The so-called “Lockdown2” could help get cruising from the UK back up and running, according to the boss of P&O Cruises.
Speaking at the launch of the line’s summer 2022 programme, president Paul Ludlow was asked if the national lockdown in England would be beneficial or just push the date of resumption back further.
He said: “If it [the lockdown] works, and the prevalence of the virus in the UK recedes, I think it will help. It will feel like the virus is under control, and that might lead to more chance of the [FCDO) travel advice [against cruise) evolving.”
Ludlow pointed out that it would need to coincide with better testing technology.
And he added: “The restart [of cruise) is informed by what is happening in the country at large. From the UK government’s perspective, they need to consider that at the moment – and we are about to go into another lockdown.”
Ludlow said it was impossible to predict anything given the constantly evolving situation, but said: “Do I think [a March restart] is still realistic? I don’t think it’s impossible.”
He said he didn’t technically have to make a call on whether to cancel cruises from March onwards until the New Year, but said: “If we do have to move it further out, I’d want to make that decision before the end of the year.”
Ludlow confirmed any resumption would take place with fewer guests on board.
“We could maintain social distancing right the way through to about 85% per cent capacity, but we may choose to operate them at a lower threshold than that at first. But a lot depends on the ship and where it’s going,” he said
“Each ship is laid out very differently and will have different pinch points. We need to study that and work out the flows.”
Ludlow also revealed that P&O Cruises was working on a new range of shore excursions where guests would be in a bubble that was an extension of the ship “for their health and well-being”.
He said the excursions would be at a lower price point initially.
