SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream 1 stopped to pick up passengers on Monday (19 October) for a transatlantic voyage to the Caribbean.
The 112-guest vessel welcomed 19 passengers, following strict health protocols – including the use of coronavirus testing 72 hours before embarking and immediately before boarding, alongside "extensive cleaning and sanitation regimes".
In addition, all crew members are certified for the WHO’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for novel coronavirus course and Covid-19 Contact tracing course from Johns Hopkins University.
SeaDream 1 had previously called at Oslo and Rotterdam en route to the UK as part of a 21-day trip to Bridgetown in Barbados.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Portsmouth port said it had “implemented enhanced protocols” including a reconfigured terminal layout to maximise social distancing and was the UK’s first port to install a thermal imaging camera.
Operations on Monday followed the UK Chamber of Shipping’s recently released cruise restart framework.
Head of operations Ian Diaper said: “It’s testament to everyone’s hard work that SeaDream was confident to use Portsmouth as the first UK port to manage a turnaround call since sailings were suspended.
“It was great to see a cruise ship in the port once more and pleased to see operations go to plan. We’re experienced at managing passengers in a Covid secure way, with ferry sailings taking place regularly since July following strict protocols.
“This had given us insight for what’s required and we’re ready to help the industry recover when cruise returns to its full capacity.”
