Princess Cruises is following sister brand P&O Cruises in requiring passengers on its UK coastal sailings this summer to be vaccinated.
The measure was confirmed today less than 24 hours after rival MSC Cruises revealed a series of British Isles cruises from May 20 where passengers will not need to be vaccinated.
Princess Cruises plans 22 departures from Southampton by Regal Princess and Sky Princess between July 31 and September 28 for UK residents only.
Unlike P&O Cruises, Princess plans stops at UK ports including Liverpool, Belfast and Greenock, with itineraries ranging from three to seven nights.
The ‘Summer Seacations’ will go on sale on March 24 at 8am with prices leading in at £539 per person for three nights and £999 for seven nights with up to three ports of call.
Travel insurance will be mandatory.
The line said: “Given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination programme, and strong expressed preference on the part of guests for this limited series of UK coastal cruises, these sailings on Regal Princess and Sky Princess will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated guests only.”
Passengers and crew will be required to follow enhanced health and well-being measures to protect everyone on board.
“These have been developed with guidance from our global medical and public health experts and scientists and in close coordination with UK government agencies,” the company added.
“These protocols include enhanced sanitisation measures, appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks in certain areas of the ship.
“Crew will also undergo a strict testing and quarantine regime as well as regular testing during their time on board.”
The protocols are subject to change, “as we will continue to work with our experts and with government bodies to ensure all of our practices evolve in line with latest advice, with our primary focus always being to protect the health and wellbeing of our crew, guests and the communities we visit”.
Regal Princess will run 14 UK cruises from July 31 until September 23, while Sky Princess will offer eight departures, running from August 30 until September 28.
UK and Europe vice president Tony Roberts said: “With Princess Cruises, the ship is also the destination. Guests can make the most of our multiple dining options, order food and drink poolside, using the MedallionClass app, that can be delivered to you, and enjoy fantastic entertainment both day and night.
“Rather than a traditional UK-based staycation, these resort-style seacations offer the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some time off.
“We believe that these cruises will appeal to both our loyal guests who are eager to get back onboard our beautiful MedallionClass ships and holidaymakers looking to experience Princess for the first time.
“While international travel remains uncertain, these new cruises mean that UK residents can take a well-deserved holiday around the UK.
“We are also delighted that our new cruises will offer the choice between scenic voyages and port-of-call itineraries where guests can visit the historic UK cities of Liverpool, Belfast and Glasgow.”