Cruise New Round-up: July #1

• UK government introduces new travel policies
• CLIA Director shares details of collaboration with travel authorities
• Rise in holiday searches as countries reopen
• Silversea working on health and safety protocols

UK government introducing international travel policy

CLIA UK continue to work closely with authorities to plan the return of cruise

The cruise industry, in particular, is continuously working in collaboration with the government, health bodies and maritime authorities, confirmed by CLIA UK & Ireland Director, Andy Harmer.

Speaking with Travel Weekly, Harmer continued, “A lot of work is going on in the background to transform the experience of taking a cruise.  The industry is working in collaboration with the government on a ‘door to door’ strategy – from the time of booking through to the passengers’ return home – that would go way beyond protocols in place or proposed for any other travel sector.

“Throughout, CLIA has been working closely with the Department for Transport, Port Health, Public Health England, and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to develop the road map to resumption – what will happen from time of booking to embarkation at the port, onboard, ports of call, disembarkation and customer follow-up.

“We are also engaged with public health professionals as we review the whole customer journey, from minimising the likelihood of on-board cases by thorough screening of each guest before departure, through comprehensive on-board management and repatriation plans should cases occur on board.”

Read more: CLIA Director speaks on cruise industry’s plans for return

Rise in search demand for holidays as more countries reopen

Following the UK’s new travel policy announcement, holiday comparison site – TravelSupermarket – recorded its busiest weekend for search since the UK was placed under lockdown in March. Searches for summer holidays to Spain, Italy, Barbados, Croatia, France, and Greece were most popular, with Spain comprising 38% of all searches over the weekend. This included searches for regions such as the Balearics, Canaries, Costa Del Sol, and Costa Blanca.

Greece also experienced a 216% spike in searches, with regions such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, and Santorini, while Italy received a 170%; France 167%; Croatia 348%; and Barbados 476%. Many of these destinations are set to be featured on the UK government’s list of ‘green’ destinations, with 15 nations thought to be on the list also including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, and Finland.

The news comes shortly after the Italian Tourist Board (ENIT) published their guidelines for tourists to follow when visiting. Currently, Britons must quarantine for 14 days after returning from Italy to the UK, though it’s presumed that the country will soon be included as one of the air bridges between the UK meaning they may not have to quarantine at all depending on the level of cases.

Speaking on Italy’s new guidelines, ENIT’s Manager for the UK and Ireland, Flavio Zappacosta said, “We hope to reassure visitors that Italy is ready for tourists and has the correct measures in place to both ensure their health and safety while having a fantastic experience in the destination.”

Other countries are also working on lifting their restrictions, including Dubai which has confirmed it is allowing foreign visitors to enter from early July. The Dubai media office commented on the news, “The new announcement will allow thousands of people affected by the worldwide restrictions in passenger air traffic since the start of the pandemic to resume their travel plans”. Tourists visiting the country will be required to hold international health insurance, covid-19 tests, and a completed health declaration form.

The rise in searches shows the positive demand for holidays, with many longing for a sun-soaked vacation and escape from everyday life to enjoy the getaways lockdown has had us dreaming of. As more countries begin to plan to reopen and release their health and safety protocols, we will update you with further information.

Read more: Travel searches rise | Italy published new protocols | Dubai reopens to tourists

Silversea working to implement health and safety protocols

Following the launch of its latest addition and Galapagos expedition ship, Silver Origin, Silversea has confirmed it is working on how to improve and perfect its covid 19- related protocols.

CEO Roberto Martinoli said that the line’s hygiene is already at the highest standard and that the ships already have the ability to disinfect rooms with a fogging system, but that the line will ‘continue to improve’.

“It is proven that it is removing any virus, bacteria, anything like that,” he continued. “The frequency of this will be increased, and we will make sure that at the beginning of each cruise that the cabins will be in perfect condition.”

Martinoli also added that physical distance on-board will be mandatory, something that is simpler to abide by on-board Silversea due to the generous guest-to-space ratios. As with Silver Origin, which has dining venues designed to accommodate all guests on-board at once, it will be easy to stagger diners and add distance between tables.

As for crew and passengers, Martinoli has confirmed that they will be tested in order to intercept anyone who is not in good physical health. The medical centres found on-board the ships will also be ‘properly equipped to treat any type of condition’.

The ship has been purpose-built for the Galapagos, where it will offer a range of 7- to 11-day sailings around the archipelago. As well as being part of the first in-person delivery since lockdown, the construction and creation of Silver Origin was an incredible feat for the cruise line to overcome during the past few months. Despite its challenges, the ship represents an elegant and sustainable way to explore the unique Galapagos Islands, whilst upholding the safety and health of its staff and guests at the top of its priorities.

Read more: Silversea shares details of health protocols