad since March last year, it is likely there will now be a huge surge in bookings and deals will soon disappear.

FOR further convenience and safety, companies such as MSC charter flights to ports including Barbados, Dubai and the Red Sea, while destinations such as Antarctica, Svalbard and the Russian East will be attractive to travellers wanting to avoid busy parts of the world and revel in the wilderness.