Its Cruising Jim, but Not as We Know It….

…but Don’t Worry, its still Great!

Cruising is Back With UK Coastal Cruises - So what is different?

All information correct at time of writing (but as we know, things can change very quickly). Please check with cruise lines or travel agent for up to date advice.

Once the last cruise ship at sea returned her passengers to dry land, cruising appeared to be a thing of the past. Whilst cruising continued in parts of the world during the pandemic, for most it was inaccessible. Ghost ships were moored offshore, almost taunting us. Many of us had cruises rescheduled several times before they were ultimately cancelled and we had to deal with the resulting disappointment on top of everything else. The future of cruising was in jeopardy with ne’er sayers predicting the unthinkable.

cruise ships side by side.jpg — Cruising is back

As good as ever, but a little bit different

We hardy cruisers never lost faith however, and kept flying the insignia! Well, now we are having our faith rewarded; finally there is some light at the end of the tunnel - for British seafarers at least - and the cruise drought is nearly over. Maybe we can’t sail all seven seas just yet, and the turquoise of the Caribbean Sea is just a distant memory (or a lovely daydream), but many of us have the opportunity to regain our sea-legs this summer.

UK Cruising is Back

Following the huge success of the U.K. vaccine programme, and with a proposed roadmap out of lockdown insight, many cruise lines have announced short coastal cruises around the U.K. Additionally, as US cruising is still in the doldrums, there are even more options sailing from our home ports - including some rarely available, such as Disney Cruise Line. The U.K. is also seeing many new ships opting to begin their much-delayed maiden seasons in our waters.

For guests desperate to cruise again, this really is good news, and it is an ideal time to try a new cruise line or ship that you maybe wouldn’t have done otherwise. Pricing is great too so lots of value for money out there - even on maiden voyages so you could maybe afford a different level of cabin and whilst there are generally no ports of call, this is a fabulous opportunity to really get to know the ship. Of course, experienced cruisers will no doubt notice some changes to their onboard experience.

Cruising - What’s Different?

Inevitably, there are considerable caveats to cruise lines being granted permission to resume sailing.

Embarkation

You will be required to wear masks throughout the embarkation process. Embarkation times will be staggered (and adhered to) to maximise social distancing. You will need to show the required evidence (vaccination record and/or negative test result) before being permitted to check in. Your temperature will be taken and quite in some instances another PCR test administered Only if this too is negative will you be able to board.

Your luggage will be sanitised too ( ‘misted’ with antibac solution) to ensure that no nasties are taken aboard on their surfaces.

Cruise Health & Safety Protocols

Firstly, with most cruise lines, these initial cruises are for fully vaccinated U.K. guests only, which means sadly that this is likely to preclude younger cruisers and families (although the vaccine is swiftly being rolled out) or those who are ineligible for vaccination, such as children. However, there are a very few lines who will accept unvaccinated guests with evidence of a recent negative test, namely MSC Cruises (who will offer a PCR test on embarkation), Fred Olsen and Hurtigruten Cruises (at time of writing I believe these are currently the only ones).

Tests

In addition to evidence of vaccination, you will also need to show a recent negative Covid19 Test - either PCR or lateral flow. This varies between companies, as does whose responsibility it is to pay for the tests. Currently Virgin Voyages are saying ‘Sailors’ (guests) bear the cost (although they have yet to finalise their testing requirements), whereas Princess Cruises and MSC for example cover the cost of the test, which will be done on arrival for embarkation, whilst P&O Cruises are happy for you to self test provided you are vaccinated. It is worth reading the small print of your chosen line, Before committing as the cost of a test for the whole of your party could be costly. The cheapest PCR test I’ve found is around £100 so could add significantly to the cost of what is effectively a short break, especially for a larger family.

Periodic testing and regular contactless temperature testing is likely to be carried out throughout your time on board. Just remember, although unusual, it is for your own reassurance and safety.

Insurance

Travel/Health insurance is an absolute necessity (but should be whenever you cruise). Check out the level of cover required by your cruise line, as it may differ from previously. Most require specific Covid cover including repatriation cover. If you have an annual Policy it’s worth checking whether this has changed.

Capacity

Capacity onboard has had to be considerably reduced - more than halved in most cases. The current U.K. guidelines state that a cruise line can have a maximum capacity of 1000 or 50%, whichever is the least. This may feel quite strange, particularly on larger vessels who have capacity for over 6000 guests, such as MSC Virtuosa or Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, but on the bright side there will be no queues and plenty of space. Whether or not this will impact dining, bars or entertainment is yet to be seen (as in whether different venues will be on a rota of opening).

Masks/Social Distancing

There willl be heightened sanitation and hygiene protocols put in place with hand gel stations throughout and as part of that, masks will probably need to be worn in public areas such as entertainment venues, restaurants, bars (when you leave your seats) - even around the pools potentially (although MSC don’t seem to require masks outside, so others may relax this), and social distancing employed in theatres etc. Again this varies by cruise line (MSC for example rely on social distancing so mask wearing isn’t as prescriptive). Capacity in theatres and show lounges has been reduced and may result in times for shows being allocated or on a first come first served basis, and maybe even the introduction of matinee performances. New technology on some ships (Princess for example) will allow you to check seating on your cabin TV). Although with reduced capacity on board many will still be able to offer guests the normal performances just socially distanced around the venue.

Dining

Dining rooms will be socially distanced and masks possibly worn to and from your table. There will be no self-serve buffets but the same delicious food will be available to be served to you. Gone are paper menus generally - you can usually check the menus on your cabin tv or on a mobile device.

Going Ashore

The ships are generally not allowed to dock, apart from a few dropping anchor at selected U.K. ports. Even then guests will only be permitted to disembark on escorted tours, for which there will be a charge. this does seem a little ridiculous given that you are allowed to travel freely on land between locations in the U.K. However, it that’s what it takes to get cruising back up and running, so be it.

However, such is the demand for a return to cruising, even these minor obstacles will not deter us serial cruisers.

Is Cruising Still Enjoyable?

Short answer - ABSOLUTELY!

Nothing fundamental about a cruise has changed. The excitement of boarding is still palpable; the crew are still as smiley and welcoming; your cabin is just as comfortable, and the food still as plentiful and delicious. The changes are those you find in everyday life and are soon forgotten as being anything but the norm as you settle into your hotel at sea. In fact in many ways the experience of cruising is enhanced - fewer people so no fighting over a sunbed. More relaxed sea days on which to explore the ship means you can find time to do things you may not do otherwise onboard - perhaps joining in daytime activities, visiting the spa or (on MSC) even driving an F1 car (OK simulator - but still cool, no?). You will experience fewer disappointments when trying to book popular activities like North Star on Royal Caribbean’ Anthem of the Seas. Plus there will be more opportunities to get to know your fellow guests and crew.

If you’ve been hesitating about booking a cruise post-Covid, then I hope you have been reassured. Below are a list of coastal getaways coming up - more detail can be found in my Related post.

UK Staycation Cruises & Coastal Getaways 2021

The following cruise lines have announced Summer UK Coastal Cruises for the summer of 2021 (sea days only). Such is our desperation to get back to sea and some normality, these are selling out fast - check out my related post HERE for dates and prices.