The European Union released guidelines for the resumption of
cruising, which include onboard separation by age group, reduced
capacity and Covid testing of all passengers.
And, the EU says that cruise lines must have a written contingency
plan for a Covid-19 outbreak and be able to arrange for necessary
medical treatment, repatriation and shoreside quarantine of any
passenger or crew member who comes into close contact with an infected
person.
CLIA called the guidance “an important marker in the possible
resumption of cruising in Europe.” CLIA said it has been actively
engaged in the development of the guidelines, which will “provide
another level of trust for our customers and crew.”
The document calls for passengers in high-risk groups (such as those
65 and older) to consult a doctor to assess their fitness to travel
before cruising. Additionally, the guidance suggests that activities and
services onboard cruise ships be “organised according to age group, so
that older individuals are separated from other age groups.” This
applies to crew members as well, with the suggestion that those in
high-risk groups could work in positions where there is little or no
interaction with others.
The guidelines say “cruise lines could consider” testing all incoming
passengers for Covid-19 before boarding and routine health monitoring
(including Covid tests) for all crew.
The EU recommends reduced onboard capacity to allow for physical
distancing and the quarantining of passengers and crew in case there is a
need. It also recommends that cruise lines start out with short voyages
(three to seven days) when returning to service, perhaps limiting the
number of port visits.
Hygiene measures should include the wearing of face masks by both
passengers and crew, the elimination of handshaking and the presence of
hand-sanitiser stations throughout the ship. The guidance also calls for
ventilation to provide as much outside air as possible.
Cruise ships cabins should not have any item that cannot be cleaned
and disinfected between cabin occupancies, such as menus, magazines,
coffee or tea packaging and mini-bar products. The EU suggests that a
disposable cover be placed on remote controls to facilitate proper
disinfection unless they can be adequately cleaned.
The guidance extends to shore excursions, with the EU suggesting that
tour operators implement physical distancing and follow cleaning and
disinfection protocols.