While Australian cruising continues to wallow in the dark, TUI Cruises is resuming operations in Greece today, sailing the Mein Schiff 5 roundtrip from Crete.
Approximately 1,000 guests are slated to board today, according to TUI, and Mein Schiff 5 will depart tomorrow at 9.00 a.m., with Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, saying in a statement, “We have had to wait a long time for this moment, but now the time has come.”, adding, “The first departure of Mein Schiff 5 is scheduled for tomorrow”, and “When we hear the ship’s horn and our departure theme for the first time again, it will be an emotional moment not only for our guests but also for our crew.”
Harry Theoharis, Greek Minister of Tourism said, “We are certain that all passengers will once again enjo
y our unique Greek destinations and we are very happy to have assisted in this restart process.”
TUI Cruises already offered cruises around the Greek islands last September, on Mein Schiff 6, and also made shore excursions possible again for the first time, with on the current cruises around Greece, guests can go on excursions arranged or managed by the cruise line.
According to TUI Cruises Since July 2020, more than 80,000 guests have travelled with the Mein Schiff fleet, with the cruise line saying that with its health and hygiene concept, it has proved that safe and healthy travel onboard its ships is possible even in times of the coronavirus, with TUI adding that it offers its guests everything in a contained environment – “for relaxed and carefree travel at the highest safety level: from the mandatory COVID-19 test before they set off from home to a tried-and-tested hygiene and safety concept to protect guests and crew”, and, “Intentionally reduced capacities of a maximum of 60 percent, thus offering a very generous passenger-space ratio, and ensuring social distancing can be maintained at all times and everywhere on board.”
In the meantime due to the international travel ban, sadly Australians cannot travel to join these or any other cruises, apparently according to the Prime Minister until sometime in 2022.
A report by John Alwyn-Jones. Cruise Editor.
.jpg){kind=tracking}