Cruising continues to be one of the safest ways to travel
Your health and safety remains our number one priority. Cruise lines are ever-evolving their health and safety protocols, taking every precaution to protect you and ensure you feel confident while traveling so you can enjoy your upcoming vacation experience. Cruise lines continue to work closely with public health officials and are investing in new technology and enhancements. Please find below the health and safety protocols for each of the cruise lines currently available.
We will continue to update this page as more policies become available.
This page was last updated on: August 4, 2020 at 3:42PM EST
The cruise industry has always been at the forefront of setting the bar for sanitization standards across the all cruise line ships and terminals. Here are some specifics on the cruise industry's response to COVID-19.
Every cruise line takes extreme precautions in cleaning their ships. In fact, they are cleaner than ever thanks to heightened precautions. This includes:
Thoroughly sanitizing the cruise ship terminal before and after every sailing
Special sanitizing of high-traffic areas multiple times a day
Adding extra medical staff on each sailing
Providing complimentary consultations with medical experts for all guests and crew
Daily announcements from the Captain with reminders of how to stay healthy onboard
Cruise lines retain medical experts onshore to monitor, advise and inform about response procedures in coordination with global health authorities and local governments at ports of call.
Cruise lines can adjust itineraries as needed to ensure they are never putting their guests and crew at risk of being exposed to any virus or illness in specific destinations.
All cruise ships have well-equipped medical facilities that comply with the guidelines of the American College of Emergency Physicians. This includes highly-trained medical professionals onboard every ship and available 24/7.
Cruise lines and staff are specifically trained to contain or reduce contagious outbreaks of any kind.
Should a cruise not be rerouted but instead canceled by the cruise line, the cruise line will provide compensation.
Tip #1 – To ensure you stay healthy while traveling, do your best not to touch your face, and if you sneeze or cough, you'll want to cover your face or mouth with a sleeve. Wash your hands often (and dry them, as well). If that isn't an option, use one of the many conveniently placed alcohol-based hand sanitizers located throughout the cruise ship.
Tip #2 – Give yourself extra time to board the ship and be aware of the new policies in place that will deny boarding to those who've traveled to or come in contact with people who have visited or reside in destinations impacted by Coronavirus. Check with your travel agent for details specific to your cruise. Additionally, anyone who feels unwell or demonstrates flu-like symptoms will be subject to additional health screenings and may not be permitted to sail. These precautionary measures also apply to ALL crew members, as they will not be allowed to board any ship should they meet any of these criteria. The goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy so you can enjoy your cruise to the fullest!
Cruise with Confidence – We are constantly monitoring cruise line policies keeping you up-to-date with our Cruise Line Cancellation and Payment Information. Cruising with Confidence also means that your Vacation Specialist is here for you before, during and after your vacation. With our Cruise Fare Watch tool, we automatically monitor the price of your cruise and are alerted if the price drops so we can look into saving you money or getting you an upgrade.
Flights – Verify your flight status with the airline and stay informed about their enhanced policies related to Coronavirus.
Helpful Resource – Check out information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about Coronavirus.
Pre-Cruise & Embarkation Day
Enhanced Screening Protocols
Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will be required.
Temperature Screening
At embarkation, guests' temperatures will be taken with no-contact infrared thermometers. If, for any reason, further testing is required, shoreside medical treatment centers are within close proximity.
Crew Screening
Pre-boarding medical test and isolation periods, in-depth health and safety training, face coverings and social distancing are required.
Crew must have certified medical clearance certificate plus undergo pre-boarding COVID-19 testing and are kept in an isolation period prior to embarking
Increased Sanitation Measures
Your luggage handles will be sanitized before delivery to your stateroom.
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Protocols continue to change; however, at this time, guests are required to wear face coverings when moving through public spaces.
We will have ample hand sanitizers available throughout the ship and their frequent use is required by all guests and crew.
Our crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures throughout the ship.
Special attention will be paid to areas like staircases, public washrooms, armrests in the lounge and guardrails.
We use hospital-grade disinfectants for continual surface cleaning in public areas.
Additional deep cleaning will take place throughout the entire ship between each sailing.
Your designated stateroom steward will clean your stateroom twice daily.
Bicycles, fitness mats and equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after each use. Use of the Fitness Room is by appointment with cleaning time between use.
Facility Upgrades
We use state-of-the-art fan coil air conditioning units; there is no recirculating of air on board our ships.
Each stateroom has its own sophisticated heating/cooling system – a fan coil unit located in the ceiling inside the stateroom above the entry area.
The main public areas – lounge and restaurants – have their own high-quality air-fog system to continuously ensure clean air.
On our European ships, there are no air conditioning systems blowing cold air that would circulate throughout the entire ship as you would find in standard air conditioning units.
Throughout Europe and Asia, we provide a variety of onboard wellness activities led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts. Whenever weather permits, these small-group classes will be held on our spacious open-air Sun Decks.
Food Service
Safety and social distancing will be enhanced throughout our dining room.
Our dining room setups and attentive service will be compliant with social distancing guidelines and current food and beverage safety recommendations.
Our crew will serve you at your table and will be happy to offer you a similar choice of menu items formerly available at our buffets.
A limited room service menu will also be available during mealtimes.
Crew Screening
Health will be monitored for potential symptoms as well as through twice daily temperature checks.
Crew will be required to wear face coverings during working hours and continue to respect social distancing in their living quarters.
Responsible Social Distancing
There will be limitations to the number of guests allowed to sail with us. Non-essential visitors are not permitted on board.
You will have plenty of space to roam as we will limit the number of guests on board depending on the most up-to-date guidelines in effect at the time of sailing.
For 2020 sailings, the current regulations for river cruise ships are set at a maximum capacity of 100 guests. We anticipate that many departures will have even fewer guests on board.
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
All our crew have participated in in-depth training on enhanced operating protocols led by our experienced corporate Designated Hygiene Officer in consultation with international and national health authorities.
Each ship has their own Public Health Officer overseeing all aspects of health and sanitation for guests and crew.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Quietvox system allows you to hear your guide during excursions while permitting comfortable social distancing
A brand-new set of headphones that plugs into the Quietvox will be provided to you at the beginning of your sailing; you may also bring and use your own personal set of plug-in headphones.
Shore excursions will be conducted in small groups. Guests must use hand sanitizers when getting on and off our coaches that are thoroughly cleaned each morning.
In the event that ships are docked side by side, guests will be required to pass over Sun Decks.
All guests and crew embarking a ship will undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screening in accordance with prevailing health best practices, such as health questionnaires and touch-free temperature checks as appropriate
Those identified at risk will undergo an additional health evaluation by medical staff
Increased Sanitation Measures
Ships and terminals undergo a more thorough sanitization between cruises
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Routinely use a safe disinfectant proven to quickly kill novel coronaviruses
Staterooms and public areas sanitized more frequently with cleaning and disinfection protocols developed in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Expanded disinfection methods using emerging and advanced technologies that are proven effective against coronavirus and other germs
Hand Hygiene – Additional handwashing facilities and hand sanitizing stations positioned in high-traffic areas throughout the ship
Health Information – providing regular health reminders about the ways to stay healthy onboard and when ashore
Facility Upgrades
Enhanced fresh air distribution into public spaces and staterooms
HEPA filtration systems to key areas such as Medical Centers and dedicated isolation rooms
Temperature Screening
Health checks as appropriate during the cruise for guests
Crew Screening
Health checks as appropriate during the cruise for crew
Responsible Social Distancing
Responsible physical distancing managed by adjusting the flow, timing and size of groups
Enhanced Medical Resources
Rapid response and contact tracing plans in case of on-board illness
A team of highly-trained medical staff including qualified doctors and nurses who have experience in caring for a broad range of medical conditions
Medical Centers that have both outpatient and inpatient facilities including critical care capabilities
Medical Centers modified for infection control best practices including dedicated air handling systems with 100% fresh air supply and HEPA exhaust filtration
Medication onboard that improves COVID-19 clinical outcomes
COVID-19 testing capabilities onboard and/or ashore with designated laboratories for potential cases onboard
Dedicated isolation and quarantine rooms should they be needed
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
Ongoing training and education of medical staff in the latest clinical care practices for managing COVID-19 cases
Trained onboard staff to monitor compliance with health measures
Training of all crew in COVID-19 health protocols
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Partnerships with local and regional medical providers
Working with local health authorities, destinations and other key partners to ensure alignment on our enhanced health measures.
Monitor disease activity and health regulations in the destinations we visit, and adjust the itinerary as necessary.
Enhanced Screening Protocols
Avalon has plans to unveil new embarkation procedures that provide travelers a safe start to their journey. Among the company's planned changes are mandatory health screenings, including touch-free temperature checks and luggage disinfection, prior to onboarding.
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Touching Hearts, Not Hands:
Avalon's new assurance protocols will also ensure more risk-free and hands-free services onboard, such as more hand sanitizer stations throughout the ship (including all public areas); replacing buffet and self-serve stations with crew services and hourly disinfection (at a minimum) of all public areas.
Commitment to the Cleanest Ships:
Avalon has an unwavering commitment to ship cleaning procedures. Some new steps that go above-and-beyond its already stringent policies include: Deep-cleaning and disinfection of each stateroom during turnover, including soft goods, disinfection of all dining areas between meals, and disinfection of shared items, such as bicycles or umbrellas after each use.
Facility Upgrades
Fresh Air Inside & Out:
Eighty percent of Avalon cabins are Panorama Suites, offering guests an Open-Air experience on each ship. In addition to Avalon's Open-Air staterooms, the air in its ships is not circulated between staterooms, only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.
New Technology to Ensure Cleanliness:
To further advance Avalon's new Assurance protocols, the company also is introducing new, top-of-the-line technologies including Electrostatic cleaning systems and UV disinfecting systems.
Responsible Social Distancing
Blending Cultural Proximity with Social Distance:
River cruising offers guests an opportunity to enjoy the world around them, docking in the heart of destinations. Avalon will continue to deliver this with more space for social distancing, including reducing ship capacity and alternative dining venues, as well as providing guests and crew masks for use as needed or required.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
Focus on Crew Health & Education:
Ensuring a happy, healthy Avalon crew is also a priority. Standards include required medical screenings and certificates of health, new social distancing in crew living quarters and ongoing training in PPE use and hygiene.
In addition, Avalon Waterways is reviewing excursion standards and protocols with partners across the globe.
Muster Stations
Muster 2.0 is an innovative approach to delivering guest safety information that reimagines the traditional Muster Drill process originally designed to share important safety information via large gatherings to one that is faster and more personal, encouraging higher level of safety.
Essential safety information will be offered to guests through new "eMuster" technology via their mobile devices, as well as on the interactive stateroom TVs.
This new approach offers guests the flexibility to complete this very important process at their leisure prior to setting sail (alleviating the large assembly and congestion once onboard), allowing guests to jump right into their vacation – uninterrupted.
Muster 2.0 offers guests a four-hour window to complete the drill checklist via the mobile app or their interactive stateroom television.
To complete Muster 2.0, guests will need to:
Review safety information in the mobile app or interactive stateroom TV, and acknowledge completion
Visit assigned assembly station and scan in using your stateroom key
At the assembly station, a crew member will verify the safety information was completed and be available to answer questions individually
Listen to the emergency signal in the mobile app or interactive TV, and when the captain demonstrates the signal before the ship sets sail
Royal Caribbean Group ships equipped with the mobile app will have dynamic walking maps directing guests to their assembly stations using the safest pathways.
All safety information is available on the mobile app, whether on land or at sea. The mobile app uses the ship's WIFI without the purchase of an internet package.
Onboard
Responsible Social Distancing
Royal Caribbean Group ships equipped with the mobile app will have dynamic walking maps directing guests to their assembly stations using the safest pathways.
All safety information is available on the mobile app, whether on land or at sea. The mobile app uses the ship's WIFI without the purchase of an internet package.
Muster Stations
Muster 2.0 is an innovative approach to delivering guest safety information that reimagines the traditional Muster Drill process originally designed to share important safety information via large gatherings to one that is faster and more personal, encouraging higher level of safety.
Essential safety information will be offered to guests through new "eMuster" technology via their mobile devices, as well as on the interactive stateroom TVs.
This new approach offers guests the flexibility to complete this very important process at their leisure prior to setting sail (alleviating the large assembly and congestion once onboard), allowing guests to jump right into their vacation – uninterrupted.
Muster 2.0 offers guests a four-hour window to complete the drill checklist via the mobile app or their interactive stateroom television.
To complete Muster 2.0, guests will need to:
Review safety information in the mobile app or interactive stateroom TV, and acknowledge completion
Visit assigned assembly station and scan in using your stateroom key
At the assembly station, a crew member will verify the safety information was completed and be available to answer questions individually
Listen to the emergency signal in the mobile app or interactive TV, and when the captain demonstrates the signal before the ship sets sail
Royal Caribbean Group ships equipped with the mobile app will have dynamic walking maps directing guests to their assembly stations using the safest pathways.
All safety information is available on the mobile app, whether on land or at sea. The mobile app uses the ship's WIFI without the purchase of an internet package.
Onboard
Responsible Social Distancing
Royal Caribbean Group ships equipped with the mobile app will have dynamic walking maps directing guests to their assembly stations using the safest pathways.
All safety information is available on the mobile app, whether on land or at sea. The mobile app uses the ship's WIFI without the purchase of an internet package.
Guests will check in online and complete a health questionnaire
Guests who show signs of illness will be seen by the medical staff and may be denied boarding
Additional measures and precautions may be required depending on ports of embarkation/disembarkation
Temperature Screening
Guests will undergo temperature checks before entering the terminal
A second temperature check will be done at the ship gangway via contact-free fever screening systems
Crew Screening
Crew to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding
Increased Sanitation Measures
Luggage will be disinfected before it is brought aboard
Online check-in and staggered embarkation
Guests will receive an assigned arrival time to minimize congestion
Guests will complete a second health questionnaire at the terminal
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Enhanced cleaning protocols will ensure guest suites meet the highest standards of disinfection.
In highly frequented shared spaces, Crystal Clean+ procedures will include augmented cleaning and other measures.
Frequent disinfection with medical-grade products listed on the EPA List N, and approved for use against COVID-19, norovirus and other infectious diseases
Frequent disinfection of all guest accommodations utilizing medical-grade disinfectants
Onboard social spaces disinfected with increased frequency including all public bathrooms, corridors, stairwells and elevators, restaurants, bars, lounges, entertainment and enrichment venues, retail spaces, fitness center and spa
Touchpoints such as handrails, elevator buttons, table-tops, door handles, etc., disinfected with increased frequency during peak hours
All dedicated children's and teens' facilities disinfected frequently
All recreational equipment disinfected with increased frequency
Public areas will be deep cleaned and meticulously disinfected with medical-grade disinfectants during overnight hours
Electrostatic foggers will be used as an additional tool for disinfection
Additional hand sanitizing stations using alcohol-based sanitizer will be placed strategically throughout the ship
Facility Upgrades
Crystal ships are designed with a 100% fresh air supply to all staterooms and main public spaces. There is no air recirculation built into the design.
All air filters and cooling coils are frequently thoroughly checked and maintained to ensure the highest standard of air quality possible
Guest accommodations and corridors set aside for isolation in the event of illness feature ventilation systems with separate ducting and air supply
Food Service
The Crystal dining experience will be carefully presented to eliminate person-to-person contact while maintaining the delicious and elegant experiences guests enjoy.
Open Seating Dining will continue with social distancing considerations
Guest seating will ensure ample spacing
Disposable cutlery will be provided, upon request
In-room dining choices will be available 24/7
Contact-free dining service will be implemented in all onboard venues
Self-service options will be eliminated in the Marketplace, Bistro and other venues
All restaurants, bars and galleys will be disinfected with increased frequency
Increased hand washing and use of hand sanitizing stations will be required
Stringent procurement guidelines will be enforced
Crew Screening
Crew will undergo frequent temperature checks and regular health monitoring
Crew will wear face shields, masks and other necessary PPE when interacting with guests
Crew transfer between ships will be minimized
Crew are prohibited from personal contact with guests such as handshaking and hugging
Responsible Social Distancing
Crystal ships are designed to offer nearly double the space per guest of similar-sized ships. New protocols will expand this social spaciousness even further.
Reduced capacity when ships resume service
Reduced capacity in restaurants, entertainment, fitness center, pool deck, casino, retail spaces, bars and lounges
Social distancing of at least six feet of those outside of one's travel party will be required
Reduced capacity in elevators
Masks
Crystal will require masks when its ships resume service. This policy will be nimble and will be reassessed as appropriate.
Crystal will provide masks to its guests and crew
Masks will be required in venues and instances where proper distancing is not possible, including restaurants before being seated, show lounges, casino, fitness center, elevators, ship tenders, shoreside terminals and tour dispatch areas
Enhanced Medical Resources
Crystal's onboard Medical Centers and professionals are at guests' service 24/7.
The medical team comprises a doctor and three nurses aboard each ship, available around the clock
Crystal's Medical Centers are well equipped with ventilators, virus testing equipment, X-Ray machines, extensive first aid tools and common prescription and over-the-counter medications
Medical Centers will be equipped to perform Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Point of Care testing
Isolated wards are available in the Medical Center
Public Health Officer
This dedicated officer supports Crystal Clean+ protocols and onboard medical teams.
The Public Health Officer is trained in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program
Oversees outbreak mitigation and cleaning protocols
Closely coordinates with medical teams
Ensures that daily cleaning protocols are in accordance with CDC guidelines
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
Crew are trained on health and safety measures
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Crystal is working closely with all shoreside partners to ensure that Crystal Clean+ protocols extend to guests' experience ashore.
Tour coaches and tenders will be disinfected to meet Crystal Clean+ standards
Excursion group sizes will be reduced to help allow for proper social distancing
Crystal will monitor port regulations and adjust requirements and schedules as needed to maintain guests' health and wellbeing. This will include complying with all destination health authorities, which may require masks ashore
Crystal strongly recommends that guests who choose to book tours independently consider that these operators may fall short of the disinfection standards that Crystal requires of their partners
Crystal will partner with local destinations and tour operators to ensure our industry-leading health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside experience
Crystal will only visit safe, open ports of call; this may cause changes to the itinerary
Crystal will keep guests up to date with the latest confirmed itinerary changes
Additional health screenings may be required by local health officials before disembarkation in certain ports
All guests and crew embarking a ship will undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screening in accordance with prevailing health best practices, such as health questionnaires and touch-free temperature checks as appropriate
Those identified at risk will undergo an additional health evaluation by medical staff
Increased Sanitation Measures
Ships and terminals undergo a more thorough sanitization between cruises
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Routinely use a safe disinfectant proven to quickly kill novel coronaviruses
Staterooms and public areas sanitized more frequently with cleaning and disinfection protocols developed in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
Expanded disinfection methods using emerging and advanced technologies that are proven effective against coronavirus and other germs
Hand Hygiene – Additional handwashing facilities and hand sanitizing stations positioned in high-traffic areas throughout the ship
Health Information – providing regular health reminders about the ways to stay healthy onboard and when ashore
Facility Upgrades
Enhanced fresh air distribution into public spaces and staterooms
HEPA filtration systems to key areas such as Medical Centers and dedicated isolation rooms
Temperature Screening
Health checks as appropriate during the cruise for guests
Crew Screening
Health checks as appropriate during the cruise for crew
Responsible Social Distancing
Responsible physical distancing managed by adjusting the flow, timing and size of groups
Enhanced Medical Resources
Rapid response and contact tracing plans in case of on-board illness
A team of highly-trained medical staff including qualified doctors and nurses who have experience in caring for a broad range of medical conditions
Medical Centers that have both outpatient and inpatient facilities including critical care capabilities
Medical Centers modified for infection control best practices including dedicated air handling systems with 100% fresh air supply and HEPA exhaust filtration
Medication onboard that improves COVID-19 clinical outcomes
COVID-19 testing capabilities onboard and/or ashore with designated laboratories for potential cases onboard
Dedicated isolation and quarantine rooms should they be needed
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
Ongoing training and education of medical staff in the latest clinical care practices for managing COVID-19 cases
Trained onboard staff to monitor compliance with health measures
Training of all crew in COVID-19 health protocols
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Partnerships with local and regional medical providers
Working with local health authorities, destinations and other key partners to ensure alignment on our enhanced health measures.
Monitor disease activity and health regulations in the destinations we visit, and adjust the itinerary as necessary.
A mandatory health questionnaire (sent before the cruise).
Newly designed processes for embarkation with assigned arrival times at the port to minimize contact, enable responsible social distancing and enforce enhanced sanitation measures that follow the same high standards as on board
Temperature Screening
Contactless temperature checks for a comprehensive health screening before embarkation
Boarding will be denied to any guest showing signs of illness such as fever (≥99.5 F°) or flu-like symptoms, including chills, cough or difficulty breathing, or to any guest that has been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation
Online check-in and staggered embarkation
Booking process will be updated with additional information. Collection of all guests' contact details will become mandatory in case of updates linked to the COVID-19 situation.
Web check-in will be highly recommended for a smooth and contactless experience on the embarkation day.
Booking onboard packages prior to the cruise will be highly encouraged to reduce interactions, minimize long lines and secure space.
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
New sanitation methods including electrostatic sprayers and the use of hospital-grade disinfectant products to kill bacteria and viruses.
Increased frequency of cleaning throughout the whole ship by well-trained housekeeping staff with a focus on high-traffic and frequently touched areas; public spaces sprayed with disinfectant each night
Staterooms cleaned twice daily with careful attention to regularly touched surfaces and additional deep cleaning at the end of the cruise
Facility Upgrades
100% external fresh air supplied to all staterooms and public areas, additionally sanitized through UV-C light technology that kills 99.97% of all microbes and no re-circulation of air between staterooms or within the ship
Dedicated isolation zones with separate air supply for suspected cases
Technology such as MSC for Me* (mobile app, in-stateroom TV, interactive screens) will help guests plan and book their favorite activities.
Food Service
Service will be adapted to respect social distancing.
All meals and drinks will be served to guests at their table.
Self-service buffet will be temporarily unavailable but there will be options for some take-away food throughout the day.
To minimize risks, MSC Cruises has adapted the processes for ordering, preparing, delivering, consuming and paying for food and beverage services.
Temperature Screening
Ongoing health monitoring for all guests
Crew Screening
Extensive screening and medical checks, including testing prior to embarkation, in addition to ongoing health monitoring and temperature checks
Responsible Social Distancing
A new Remote Guest Service Center will be available by telephone and remote desks will be set up on embarkation day to manage in-person questions in order to avoid lines at the Guest Services desk.
Newly designed activities with smaller group sizes will be introduced with themed events, fun games, kids and family activities, talent shows, fitness, dance, sports and more.
Theater shows, entertainment, kids club and activities will be available through pre-booking.
To ensure proper social distancing among guests, the capacity of the theater will be reduced, more performances of the shows will be offered, as well as live streamed around the ship.
All open decks will be accessible and pools, whirlpool baths and the aqua park will be available with a reduced occupancy to ensure social distancing.
Sunbeds will be separated to respect social distancing and sanitized after every use, with a deeper sanitation nightly.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Increased number of qualified medical staff onboard, supported by dedicated Medical Team ashore, all trained to deal with COVID-19 with a response plan that will be activated with local authorities
Fully equipped Medical Center, including COVID-19 testing equipment and ventilators
Free treatment is available in the Medical Center to any guest with flu-like symptoms
Comprehensive isolation procedures for suspected cases
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
All crew will wear protective equipment where appropriate, such as face masks and gloves
Comprehensive training for all crew on the new enhanced protocol
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
It is recommended that guests go ashore with an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, as they will follow the same high standards of health and safety as on board.
Enhanced Screening Protocols
All guests will undergo an enhanced pre-embarkation health screening, and those considered at risk will undergo additional screening. Additionally, all crew will undergo extensive screening prior to embarkation and constant monitoring throughout the voyage.
Temperature Screenings
Touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage will help identify potential health issues, offering an additional layer of prevention and protection. Touchless temperature checks will occur prior to embarkation.
Crew Screenings
We're enhancing our existing Pre-Employment Medical Examination process, which already screens for a wide variety of infectious diseases, to ensure the health and safety of our crew.
Increased Sanitization Measures
All ships are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage in accordance with company protocols, which are developed in partnership with CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.
Embarkation terminals will be sanitized continuously, and, where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation.
Responsible Social Distancing
To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, guest capacity on board will be reduced.
Staggered embarkation and online check-in will be implemented for proper social distancing.
Online check-in and staggered embarkation
We continue to work with port and government authorities to determine procedures that are in accordance with CDC and global health agencies' guidance, to implement protocols that allow for proper social distancing during the embarkation process, including staggered embarkation and advanced check-in procedures.
Onboard
Increased Sanitization Measures
All staterooms, suites and public areas will be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected at an increased frequency, and including the use of Electrostatic Spray Technology. Increased sanitation efforts include:
HOCl Fogging in Staterooms & Public Area: Fogging in staterooms and public areas with the disinfectant hypochlorous acid (HOCI). Hypochlorous acid is a non-toxic, powerful oxidant that effectively kills bacteria, spores, and viruses. It is natural and safe to use in open areas since it is comprised of natural elements such as water and salt, and electric charge.
Increased frequencies of cleaning: Our 24/7 prevention schedule will feature continuous disinfection of public areas and high-traffic touch points. We will ensure that cleaning occurs continuously for all elevators and all public areas during on and off-peak hours.
Full Service Buffets: Buffets and beverage stations will be full service with staff available to serve guests.
Personal Hygiene: All guests will be strongly encouraged to engage in frequent handwashing, including when entering food and beverage venues, and hand sanitizer will be prominently placed and easily accessible throughout the ship.
Facility Upgrades
New medical-grade air-filters, H13 HEPA, that remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens are being installed across our entire fleet to ensure the air you breathe is clean.
H13 HEPA is one of the highest grades of particulate air filter, removing 99.95% of all particulates 0.1 microns or larger.
For comparison purposes, COVID-19 is 0.125 microns (25% larger), a single blood cell is 10 microns (10,000% larger) and a single human hair is 75 microns (75,000% larger).
Temperature Screenings
Touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage will help identify potential health issues, offering an additional layer of prevention and protection. Touchless temperature checks will occur:
Upon returning to the ship from a port of call
Prior to all meals in dining venues
Prior to all activities in public venues
Prior to disembarkation
Crew Screenings
A healthy crew helps ensure healthy guests. Constant monitoring of crew health includes temperature checks multiple times per day as well as rigid sanitation protocols.
We're exploring on board testing capabilities that will allow crew members to undergo the latest, most advanced form of COVID-19 testing at any time throughout their employment contract.
Responsible Social Distancing
To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, guest capacity on board will be reduced. We are committed to reducing capacity in all public areas throughout the voyage.
All onboard activities will still be available, although operated at a reduced capacity, and in some cases, slightly modified in order to ensure safe social distancing.
We'll take necessary precautions and follow applicable public health guidelines to ensure guest health and safety, which is our highest priority at all times.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Onboard medical centers will be fully equipped with the latest testing kits and medical supplies. We are also increasing our medical team fleetwide. Additionally, each ship has dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise. Testing kits and medical supplies include:
Advanced on-site rapid diagnostic testing for COVID-19
Increased inventory of medical oxygen equipment
Increased inventory of vaccinations
Increased inventory of medication to treat COVID-19
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
We will introduce a newly created onboard position of Public Health Officer, responsible for the oversight of all sanitation and outbreak prevention initiatives.
Additionally, they will monitor the day-to-day cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations, maintaining compliance with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
We're partnering with our local destinations and tour operators to ensure our industry-leading health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside experience.
We will only visit safe, open ports of call which may cause changes to your itinerary. Keeping our guests up-to-date with the latest confirmed changes impacting their itineraries is a top priority.
Guests will be educated about PONANT's sanitary protocol prior to boarding
Prior to boarding, all guests and crew members will have to present a signed doctor's *medical form, complete a health questionnaire and undergo a health check and screening by the ship's medical staff.
30 days before departure: First health questionnaires to be completed by personal doctor
2 days before departure: Guests are to self-check which entails negative individual test* (if allowed) + no contact with persons at risk + no symptoms
Before boarding: passengers to hand over second medical questionnaire "declaration of health" and have a medical examination by PONANT medical team.
Guests will be denied boarding by PONANT medical team IF:
Test results are positive
Test results are older than 48 hours (another alternative is possible)
Confinement declared not implemented
Mandatory confinement after PCR test is not respected
Temperature >100.4 or symptoms detected
Temperature Screening
Automated and systematic temperature measurement terminals at each passage through strategic locations such as gangways. Every guest will receive temperature measurements prior to boarding.
Increased Sanitation Measures
All luggage will pass through a disinfecting zone by sanitizing mist or UV lamps.
Surgical and cloth masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer bottles will be provided to passengers
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Hourly disinfecting of high-touch points, such as door handles and handrails, with EcoLab peroxide, which eliminates 100% of germs and bacteria
Each guest will be provided with "precautionary kits" (clothe masks, category 2 surgical masks, wipes, disinfectant sprays, hydroalcoholic gelÂ…)
Disinfection of food products and supplies by misting, chlorine bath or solution, high pressure steam or peroxide product.
Only persons who have been authorized in advance may board the ship, in strick compliance with boarding protocol.
Facility Upgrades
Air Quality
100 percent fresh air in staterooms, through non-recirculating air conditioning systems.
Ventilated air will be renewed in the common areas at least five times per hour.
Virus removal using ventilated processing units equipped with UV sterilizations system.
Food Service
Restaurant layouts have been redesigned and will only offer contactless a la carte dining options.
For breakfast and lunch: continuous service in restaurants with extended time slots
For dinner: 1 to 2 catering services at the gourmet restaurant depending on the number of guests, and by reservations for restaurants on the pool deck when they are open.
Temperature Screening
Automated and systematic temperature measurement terminals at each passage through strategic locations such as restaurant entrances.
Responsible Social Distancing
Public spaces, such as the fitness room and theater will be capped at 50 percent occupancy. Maximum 2 guests in the shop at a time.
Public spaces will enforce 6 ft social distancing and guests will be encouraged to use barrier gestures.
Masks
Crew members are required to wear a mask or protective visor when in contact with guests.
Guests will be asked to wear a mask in hallway corridors and will be recommended in public spaces.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Thanks to large investments over several years, PONANT has some of the most complete and renowned onboard medical centers in the world of cruising.
Each vessel is equipped with advanced hospital equipment, including mobile laboratory terminals that enable testing on site for infectious or tropical diseases.
Advanced diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound, radiology and blood biological analysis is available fleet-wide, one doctor and one nurse are present on every sailing.
All ships will have five vacant staterooms should guests need to isolate.
Medical team onboard comprised on at least one doctor and one nurse on each cruise trained to risks and protocols and available 24/7.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Shore excursions will be carried out only in regions where the epidemic is under control and in uninhabited areas.
6 guests maximum per zodiac.
Zodiacs will be thoroughly disinfected after each stopover.
Re-boarding after shore excursions will only be permitted after temperature check and disinfection procedures (individuals and personal belongings).
After Sailing
Guests will be asked to fill out a third questionnaire for post-disembarkations follow-up and potential tracking.
Itinerary Monitoring & Optimizations
We are constantly monitoring the world health map and modifying itineraries to impacted areas. Our team is tracking world health developments 24 hours a day from our state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Center in Santa Clarita, CA, and from our offices around the world. We are in close contact with government health authorities and medical experts. Please bear in mind that:
Some destinations may restrict or deny entry to ships carrying any person with symptoms of illness, even if they symptoms do not meet the criteria set by world health experts including the CDC and WHO. Princess will comply with all requirements.
We will make every effort to inform you of any new local policies as soon as possible.
In some cases, we may choose to replace a port until we get a clear policy, rather than risk a situation where we could be turned away without cause.
Enhanced Screening Protocols
Guests and crew will be required to complete a written health declaration prior to boarding which will screen for COVID and advise of obligation to report symptoms of illness.
Please note that given the serious nature of the circumstance, false responses on documents will results in immediate disembarkation at the next opportunity and may result in additional legal consequences.
Certain individuals will only be permitted to board based on successful secondary screening results. Secondary screening will be conducted by the medial staff in the terminal prior to embarkation.
Temperature Screening
All guests and crew will be required to participate in mandatory health screenings that will include thermal scanning to check temperatures.
Guests and crew with symptoms of illness will be denied boarding. Guests who are unable to sail because of failure to meet the following criteria will be issued a full cruise credit or refund.
If you have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or a person under monitoring for COVID-19.
If you are suffering from fever or flu-like symptoms.
Increased Sanitation Measures
All terminals will be thoroughly sanitized before and after each embarkation.
Onboard
Increased Sanitization Measures
In addition to our existing rigorous daily cleaning regimen, we are establishing supplementary sanitation and cleaning measures on board all Princess ships. This includes more frequent sanitization of all frequently hand-touched surfaces in public areas, from tables and chairs to casino chips and fitness machines.
We use hospital-grade disinfectant solutions known to immediately kill all traces of COVID-19 in public areas and when cleaning guest and crew staterooms.
We will be actively enforcing hand-washing and/or the use of hand sanitizer at the entrance of all guest and crew dining venues.
We are also adding additional sanitizer dispensers in high-traffic areas around the ship.
Daily Health Advisory and televised healthy tips will be communicated to all guests.
There will be an increase in onboard supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies.
All public lounges and restroom doors will be propped open to reduce door handle touchpoints.
Facility Upgrades
Food Service
Wherever possible, staff serves guest and crew food stations, including the buffet and ice cream machines.
Where not possible due to layout restrictions, dedicated personnel are posted to monitor these stations and ensure they are cleaned and sanitized in a timely manner.
In any self-service areas that remain, serving utensils will be replaced on a frequent basis.
Hand-washing sinks and/or hand sanitizer dispensers are available at the entrances to all dining room and buffet facilities. Outgoing and friendly staff will monitor hand washing stations and direct guests to wash hands before entering.
Staterooms
Stateroom surfaces and fixtures are thoroughly cleaned up to twice daily with particular attention to bathrooms and surfaces frequently touched.
The temperature in washers and dryers has been increased for enhanced disinfection of laundered goods, including bedding, tablecloths, towels, napkins etc.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Every Princess ship sails with a highly capable Medical Team. Our doctors and nurses have received special training on COVID-19.
Any individual experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness will be encouraged to visit the Medical Center for a complimentary medical consultation and, if appropriate, screening for COVID-19.
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
We are raising crew awareness of how to maintain a healthy environment on board by providing daily health communications that reinforce frequent hand-washing, avoiding hand contact and more.
We are helping our crew recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and asking them to report any signs of guest or crew illness to the Medical Center.
Muster Stations
Muster 2.0 is an innovative approach to delivering guest safety information that reimagines the traditional Muster Drill process originally designed to share important safety information via large gatherings to one that is faster and more personal, encouraging higher level of safety.
Essential safety information will be offered to guests through new "eMuster" technology via their mobile devices, as well as on the interactive stateroom TVs.
This new approach offers guests the flexibility to complete this very important process at their leisure prior to setting sail (alleviating the large assembly and congestion once onboard), allowing guests to jump right into their vacation – uninterrupted.
Muster 2.0 offers guests a four-hour window to complete the drill checklist via the mobile app or their interactive stateroom television.
To complete Muster 2.0, guests will need to:
Review safety information in the mobile app or interactive stateroom TV, and acknowledge completion
Visit assigned assembly station and scan in using your stateroom key
At the assembly station, a crew member will verify the safety information was completed and be available to answer questions individually
Listen to the emergency signal in the mobile app or interactive TV, and when the captain demonstrates the signal before the ship sets sail
Royal Caribbean Group ships equipped with the mobile app will have dynamic walking maps directing guests to their assembly stations using the safest pathways.
All safety information is available on the mobile app, whether on land or at sea. The mobile app uses the ship's WIFI without the purchase of an internet package.
Onboard
Responsible Social Distancing
Royal Caribbean Group ships equipped with the mobile app will have dynamic walking maps directing guests to their assembly stations using the safest pathways.
All safety information is available on the mobile app, whether on land or at sea. The mobile app uses the ship's WIFI without the purchase of an internet package.
Meet the experts on the Healthy Sail Panel – a team of the best minds and leaders in public health, bio security, epidemiology, hospitality and maritime operations. As we prepare to set sail once again, this diverse team has been enlisted to develop recommendations and guide our way forward with unprecedented standards in response to COVID-19. Please click on the button below to download the Healthy Sail Panel PDF.
All guests will undergo pre-embarkation health screening.
Increased Sanitation Measures
Embarkation terminals will be sanitized continuously, and terminals will be thoroughly sanitized and, where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation.
Online check-in and staggered embarkation
Once it is time to start your voyage, we've designed an enhanced, staggered embarkation and check-in process for proper social distancing that also includes a new state-of-the-art touchless temperature screening.
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
Continuous ship-wide disinfection and daily fogging of all suites and public spaces.
Our 24/7 prevention schedule will feature continuous disinfection of public areas and high-traffic touch points as well as daily fogging of all suites, public spaces, and guest corridors.
The fogging process utilizes a hospital-grade oxidant that is natural, safe, and non-toxic.
Guest suites will receive intensive microbial disinfection daily, which includes fogging of the entire space inclusive of bathrooms and closets.
All guests will be required to engage in frequent handwashing and hand sanitizer will be prominently placed and easily accessible throughout the ship.
Facility Upgrades
All-New Hospital Grade Air Filtration System
New, upgraded HVAC systems will incorporate the latest advances to be superior to those found in land-based resorts.
Each ship will utilize fresh-air induction and be equipped with the highest-tier HEPA 13 medical-grade filters.
Food Service
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.
Crew Screening
Constant monitoring of staff and crew health includes testing of crew members, temperature checks multiple times per day as well as rigid sanitation and hygiene protocols.
Responsible Social Distancing
To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, we have reduced shipboard guest capacity.
Reduced seating in entertainment venues, smaller group sizes for shore excursions, culinary classes, and onboard activities, along with increased spacing in dining venues, provide for effective social distancing practices.
Enhanced Medical Resources
We are expanding our medical teams to provide among the highest Medical Staff-to-Guest ratios on board each of our ships.
Enhanced onboard medical centers are abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and the latest virus-testing equipment as available.
All medical centers will have the ability to perform FDA- and CDC-approved PCR Point of Care testing.
Complimentary consultations and treatments are provided for respiratory illnesses and each ship is equipped with dedicated isolation accommodations should the unlikely need arise.
Dedicated Public Health Officer
Each ship will have a dedicated Public Health Officer on board, responsible for the oversight of all outbreak prevention initiatives.
Additionally, they will monitor the day-to-day sanitation and cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations, maintaining compliance with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.
They will work hand in hand with the ship's medical team on board as well as the corporate Public Health and Medical departments shoreside.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
We're partnering with our local destinations and tour operators to ensure our industry-leading health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside experience.
Embarkation terminals, tour coaches, and the attractions we visit must have appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
Changing Itineraries
We constantly monitor the global health map and cancel or modify itineraries to impacted areas as needed. We may also prevent guests and crew who have recently traveled through high-risk locations from boarding.
Increased Sanitization Measures
While Silversea and the cruise industry have always been at the forefront in upholding the strictest sanitary procedures, we are going to enhance these even further, assuring even more frequent sanitization procedures and the regular cleaning of all surfaces.
Responsible Social Distancing
Thanks to the limited number of passengers on board, it is relatively easy for Silversea to guarantee physical, but not social, distancing on our ships. Our guests will still be able to meet other like-minded passengers and share a wonderful culinary experience together... at a bigger table than usual.
Onboard
Facility Upgrades
Food Service:
Our service will be expanded to ensure that no self-service options will be available anymore. You will instead receive personalized service in all of the ship's venues.
Enhanced Screening Protocols
All guests must complete a health screening prior to embarkation.
Onboard
Increased Sanitization Measures
Gloves, face masks and small bottles of hand sanitizer will be readily available for each guest.
All guests and crew are required to sanitize their hands when entering public spaces, when coming back onboard the ship each day, and before each meal.
Housekeeping staff will disinfect all public area touch points and hot spots throughout the day, including all handrails and door handles.
Disinfected wipes are available throughout the ship, including at coffee stations and in the public restrooms.
Any onboard payments are processed using a contactless payment method and credit card machines will be wiped after each pin entry.
All coffee table books, magazines and brochures have been removed from public use. Guests will be able to access these reading materials via our complimentary PressReader app on their mobile devices.
Crew will wash their hands frequently when handling guest luggage. Disembarkation luggage is kept separate from embarkation luggage to avoid cross-contamination.
Facility Upgrades
Food Service:
All meals are now served by culinary and waitstaff, with no self-service allowed during buffets.
All restaurant dining now has reserved seating, with guests at the same table, with the same people, each day.
To limit the total number of guests in a restaurant at a time, we've introduced two seating times for each meal.
Items that are usually shared, like bread and butter, are now served to each person individually.
All touch points, like chairs and salt and pepper shakers, are immediately disinfected after each seating.
Fruits, cookies, chips, nuts, candies or other treats are now served to individual guests by the crew only. These treats are no longer available for self-service.
Staterooms:
All staterooms and suites are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis.
All air-conditioning filters are cleaned and disinfected on each embarkation day before rooming takes place.
Umbrellas are now only available in rooms for individual use, with no shared umbrella stands in public areas.
In-room chocolate candy bowls are replaced at the end/beginning of each cruise.
Key card scanners with facial recognition are utilized at the gangway.
All deliveries are thoroughly inspected before being brought onboard.
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
All crew receives professional health and hygiene training (HACCP) by an external consultant before each ship begins its sailing season, including training on how to look for symptoms.
All crew strictly adhere to social distancing requirements.
All crew undergo regular health screenings and are quarantined immediately if symptoms are present.
Hand sanitizer is readably available and mandated for use in all crew areas.
Crew quarters, public and private, are sanitized regularly.
All crew meals are served, with no self-service allowed.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
All buses are cleaned and wiped with disinfectant before each use.
The maximum occupancy per bus has been adjusted to reduce the total number of people together at one time.
Face masks are also available on the buses, in addition to the staterooms.
Vox boxes are sanitized prior to embarkation and after each excursion.
**Note: Health and safety features may vary on ships not owned and operated by Uniworld for certain non-European itineraries. Nonetheless, ships not owned and operated by Uniworld do adhere to high standards for sanitization and safety.
Following recommended CDC guidelines, working closely with the Voyage Well Expert Advisory Group in order to inform and update our processes and procedures in real-time.
Implementing additional and frequent pre-boarding health checks and screenings for both our Crew and Sailors.
Temperature Screening
Installing Thermal Camera technology in terminals to monitor our Crew and Sailors' temperatures.
Increased Sanitation Measures
Every single piece of luggage and delivery to the ship is fogged down, and all cabins will be fogged prior to Sailors stepping on board, or in the case that you change cabins during the voyage.
Onboard
Increased Sanitization Measures
Adopting the use of advanced cleaning tools like fogging and UV technology – the same Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation methods used in hospitals and laboratories. Every single piece of luggage and delivery to the ship is fogged down, and all cabins will be fogged prior to Sailors stepping on board, or in the case that you change cabins during the voyage.
Incorporating the latest hygiene initiatives specifically for COVID-19; sanitizing dispensers in every public space, touchless faucets, increased hygiene signage, and leveraging hospital grade EPA registered disinfectants from EcoLab – all while using best practices to sanitize and disinfect.
Facility Upgrades
Food Service:
Air Quality
Utilizing our partnership with Ecolab, identifying specific high touch points across cabins, public spaces, restaurants, and recreational areas that will be disinfected on a frequent basis, so that you don't have to worry before touching a door handle or elevator button when you're with us.
No recycling of air – instead, providing a continuous stream of 100% fresh air in all our cabins, suites, and public spaces. As a brand new ship, we already had HVAC systems built for this explicit purpose.
Taking it a step further by installing the latest technology from AtmosAir Solutions – an air purification system that disinfects air on board. Leveraging bi-polar Ionization technology, this air filtration system has been shown to kill 99.9% of viruses – and is the first of it's kind in our industry.
Our sea terrace ratio is one of the highest in the industry – allowing plenty of access to (salt-infused) fresh air.
Food Service
We don't have buffets or large dining rooms; purposely creating smaller eateries to limit large crowds. And there's no communal food sharing – food is only prepared when it's ordered and delivered directly to you.
When using our delivery food service on board, ShipEats, we have contactless drop-off and pick up.
Temperature Screening
Installing Thermal Camera technology on board to monitor our Crew and Sailors' temperatures.
Crew Screening
Routine temperature checks for our Crew, as well as routine testing for the COVID-19 virus.
Any Crew members who come into contact with anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will isolate and take part in additional health checks to stop potential outbreaks.
Responsible Social Distancing
Keeping It Social (But Distant)
Managing personal space by significantly reducing our overall ship capacity for our start-up sailing period – meaning that we can all easily adhere to appropriate social spacing/physical distancing recommendations. Additional measures include limiting large groups at our events through virtual ticketing and keeping empty seats between one another, and leaving tables empty between groups at each eatery.
Leveraging our already-digital onboard experience to limit contact; The Band (for contactless payment), Service Chat (for assistance digitally) and our Virtual Queues (for getting in lines for onboard experiences without actually getting in physical lines). Frankly, the only lines we like are tan lines.
Masks
For masks, we follow the same guidance as is recommended on land – so if people are advised to wear masks there, we will do so at sea, as well.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Basic COVID-19 testing and any cold or flu-like symptom health screenings are free of charge on board. Sailors and Crew have 24/7 access to our fully-equipped private medical health center.
We've increased our medical capabilities with additional ventilators, and increased inventories of oxygen capacity and PPE.
Any of our Sailors or Crew who become unwell are routinely isolated in their cabins to protect others, and anyone who has come into close contact with the impacted individuals will do the same.
Isolated Sailors and Crew will receive care from third-party medical providers on board until they can disembark and receive any additional treatment that may be needed.
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
Increased Crew uniform cleaning at our laundry facilities with the latest cleaning technology installed; high temperature cleaning that eradicates viruses and harmful bacteria that can live on clothing.
Required gloves and frequent hand washing for high risk areas of contamination like pre-health check terminal welcome areas, delivery areas, laundry and waste disposal areas.
Protecting our Crew who look after you through the use of masks and gloves, intense uniform cleaning, and extensive training and education around COVID-19 – from proper cleaning and disinfecting to care for those we look after.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Managing the arrival and disembarkation times of Sailors and Crew at the port terminals, so that necessary physical distancing is possible.
For all our Shore Things and at The Beach Club at Bimini, we only suggest activities on land that meet the sanitation or physical distancing requirements that we have on the ship.
After Sailing
Caring for each other extends beyond the time we sail together. In the instance that any of our Sailors or Crew become unwell after we return home, we want you to know we've got your back:
Aiming to set up a post-voyage notification process through which Sailors and Crew can inform us if becoming unwell within 14 days of leaving the ship (the COVID-19 incubation period).
Contacting Sailors and/or Crew who may have come in close contact with anyone who became unwell, so you can arrange any necessary follow-ups or care.
Each guest will receive a health screening prior to embarkation.
New pre-trip protocols for guests include a pre-departure questionnaire and a request to wear masks when traveling to and from the ships
Responsible Social Distancing
Staggered arrival and departure times at check-in and disembarkation in ports will reinforce proper social distancing between guests
Onboard
Increased Sanitation Measures
As part of the holistic strategy, guests will be asked to take care in practicing safe hygiene.
Every yacht will have the following areas sanitized regularly by dedicated crew trained and assigned to monitor and clean the ship by use of the improved sanitation products:
Guest rooms – Before each cruise departure
Public spaces – Lobbies, restrooms, open deck areas, restaurants, public sitting areas, etc., will all be disinfected before each cruise departure and then regularly during each cruise.
Crew quarters – To help the crew stay healthy, their environments will be cleaned and sanitized often.
Medical clinic and other wellness areas – Will be frequently sanitized
Facility Upgrades
Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to filter the air on board
Current CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities recommend HEPA filtration for recirculated air from patient isolation rooms in hospitals.
These filters are being installed in the HVAC systems on all Windstar yachts.
UV-C light for germicidal irradiation
Once air has moved through the HEPA filtration system, there is an opportunity to "zap" the air with UV-C light (also called germicidal irradiation) before the air recirculates on the ship. When air passes the UV-C light, microbes such as bacteria and viruses not trapped in the HEPA filter will be destroyed.
Germicidal irradiation is a solution that has been proven to kill coronaviruses.
Use EvaClean with PurTab for disinfecting surfaces via sprayers
This EPA-approved powerful sanitizer utilizes a safe and effective formula for disinfecting all types of hard and soft surfaces throughout the ship including guest rooms, crew spaces, and all public spaces.
It has been used for everything from lower-level sanitization required for food-contact surfaces to powerful infection control used in health care settings.
Food Service
Guests will find personalized service by dining staff in all venues, expanded dining times and seating arranged to provide more space between diners.
Main dining venues will operate at 65 percent capacity, while specialty venues will operate at 60 percent.
The popular outdoor, top-deck BBQ will still be held with crew on hand to serve guests.
Additional al fresco restaurants and complimentary room service (main restaurant dinner menu available via room service) increase dining options for all.
Crew Screening
Crew will receive a COVID-19 (PCR) test before joining their assignment.
Temperature measurements will be required twice daily for crew.
Responsible Social Distancing
Crew will wear masks and instead of the usual embrace or handshake, look for the new "Windstar Wave" hand signal – a W made with one's index fingers and thumbs.
Our popular Open Bridge policy will be adjusted to allow just a few guests into the space at once, on a schedule.
Enhanced Medical Resources
Windstar will expand medical staff on board and will carry viral swabs for testing as well as coordinate as necessary with local authorities to process the tests.
Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members
Increased crew training in cleaning practices, social distancing, and emergency response protocols.
Extended Ship to Shore Safety
Tenders, motor coaches and smaller boats will operate at 50 percent capacity and will be cleaned between each use.
Shore excursions have staggered embarkations and guests are encouraged to wear masks while out on excursions.
Please reach out should you have any questions about your upcoming trip.
Phone:
Email:
Information & details courtesy of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), www.cruising.org.
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