A framework has been developed to help cruise companies build health and safety protocols in a “vital first step” towards the return of sailings out of the UK following the pause of sailings as a result of Covid-19.
The UK Chamber of Shipping has worked with the cruise industry over more than six months to produce the framework, which lines can tailor to their ships and itineraries.
Maritime minister Robert Courts said the agreement was “an important step forward to allow cruises to prepare to set sail”.
The framework was produced by the UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) after collaboration with cruise operators, industry partners, and health experts. They say it will help inform the restart of the cruise industry “when the time is right” and public health conditions allow.
More than 88,000 jobs are supported by the UK cruise industry, which generates £10 billion for the economy annually. It has been paused since March and there is currently no restart date for the sector, with the Foreign Office advising against ocean cruise ship travel as it stands.
The UK Chamber of Shipping, Clia and operators say the health and wellbeing of passengers and crew is the top priority but say they are working with government on a return strategy.
UK Chamber of Shipping chief executive Bob Sanguinetti said: “The cruise sector is a vital part of the UK economy. This new UK Chamber of Shipping Framework gives the government, passengers, crew and operators the confidence that the very latest science and medical advice has been included in the industry’s planning process.
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“A huge amount of time and effort has gone into this work and the new documents, which are fully supported by the sector, is a testament to the commitment of all concerned to protect the health and well-being of cruisers, seafarers and the public. We are not talking about restarting the sector tomorrow, but it is a vital first step in the process to get cruises sailing again when conditions allow and government guidance changes.”
Andy Harmer, director of Clia UK and Ireland, said: “This is the culmination of extensive dialogue and collaboration by representatives from across the maritime sector working together with government and national health authorities.
“The rigour and detailed planning that has gone into these framework documents demonstrates the commitment of the cruise industry to caring for public health and upholding a robust and uniform set of safety measures. This is an industry that supports more than 88,000 jobs and generates £10 billion to the economy each year and the industry is taking the necessary steps to be ready to restart in the UK when the time is right.”
Courts added: “Our cruise industry has been hit hard by Covid-19 and the government has worked alongside the sector to prepare for a safe and successful restart.
“This industry framework puts passengers and workers at its heart and is an important step forward to allow cruises to prepare to set sail when safe to do so.”
The documents for cruise operators and crew advise on what measures should be considered and implemented on board for the safety of crew and passengers. They also detail how cruise lines should communicate with passengers from the time of booking, traveling from their home, to a port, embarkation and throughout the voyage.
Similar information is laid out in detail for seafarers. The passenger guidance provides passengers advice on necessary considerations to be aware of before booking, and information of what to expect, including measures they will need to adhere to throughout the cruise.
Simon Palethorpe, president of P&O Cruises and Cunard parent Carnival UK, said: “Today, the UK government has recognised the huge efforts the cruise industry is making in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as a framework for the cruise industry is published.
“This, in turn, is enabling us to develop new and enhanced protocols to protect the health of everyone on board our ships.”
He described the framework as being “the culmination of months of hard work and collaboration between the global cruise industry, health experts and UK government bodies at the very highest level”.
Palethorpe added: “The framework has led to the ongoing development of P&O Cruises and Cunard protocols which will protect the health and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities we visit and will enable our guests to book a holiday with P&O Cruises and Cunard with the confidence that we will be looking after them even before they step on board.
“We will be publishing these in the near future and they will cover the time guests book their holiday; just before they travel; boarding at the terminal; their holiday with us; exploring the destinations and once they return home.
“These will be continuously evaluated and adjusted as the scientific understanding of Covid-19 improves so our guests can be sure that they reflect the very latest guidance.
“They will demonstrate our uncompromising commitment to ensuring our guests have the most wonderful holiday with us, with the reassurance that from a public health perspective we are doing the right thing, at all times.
“Although this does not mean an imminent return to service, when the time is right we very much look forward to seeing our guests on board our ships.”
James Cole, founder and managing director of Panache Cruises, said: “It’s pleasing to hear positive news coming from the cruise lines and official bodies this week that the UK’s return to cruising is building in momentum.
“There is a growing pent up demand for UK holidaymakers to take to the water again and when there is a return, I am confident that the sector will respond well.”
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