Clia and the UK Chamber of Shipping have produced a framework of safety protocols for when UK ocean cruising returns. Ben Ireland reports
A
framework has been developed to help cruise companies build health and safety protocols in a
“vital first step” towards the return of ex-UK cruises following the suspension of sailings. The UK Chamber of Shipping
worked with the cruise industry for six months to produce the framework, which lines can tailor to their ships and itineraries. Maritime minister Robert Courts
said the agreement was “an important step forward to allow cruises to prepare to set sail”. The framework was produced
by the UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) after collaboration with cruise operators, industry partners and health experts. More than 88,000 jobs are
supported by the UK cruise industry, which generates £10 billion a year for the economy. Ex-UK sailings have been paused since March and there is currently no restart date for the sector, with the Foreign Office continuing to advise against ocean cruising.
10 8 OCTOBER 2020
PEOPLE SHOULD NOT TRAVEL IF THEY... O Are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or are sharing a household with someone who is
CRUISE FRAMEWORK: THE COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDANCE queue and stand, and any requests to move
O Have been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace O Are in a ‘clinically vulnerable’ category
BEFORE CRUISING, PASSENGERS SHOULD... O Check FCDO advice on cruise travel and all countries their ship may call at
O Check latest health advice about the destinations O Speak to their travel insurer to check cover (insurance is strongly recommended by the UK government)
O Complete a passenger locator form before re-entering the UK
OPlus, cruise lines and travel agents should communicate the risk of Covid-19 at time of booking
WHEN EMBARKING, PASSENGERS... O Should avoid travel to port at busy times and maintain social distancing while in transit
O Will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire O Should enter the port terminal on their own or with members of their household or support bubble
O Should only allow essential non-passengers to enter (eg, to assist a disabled person)
O Must wear face coverings in port terminals O Must follow the crew’s instructions on where to sit, how to
O Will undergo a two-stage medical screening pre-boarding. Stage one is non-medical; stage two is medical if the passenger is suspected of having symptoms (eg temperature) and may involve a full Covid test
O Those who test positive, or are deemed to have been exposed to the virus, will be denied boarding
ONBOARD, PASSENGERS MUST... O Wash hands regularly, preferably with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds
O Keep an appropriate distance from those outside their household bubble “wherever possible and practical”
O Wear face coverings in public spaces where it is not possible to social-distance, but UK exemptions apply
O Be aware of the surfaces they touch and be careful not to touch their face, mouth or eyes
O Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing
O Consider bringing their own supply of hand sanitiser OPlus, cruise lines are encouraged to “review and reduce as necessary” passenger numbers to allow for social distancing
O Lines are asked to provide onboard signage, floor markings and protective screens to reduce contact
O Room service is encouraged to reduce crowding and is advised to be delivered to the cabin door
O Operators are encouraged to “thoroughly” clean and
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