The Spanish government published an order which extends the current ban “until the end of the coronavirus crisis”. However, there is no specific time table given the nebulous nature of such a time scale.
“In the case of cruises, recreational passenger ships whose voyage lasts several days or weeks and makes stops at various ports to allow tourism visits, if a case of COVID-19 occurs in one of these ships it could have a great impact on the health of the population, since they are closed places where hundreds or thousands of people of diverse characteristics, share spaces and activities in a very close way and in which the probability of transmission of diseases is high.
“In this case, the risk is not only linked to the origin of the passengers, who may come from risk areas, but especially those intrinsic conditions of the habitability and routines of the passengers on the ship.”
The measure will remain in force until the end of the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19, according to Royal Decree-Law 21/2020, of June 9, for the ‘new normality’ that includes preventive measures, containment and coordination to face the health crisis.
The order says the director general of the Merchant Marine may lift the prohibition at the request of State Ports and in agreement with the Ministry of Health “for specific ship entrances or for a set of them as part of an itinerary through one or more ports”.
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The circumstances in which this may apply have not been specified.
Other Spain holiday bookings have soared, as a travel company reports biggest Saturday sales ever.
Today, some travel companies have said they’ve seen their biggest Saturday sales ever.
Spain-holiday.com, which is the third biggest holiday rental website in Spain, has reported having a record-breaking Saturday morning in terms of bookings today.
She continued: “We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business.
“Nevertheless, we apologise for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions,” Duffy said in the letter.
On its website, Carnival clarified that all of the below sailings would be cancelled:
All San Francisco sailings through 2020.
All Carnival Sunrise sailings through and including October 19, 2020.
All Carnival Legend sailings through and including October 30, 2020.
All Carnival Radiance sailings through and including November 1, 2020.
All Carnival Spirit Alaska, Hawaii, & Trans-Pacific sailings through and including October 6, 2020.
All Other Ships sailings through and including September 30, 2020.
Additional reporting by Rita Sobot