International Cruises from England should get the green light after more than a year.
That Transport Secretary announced that the UK government has “confirmed the restart of international cruises and flexible testing programs to support key workers and fuel our economic recovery”.
Grant Shapps said, “Whether you are a family or a business, this is an advancement we can all enjoy.”
The Ministry of Transport (DfT) stated that international cruise Crossings could be resumed from England in accordance with Public Health England guidelines.
“The travel advice for international cruises is changed to encourage travelers to understand the risks associated with cruises and to take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad,” said the DfT.
To further support the safe restart of international cruise traffic, the government and the cruise industry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help the industry rebuild from Covid-19 while protecting UK nationals from future pandemic-related disruptions.
The Federal Foreign Office (FCDO) has had a general warning against cruises abroad for 16 months since March 2020.
The previous advice was: “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is currently advising against cruise ship travel. This is due to the ongoing pandemic and based on medical advice from Public Health England.
“Cruise travel means spending at least one night on an ocean-going cruise ship with people from several households.
“Our recommendation against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, offers overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools.”
However, this notice has now been removed for cruises from England; It remains unclear when the same could apply to the other decentralized nations of the United Kingdom.
Domestic cruises around the UK will resume from May 17th.
P&O Cruises started a series of three- and four-day “trips to nowhere” – without ports of call – end of June. Instead, the company announced that the captain would try to bet on sunny weather.
Only fully vaccinated travelers were allowed to book the crossings.
