UK cruises will be back on the agenda this summer as England’s lockdown roadmap is set to allow domestic crossings to restart on May 17th at the earliest.

As a result, there are a number of Cruise lines offering UK crossings this summer mainly between June and September – and some are too already sold out.

Of course, given the ongoing pandemic, there will be some changes in the way cruises are operated for guests.

Under the new rules published by the government, domestic cruises will initially only be allowed to have up to 1,000 passengers or 50% capacity, whichever is lower.

What do cruise vacations look like for those who have booked?

We answer your biggest questions, from whether you need a Covid-19 vaccine to get on board, to what facilities are actually open.

Check out the guide below …

Do I have to be vaccinated?

According to P&O Cruises, passengers must be vaccinated in order to board their summer cruises

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It depends on the cruise line you are sailing with. Some companies like P&O Cruises, Saga and Princess Cruises have stated that you must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to board their ships. (This means you have received two doses of any of the approved vaccines, usually at least a week or two before you travel).

However, not all cruise lines take the same stance. For example, MSC Cruises will accept both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests as long as they have a negative PCR test result before boarding.

Some cruise lines such as TUI’s Marella Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean require guests over the age of 18 to be fully vaccinated, while those under the age of 18 must present a negative PCR test result in order to board.

Will there be social distancing?

Social distancing will be there – but you can use facilities like pools

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The cruises follow UK guidelines, which means that currently the six or two household rule applies to all interiors – regardless of whether or not you originally booked with the same group.

It is to be hoped, however, that by June 21st all limits of social contact can be lifted. That means that for those sailing after that date, you can mingle with other households and more than six people.

What will be open on board?

A West End style show with a dance troupe and spotlights on a cruise ship theater

Theater shows will be back

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For example, in the next phase of the UK roadmap starting May 17, indoor restaurants and activities can reopen.

For this reason, cruise lines plan to offer all the usual amenities on board, including restaurants, pools, shops, water parks, as well as cinemas and even theaters on board with live shows and entertainment.

Activities are offered as usual, although there is social distancing, which means that in some cases you may need to make a reservation.

Where can ships go – and will there be excursions?

Hymn of the seas

Hymn of the seas

The government has defined a domestic cruise as a crossing that “departs from and returns to British ports”. It adds that ships “can only visit UK port calls and carry residents from the UK and the Common Travel Area (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Ireland)”. (You can read more about it gov.uk. ).

Most of the itineraries offered will sail through England, but some offer calls to the British Isles and some ports in Scotland.

It is worth noting that in most cases the itineraries do not include shore excursions. Most cruises allow you to stay on the ship for the entire voyage. However, a handful of companies will offer some stopovers – MSC is already planning some shore excursions.

What about cruise vacation abroad?

Children play in a pool on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Cruise holidays are back in fashion for families too

At this time, non-essential overseas travel in the UK continues to be blocked. In England it is planned to continue the journey in the summer as part of a traffic light system. The countries are on green, amber or red lists, which set out the requirements for quarantine and testing when you get back to the UK.

As part of this, the Global Travel Taskforce has announced that the cruise vacation can resume.

However, this will depend on a number of factors including the success of domestic cruises restart. So we don’t have a confirmed appointment yet.

Are you planning a cruise vacation this year when the restrictions are lifted? Let us know in the comments below.