3 minute read
SAILING COVID SAFE
BY KIMBERLY BUERKLE
As cruise ships start sailing again, health rules and precautions will look a lot like they do on land with masks and social distancing. Since the vessels are contained spaces, expect cruise lines to go above and beyond to keep guests, crew and the communities they visit safe and healthy.
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The Healthy Sail Panel, comprised of globally recognized specialists in public health, infectious diseases, hospitality and maritime operations, determined detailed practices across five key areas of focus to ensure a healthy return to service. Here are some examples of what cruise-line partners are doing to protect the sailing experience for everyone.
Safety protocols cover all aspects of onboard and shoreside operations to protect guests, crew and the communities visited.
WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL
Vacationers will notice the extra care taken as soon as they arrive at the ship’s port. Celebrity has put a mandatory, touchless temperature screening protocol in place at embarkation, when returning to the ship, and before entering onboard events and dining venues.
GUESTROOMS CLEANING AND SANITIZATION
Oceania has its 24/7 prevention schedule, including continuous disinfection of public areas and high-traffic touch points, as well as daily fogging of all staterooms and suites, public spaces and guest corridors. The fogging process uses a hospital-grade oxidant that is natural, safe and non-toxic. Guest staterooms and suites will receive intensive microbial disinfection daily, including fogging of the entire space inclusive of bathrooms and closets.
Cunard Line has enhanced its onboard ventilation systems to provide improved filtration and increased fresh air, added more hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship and have plans in place, tailored for each ship, to manage medical needs, including dedicated cabin capacity for isolation, if required.
DINING EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL DISTANCING
On Princess, passengers of MedallionClass ships get a real-time view of attendance numbers, making it easier to practice physical distancing by managing the timing, size and flow of groups in onboard venues and for events. This will help guests make informed decisions about what to do onboard.
Technology, like that used on Princess OceanMedallion, allows passengers to order food and drinks using an app and have them delivered to areas without other passengers. And when you opt for a less secluded dining experience, be rest assured that social distancing standards are required at all times. Where and when physical distancing cannot be maintained, guests will be required to wear masks. When it comes to meals, there will be no self-service. Staff will do the serving for you.
Aboard Regent Seven Seas, no-touch food and beverage service is being implemented across all ships with service staff stationed ship-wide, including Coffee Connection, Pool Grill and all restaurants and lounges. Of course, all guests will be required to engage in frequent handwashing and hand sanitizer will be easily accessible throughout ships and prominently placed.
ON-SHORE EXPERIENCES
Avalon’s focus on safety extends off the ship, as well. Its shore excursions include expedited entry into must-see attractions, which means no waiting in long, crowded queues of people. For moments when touch is necessary, hand sanitizers are at-the-ready throughout each ship and on transport vehicles. With the AvalonGO App, you can find street directions, restaurant recommendations, entertainment venues, and local information at your fingertips. Take the available free time to lose yourself in the local atmosphere without ever getting lost.
With Silversea, guests enjoy Certified Shore Excursions. These itineraries have been revised to include only low-risk destinations with approved contingency plans. Guests will be allowed to go ashore only through certified shore excursions, carefully curated to ensure they uphold onboard health and safety standards.
When you return to travel, whether it’s sailing the worlds vast oceans or meandering famous rivers, you can be confident that everything is being done to keep all passengers safe, ensuring a memorable travel experience.
