Virgin Voyages is to require all guests and crew on board its ships to be vaccinated before boarding when cruising resumes.
The adult-only start-up line, which had to delay its first sailings due to Covid-19, is scheduled to begin sailing in the US in May.
Its stance on vaccines follows a similar announcement from over-50s specialist Saga, which reported “overwhelming” support for its policy, announced in January, that all guests must be vaccinated before boarding.
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Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive of Virgin Voyages, said: “Our goal is to ensure that we’re providing the safest travel experience which means vaccinations for both our crew and passengers.
“The is a step towards the safe return to sailing and is the right decision for Virgin Voyages. We’re really encouraged by the latest rollout plans in the May time frame from the new administration, and we know the future is about vaccinations.
“We’re an adult-only cruise line which allows for us to offer a highly controlled, safe environment for everyone on board.
“Our business makes us uniquely set up to do this with testing and vaccine travel requirements. There’s a huge pent-up demand for travel and Virgin Voyages will be ready to welcome you aboard soon.”