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After a year of not being able to holiday abroad and with restrictions still due to be in place this summer, 2021 is set to be the year of the staycation. To those of you who love to cruise, it may seem like a long time until you can finally cruise again. Well, that’s where you’re wrong.
Selected cruise lines have announced a number of UK coastal cruises for the summer of 2021 meaning you can sail on some of your favourite ships sooner than you think.
UK coastal cruises will depart from key UK ports such as Southampton. Not only will guests onboard these cruises get to see some of the finest and most beautiful UK landscapes from the sea but they’ll also get to enjoy all the facilities and amenities each ship has to offer.
Capacity on board is heavily restricted and demand is extremely high, so make sure you book as soon as possible to get the dates you would like.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, each cruise line has specified the measures they have put in place to keep their passengers safe.
Pre-cruise
Before the pandemic, guests would usually complete a health declaration just before they board the ship in the cruise terminal. This will now be sent to you to complete ahead of your trip to help reduce the time spent embarking on your ship.
In cruise terminals, you’ll be required to wear a mask and adhere to all current guidelines on social distancing. You will also undergo a health screening and test for COVID-19 before boarding.
If you produce a positive test you will not be allowed to board the ship, but most cruise lines will provide you with future cruise credit that you can use on a future cruise with that cruise line.
Cleaner ships
Cruise lines have enhanced cleaning measures onboard their ships with more regular cleaning, specialist products that are proven to stop the spread of COVID-19 as well as additional hand-sanitiser stations throughout the ships. Cabins will also be cleaned to the same standard as the rest of the ship.
Dining onboard
You may be required to book a table in advance to prevent restaurants from having too many guests at any one time. Buffet-style restaurants will still be available but guests will be served at their tables instead. Guests may only be allowed to dine with members of their household or a group they are officially travelling with.
Entertainment
Entertainment venues may have reduced capacity due to the latest restrictions on social distancing. This will include theatres, shops, spas, gyms, pools, casinos and other activities onboard. You may need to pre-book these also to ensure you don’t miss out.
Post-cruise
When disembarking your ship at the end of your holiday you may be asked to complete a guest locator form to adhere to the UK government’s Test and Trace initiative.
1 These cruises are the first cruises UK residents have been able to book since the lockdown - they will be in high demand.
2 Discover the UK coast and experience some of the UK’s landscape treasures right on our doorstep that we often overlook.
3 With a lot of people opting to stay in the UK this summer due to the travel restrictions, many holiday parks, holiday cottages, camping and caravan sites and seaside resorts will be extremely busy and possibly already fully booked up or expensive.
4 Cruise ships offer so much for you to do onboard with restaurants, entertainment and accommodation all on board and all included in the price. And with much lower than usual capacity restrictions, there’ll be plenty of space on board too.
5 No need to worry about booking flights as these cruises will all sail out of UK ports so you’ll be able to start your holiday as soon as you embark on the ship.
Princess Cruises have revealed they will launch a series of short UK cruises departing in late summer.
Read moreP&O Cruises have announced the news that they will be offering “the ultimate escape” staycation
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