What New Health Protocols Are Cruise Lines Introducing?

(1:10 p.m EDT) — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress around the world, cruise lines are rolling out detailed health and safety protocols that will allow them to safely resume service.

For experienced cruisers, these measures represent a significant departure from the way cruising has been over the past few years, with some lines electing to require masks, eliminate buffet service and self-serve table snacks, and introduce social distancing measures that will alter — but not destroy — many of the onboard features that passengers know and love.

Cruise Critic has compiled a list of currently available, confirmed health policies by the cruise lines listed below, although as of late May, river cruise lines have released more concrete changes. Additional cruise lines will be added as detailed health and safety measures are announced.

At a minimum, these measures all include adherence to social-distancing protocols of 6 feet (2 meters) apart from other guests; stringent disinfection procedures; and enhanced health screenings both at embarkation and onboard.

For a list of when cruise lines are expected to resume service, click here.

OCEAN CRUISE LINES

Bahamas Paradise: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will reduce capacity on its ships by 40 percent, introduce new online check-in procedures, fogging empty cabins and cleaning occupied ones regularly, washing and disinfecting linens at high temperatures, limiting capacity of shops and entertainment venues to 50 percent capacity and eliminating air recirculation onboard all vessels. Full details of all procedures can be found here: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Safety Measures.

CroisiEurope: Buffet service will be discontinued for lunch and dinner, replaced with two seatings featuring menu-driven options. Masks, hand sanitizer and gloves will be available upon request. Guests are encouraged to use masks on shore excursions and QuietVox wireless audio systems to facilitate social distancing while on guided tours. For more information, visit Croisi Europe Enhanced Hygeine Measures.

Genting: The popular Asia-based cruise operator was one of the first lines to publicly announce health and safety protocols back in April for its Dream Cruises and Star Cruises brands. This includes new boarding procedures, crowd-control measures, elimination of self-service buffets, and mandatory doctor’s notes required for cruisers over 70 years of age.

More information:

• Dream Cruises: Dream Cruises Travel Advisory Updates
• Star Cruises: Star Cruises Health Advisory.

Windstar Cruises: In addition to health and temperature screenings at embarkation and enhanced sanitization procedures, Windstar will be staggering arrivals and departures to its yachts to promote social distancing, while expanded dining times throughout venues onboard will further reduce crowding. More information here: Windstar Cruises Health And Safety.

RIVER CRUISE LINES

A-ROSA: A-ROSA will require passengers on its river cruises to wear face masks while in public areas, except when seated for meals and while outdoors. The line also mandates that passengers practice social distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) at all times while onboard. More information here: A-ROSA Travel Information

American Cruise Lines: The line has implemented a touchless check-in and boarding process, along with a 25 percent reduction in capacity. ACL will also allow for more time in between cruises to allow for a full sanitization of the vessel. Buffets will be eliminated, public washrooms will be closed, capacity will be reduced during mealtimes, and tables used only once per sitting. Those who have traveled internationally within 14 days of their voyages will be denied boarding. Read more here: American Cruise Line Health And Safety

American Queen Steamboat Company: American Queen Steamboat Company has partnered with Ochsner Health of Louisiana to introduce new procedures, including pre-cruise medical questionnaires and temperature checks, random screenings at the gangway, hourly sanitation of high-touch surfaces, reduction in passengers onboard buses and more. Full details can be found here: AQSC Health And Safety

Avalon Waterways: Avalon will reduce the overall capacity of each of its riverboats to encourage social distancing, introduce hourly disinfection of public areas and eliminate buffet and self-serve food options. Masks are available and passengers are encouraged to use them for safety drills and disembarking the vessel before tours. Full details can be found here: Avalon Assurance

CroisiEurope: Buffet service will be discontinued for lunch and dinner, replaced with two seatings featuring menu-driven options. Masks, hand sanitizer and gloves will be available upon request. Passengers are encouraged to use masks on shore excursions and QuietVox wireless audio systems to facilitate social distancing while on guided tours. For more information, visit Croisi Europe Hygeine Procedures

Scylla AG (for Tauck): Scylla is the only river cruise operator to prohibit the use of elevators onboard its riverboats; an important consideration for cruisers with mobility issues to take into account. An onboard doctor will accompany all journeys. More information can be found here (PDF): Scylla Health Protocols

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: Uniworld has introduced set meal times, eliminated buffet service and has discontinued self-service snacks, which will now be served by crew. Masks are available on buses and in cabins for guests, payments are now contactless, and books, magazines and brochures have been removed. Full details can be found here: Uniworld Health And Safety