9 April 2021
Cruise Britain welcomes today’s announcement to restart international cruises alongside the wider resumption of international travel and in line with the ‘traffic light’ system.
Over the last year the cruise sector has worked tirelessly with Government and industry partners to develop and strengthen health measures which now exceed those of any other travel sector. The work has been the result of extensive collaboration between multiple industry partners and today’s decision is a welcome encouragement for the UK ports and supply chain who continue to work towards the safe resumption of cruise.
James Stangroom, Chair, Cruise Britain said ‘‘The UK cruise industry has worked collaboratively towards the safe and successful restart of cruise and it is heartening to see that the sector has been included in the re-opening of international travel. Cruise Britain’s member ports and service providers across the UK are in readiness for the summer of domestic cruising set to commence at Step 3 of the government Roadmap, and to continue to work collaboratively to support the opening of international cruise travel. Our members include a wide diversity of ports and vital elements of the supply chain including port agents, ground handlers, stevedores, car parking and shore excursion providers, all of which have had a very challenging 12 months.’’
‘‘The health and well-being of passengers, crew, shoreside staff and the communities visited are paramount, and the current protocols have already been extensively tested as almost 400,000 people have sailed on cruises since last summer elsewhere around the globe. We look forward to the removal of travel advice against international cruise as part of the process towards the full restart of cruise travel,’’ added Stangroom.