P&O Cruises & Cunard Reveal Enhanced Protocols

P&O Cruises and Cunard have today released individual frameworks of advanced protocols ahead of resuming sailing, supported by the UK Government; Department for Transport; Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association); EU Healthy Gateways and public health agencies.

Carnival Corporation, P&O Cruises and Cunard’s parent company, has worked with a number of world-leading experts to develop the enhanced protocols, with advisors coming from professional medical establishments around the globe.

The protocols, designed to enable a return to cruising, will see all guests subject to Covid-19 testing before boarding, with the possibility of temperature testing and health screening in port throughout voyages. Guests will also be required to complete a locator form at the end of their sailing to adhere to the UK Government’s Track and Trace initiative.

Other protocols set to be implemented by the two cruise lines include additional hand-washing and sanitising stations, pre-reserved tables in restaurants on board, and buffet and deck grill dishes served by waiting staff. Guest levels in pools, lounges, children’s clubs and other public venues will be closely monitored to allow for social distancing, while pre-booking may be introduced for certain activities.

Enhanced housekeeping standards will be employed across ships in both fleets, including in suites and staterooms, with guests will be asked not to be present in accommodation when it is being cleaned by stewards.

When it comes to days in port, guests will still be able to explore ashore in destinations around the world, though only on shore excursions organised and vetted by the cruise lines themselves for the time being.