Cruise lines tighten coronavirus precautions

Cruise lines have adopted the new measures for guests and crew, which build on the measures first introduced on 31 January.

They include denying boarding to people who have recently travelled through or from Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macao, within 14 days of embarkation.

Boarding is also being denied to anybody who has within 14 days of embarkation had “contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to Covid-19”.

Cruise lines will also continue to use pre-departure measures, including enhanced screening and medical support for anybody exhibiting symptoms of expected coronavirus.

Clia stressed the new measures would allow for “informed decisions on a case-by-case basis” to decide whether guests and crew will be permitted to board the ship.

“These measures, while more restrictive than our previously announced enhanced protocols enacted on 31 January, are intended to reflect the industry’s commitment to ensuring necessary precautions are in place as the situation continues to evolve,” said Clia in a statement

“This is an ongoing challenge for many sectors, including the cruise industry. However, it is important to note that cruise lines have extensive experience monitoring the health of passengers, providing care as needed, and responding as necessary to evolving circumstances.

Clia stressed that the current regime for dealing with coronavirus would continue to be closely monitored.

“Clia and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to the coronavirus and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew,” said the association.