During the coronavirus pandemic, the travel industry as a whole has been suffering. This includes the major cruise lines of the world that have come together in agreement with new regulations. These will require passengers wishing to embark on experiences to prove they don’t have COVID-19.
Cruise Lines To Require Negative COVID-19 Tests For All Passengers
This new move aims to reassure the travel sector that large-scale cruise operations are able to proceed in a safe way, providing testing is handled correctly. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLI) is the largest cruise agency of its kind.
The CLI recently shared a statement that all members worldwide are in agreement to conduct 100 percent testing of passengers and crew on all cruise ships that can carry 250 people or more. A negative COVID-19 test will be required for embarkation.
“We see testing as an important initial step to a multi-layered approach that we believe validates the industry’s commitment to making health, safety, and the well-being of passengers, the crews, and the communities we visit our top priority,” the statement said.
Which Cruise Lines Are Affected?
Among the internationally well-known brands with membership of the CLI are Royal Caribbean, MSC and Carnival. Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman for MSC Cruises, addressed the recent G20 summit. He informed the summit that MSC is the first major cruise line to resume operations in Europe during summer. It was also the first to implement testing of all passengers.
In his speech, Vago called on the entire travel industry to embrace universal testing. At the same time, it should implement blocks on prospective travelers who may have been exposed to the coronavirus.
Vago said that throughout, they have been “rigorous in the implementation of our protocol and have had to deny embarkation to well over 100 guests for testing positive or traveling with a person who has tested positive.” This also applies to those not having the correct medical paperwork, or for any infractions in their protocol.
MSC’s data revealed that in the current outbreak of a pandemic, where up to 80 percent of those infected are mild or asymptomatic according to the latest WHO data, there is no doubt that COVID-19 testing is the key.
Other Health And Safety Protocols
Besides the testing protocols, passengers will also have their temperature checked on embarkation and on each day thereafter. They will also complete health questionnaires and boarding times will be staggered for social distancing.
Despite these measures, many governments across the world still advise their citizens against cruising. In the meantime, experts point out that testing could return negative results in people who have, in fact, been exposed to the virus, but it is not yet detectable in the testing.
Cruises With No Ports Of Call
Many people enjoy taking a cruise to get away from the stress of everyday life and some cruise lines have been introducing cruises with no ports of call. Singapore is among the countries planning so-called “cruises to nowhere.” While this does sound like a good idea, the only drawback is these cruises are currently only available to Singapore residents. Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International will participate is this new pilot program starting in November and December this year.
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