Before returning to service, many cruise lines and travel partners are working to establish new and enhanced health and safety procedures and protocols in line with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recommendations, a major travel agency said.
UK travel agency, ROL Cruises, pointed out that Cruise lines already have medical facilities and doctors on board, they also undertake pre-screening, and are used to cleaning and sanitisation, but they are now adjusting to what will be a new way of travel.
The cruise industry has always had the ability to adapt, and by taking advice from public health authorities, cruise lines are implementing ways in which they can keep guests and crew safe at sea.
ROL Cruises has highlighted some of the new and enhanced health and safety procedures cruise lines are implementing.
Understanding & Knowledge
*Every crew member undergoes a health check and has completed WHO’s official COVID-19 course for hygiene procedures and infection management.
*As normal service resumes, the overall number of guests on board will be reduced, giving plenty of space on board.
*Before embarkation, guests will be required to hand in a health questionnaire, which ensures their safety as well as other passengers and crew.
*Crew have thorough first aid training and can quickly contact healthcare professionals should any medical need arise.
Strict cleaning practices on board
*Gloves, face masks and small bottles of hand sanitisers will be readily available for each guest.
*Each ship will have a new team dedicated to ensuring areas are continually cleaned and disinfected.
*Sanitising dispensers will be placed at the entrance to the ship and in other strategic locations on board.
*Any on board payments are processed using a contactless payment method and credit card machines will be wiped after each pin entry.
*Housekeeping staff disinfect all public area touch points and hot spots throughout the day, including all handrails and door handles.
*All staterooms and suites are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis.
*All air conditioning filters are cleaned and disinfected on each embarkation day before guests arrive.
Food Service
*More seating sessions for dining will be added so there will be fewer people having their meals at the same time.
*Instead of self-service buffets, waiter staff will serve food directly on an individual’s plate.
*The kitchens will continue to uphold their normal high standards of hygiene and quality.
Excursions
*Transportation is cleaned and wiped with disinfectant before each use.
*The maximum occupancy per coach/bus has been adjusted to reduce the total number of people together at any one time.
*Face masks are also available on the transportation in addition to guests rooms on board.
