Media in the UK is awash with the very exciting news that UK MP and Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has confirmed, initially via a tweet, that England has given the green light to international cruising from England to be lifted from 2 August, this year.
Shapps wrote “We’re also able to confirm the restart of international cruises”.
This is a significant change to the UK government’s advice against with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office having advised against international cruises since July last year, with change in advice though currently only applying to England and not other parts of the UK.
A statement from the Department for Transport said, “Following the close monitoring of epidemiological evidence, gained through the restart of the domestic cruise industry earlier this year, the UK government has also confirmed the go ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance”.
The Department added, “International cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad.”
Carnival UK president Simon Palethorpe said, “it marks the beginning of a new start”, adding, “We are delighted that the work done by the cruise industry over the past 18 months has been recognised and we are now able to resume international cruising”, and “Whilst our guests are so pleased to be back on board for the current series of UK coastal cruises there is certainly demand to travel abroad with us, knowing they have the reassurance of our health protocols”.
He also said, “It has been an exceptionally difficult and challenging time for the global cruise industry but this news marks the beginning of a new start and one which will be welcomed by our crew, our guests and the UK economy.”
P&O Cruises UK President Paul Ludlow said that the cruise line is “absolutely delighted”, adding, “The Britannia has been sailing UK coastal cruises since the end of June and the Iona’s maiden voyage is on August 7”, and “Our international cruise holidays on both ships are set to start from September 25 with the Britannia sailing to the Mediterranean and the Iona to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands”, adding, This is the news we have been working towards and cannot wait to welcome you back onboard.”
Princess Cruises UK & Europe vice-president Tony Roberts echoed these views, tweeting that the decision to remove the FCDO’s advice against international cruising “is very welcome news” adding, “From this Saturday, 31 July, Princess Cruises will have restarted domestic sailings in the UK, beginning with Regal Princess”, adding, “Sky Princess will follow on 30 August”, and “We look forward to resuming our international cruises from the UK on Regal Princess and Sky Princess from the end of September, with a total of eight voyages sailing roundtrip Southampton.”
Saga Travel chief executive Nick Stace in a statement, “The entire cruise industry has been working closely with Government to reach this point and it is a huge boost to receive the news that we will once again be able to welcome guests on non-domestic voyages.”
CLIA UK & Ireland MD Andy Harmer said, “The decision to allow the restart of international cruise is very good news for the industry”, adding, ” The success of this summer’s round Britain cruises has led the way”, and ““The cruise industry has worked intensively during the last 18 months in collaboration with the government, health authorities, ports, and other industry bodies to develop enhanced protocols that protect guests, crew, and the destinations we visit”, adding, “The industry looks forward to welcoming guests back on board to visit international destinations.”
Congratulations England and commiserations Aussies, as our dire vaccine rollout and the Federal Government reported by CLIA as not having made any progress towards the restart of cruising in Australia means sadly that you are not able to participate, or even cruise domestically in Australia.
A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor, Global Travel Media and Global Cruise News.
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