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Uniworld working with virus expert to plan return

Uniworld River Cruises is working with a German virus expert to identify ways in which it can begin operations when restrictions on travel are lifted.

The line’s chief executive Ellen Bettridge said measures being considered include introducing plastic shields and gloves for front desk staff, separating luggage during changeovers, using mobile phones as key cards and providing set dining reservation plans to ensure social distancing.

Speaking to Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley during a Clia river cruise webinar, Bettridge said she was communicating with her teams regularly about return plans, in addition to working with the German consultant who is an expert on cruising.

She said: “Things are going to be different. We don’t have all the answers but we have got some really good ideas about how we know we can operate and how we can keep our crew and customers safe.”

She added: “We don’t what the rules are going to be, but these are things we are talking through that we believe we might be able to make happen.”

Bettridge said river cruising may have an advantage over its ocean counterpart when restrictions are lifted, citing the smaller size of vessels and their proximity to land as two points in its favour.

She also envisages a gradual reintroduction of ships, starting with those operating in single countries, and said some itineraries which include cross-border journeys may change during the reintroduction period.

Asked about marketing plans to stimulate future bookings, she said: “Most of our passengers are rebooking for 2021, so we feel confident about next year, but there will always be offers and we will put our best foot forward when we first go out to invigorate the market and get people excited about cruising again.”

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