COVID-19 travel guide

Cruise lines are responding to changes in the industry due to COVID-19. When considering going on a cruise, please consult your healthcare provider and health, safety, and travel advisoriesOpens in a new window. It's important that you do your own research and make your own determination about whether travel at this time is right for you.

Here are some changes that you might encounter on your next cruise.

Versatile itineraries

Cruise lines may change existing itineraries to sail to destinations with ports that are welcoming cruise guests. They may monitor health maps and prepare to be nimble if they need to reroute or postpone sailings.

Health requirements before boarding

When cruise ships resume sailing, before you board, you may be required to provide proof that you are fit to travel that has been provided by a qualified treating physician. It is likely that crew members will need to meet stringent requirements, including testing negative for COVID-19.

Boarding

Cruise lines are planning to conduct mandatory health screenings at embarkation terminals prior to boarding. This may include temperature checks, enhanced health screening declarations and secondary screenings if necessary. Cruise terminals may also implement enhanced sanitisation practices.

Reduced capacity

Cruise lines may reduce the capacity of certain ships. A lower volume of passengers and crew members on board may help with health, safety, sanitisation and physical distancing measures. Vacant cabin zones may be established in cases of emergency.

Increased onboard sanitisation

Private and public areas of cruise ships may see an increase in the frequency of sanitisation schedules and procedures. Focus areas might include high-traffic locations such as common areas, general seating, passenger walkways and other shared amenities.

At the end of every cruise, crew members may clean the ship using designated cleaning supplies and heightened sanitisation procedures. However, we still encourage you to bring your own personal supply of sanitisation wipes if possible.

Adjustments in on-board service

You may notice the removal of self-service buffets and see more plated meals and individual containers, or service by professional food and beverage staff only. There may be more frequent sanitisation of tables, chairs, menus and other surfaces, as well as floor markers to promote social distancing while you wait.

Hygiene resources and products

Cruise lines may encourage guest and crew cleanliness in high-traffic areas by providing additional sanitisation stations, dispensers and hand-washing sinks at all dining venue entrances, shared amenities and public spaces. Cruise lines may also increase the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Some cruises will have health tips televised throughout the duration of the cruise.

Crew health and safety training

On-board staff are trained in first aid and public health policies. While health and safety have always been a primary focus, all crew members may receive additional training regarding maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.