The organisation, which represents 95% of ocean-going cruise capacity, is claiming a world first in testing all those who board its vessels before embarkation.

Other measures include: 

* Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew on-board plus during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.

* Physical distancing in terminals, on ships, private islands and during shore excursions.

* Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air. Where feasible, this will employ enhanced filter systems.

* Response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, cabin capacity allocated for isolation and advance arrangements for shore-side quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation.

In addition, shore excursions will only be permitted according to rules, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.

Christos Hadjichristodoulou, professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the University of Thessaly said: “What we have seen is that when procedures are in place and they are rigorously followed, the risk is minimized.

"The core elements of the approach developed by the cruise industry which adopt scientific evidence-based EU guidelines for Covid-19, go further than I have seen in almost any other industry.”

Clia president and chief executive Kelly Craighead added: “Based on what we are seeing in Europe and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for the return of limited sailings from the US before the end of this year.”