VIKAND Solutions has revealed that the company had worked with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines and BUPA to provide COVID-19 PCR testing for a cruise on board ‘Borealis’.
‘Borealis’ undertook the UK’s first international cruise since the start of the COVID pandemic sailing to Iceland.
The cruise departed from Liverpool on 14th August and returned on 23rd August, 2021, carrying 765 guests.
“We are the first cruise line to complete an international sailing, which is a big milestone for both our business and our industry,” says Peter Deer, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines Managing Director.
“Wherever we are sailing in the world, the health and well being of our guests and crew remains our top priority. We have adopted a multi-layered approach, which includes establishing social bubbles and the wearing of masks whilst moving around inside the ship.
“Testing is a critical part of our approach. We value the support of VIKAND and BUPA to provide a safe and efficient service for our guests both on board and on their return home,” Deer added.
While supplying Fred.Olsen with PCR tests to comply with the UK’s pre-arrival testing requirements, VIKAND facilitated PCR tests through healthcare provider, BUPA, to further meet UK requirements for return testing.
“The simplicity of the return-testing solution BUPA, Fred. Olsen and VIKAND have engineered establishes a best practice template to meet COVID criteria and governmental guidance,” said Paul Morgan, VIKAND Vice President of Compliance and Quality Assurance.
“It is in VIKAND’s DNA to provide collaborative platforms to solve complex issues with our partners and clients to understand what they need and the most appropriate public health solution.”
Alaana Woods, BUPA Health Clinics Commercial Director, commented, “We’re very proud to be able to support Fred. Olsen on their first international cruise from the UK since the start of the pandemic.
“As the travel industry continues to open, it’s important that we safely manage return testing to ensure infection control. The PCR programme we’ve developed with Fred.Olsen and VIKAND does just this, allowing customers to enjoy their cruise experience,” she said.
‘Borealis’’ full itinerary included calls at Reykjavík, Ísafjör›ur, Eyjafjör›ur and Sey›isfjör›ur.
“The smaller size of our ships allows us to offer personal, attentive service,” Deer said.
“By working with BUPA and VIKAND, we have been able to provide two-day testing as our guests return home, taking away the hassle of organising these on their own thereby extending the personal service our guests have come to expect from us.”
