In line with Grant Shapps’ recent announcement regarding covid rules for air travel, passengers arriving in England via a cruise after 4am on Friday (18 March) will no longer need to take any Covid-19 tests before or after travel.

Guests will also no longer need to fill in a passenger locator form prior to travel. The new regulations apply to all passengers, regardless of vaccination status.

In a statement on Monday (14 March), the UK Department for Transport said: "You also will not need to quarantine when you arrive, in line with current rules.

"If you will arrive in England before 4am, 18 March, you must follow the current rules as set out in the travel to England guidance."

Meanwhile, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lowered its cruise threat level from "high" to "moderate". 

The previous "high" category – or Level 3 – advised all travellers to be fully vaccinated before cruising and suggested non-vaccinated travellers avoid cruise ships altogether.

It also advised those at risk of severe illness, regardless of vaccination status, to avoid cruise travel. 

Although the current "moderate" category – or Level 2 – still recommends guests are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations before cruising, guidance now states only those who are both at risk of severe illness and not fully vaccinated should avoid cruise ships.