Cruise holidays have been sorely missed by many Britons during the coronavirus crisis. Keen cruisers are eager to set sail once again – but when will this be? Channel 4 documentary Luxury Holidays: How To Get Away From It All, which aired last week, explored just this.
“There’s the ports that have to be in agreement to have ships come in. There are all the different maritime authorities.
“There’s the issue of whether borders are open, and then there’s the issue of government advice.”
However, Bryant hopes for a summer return for cruises.
“July is hopeful for quite a lot of mainstream cruise lines getting going again in Europe,” she explained.
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“But lots of the very small cruise lines are a bit more agile so they’re able to do things like operate down the coast of Croatia or start up in Scotland where there’s quite a lot of different cruise lines now.”
Cruise ships attracted negative attention last year after a number were turned into floating quarantine hotels following Covid outbreaks onboard.
However, cruise companies are going to great lengths to ensure passengers and crew are safe now.
“There is a massive long list of measures that cruise lines are implementing now to make the ships safe,” said Bryant.
“Medical grade air conditioning is being installed, sanitiser everywhere, special cleaning materials – so sanitising all the public spaces and the cabins with UV light.
“Social distancing measures – all cruise ships this summer, and for the foreseeable future, will not be sailing full.
“There will always be spare cabins and cabins are set aside for isolation, should that have to happen.”
Cruise ship travel is currently banned by the Government.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against cruise ship travel at this time,” states the latest guidance.
“This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.
“If you have future cruise travel plans, contact your cruise line, travel operator, or the travel company you booked with, for further advice.”
The Government adds: “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office continues to support the Department for Transport’s work with industry for the resumption of international cruise travel.”