CRUISE ships are in a better position to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection than other forms of travel due to their stringent health procedures, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) claims. “Cruise lines take precautions to screen passengers for illness prior to boarding, and all ships are fitted with medical...
CRUISE ships are in a better position to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection than other forms of travel due to their stringent health procedures, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) claims.
“Cruise lines take precautions to screen passengers for illness prior to boarding, and all ships are fitted with medical facilities and onboard medical personnel 24/7 to treat passengers swiftly in the event of illness and prevent further transmission,” the industry body said in a statement.
“CLIA cruise lines maintain close contact with health professionals and regulators around the world, and are one of the most well-equipped and experienced industries when it comes to managing and monitoring health conditions,” CLIA added.
Although in a stronger position than most of the travel industry, CLIA also stressed it would continue to monitor the status of the outbreak in Wuhan, China “closely”, and cautioned that “with any trip, whether by land, air or sea, travellers should check with public health authorities to be informed regarding health matters at the destinations they will visit, and exercise appropriate precautions”.
Major cruise lines are taking a similarly watchful approach, with Royal Caribbean Cruises telling Cruise Weekly it was continuing to “monitor developments in the region and are in consultation with health officials to assess the situation”, also indicating that it had implemented “precautionary measures” at the terminal and on board its ships to ensure the health and safety of its passengers and crew.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) also informed CW that it had implemented tougher screening protocols to mitigate the risk of the virus infecting its ships.
“Due to the growing concern regarding coronavirus infections in China, we are implementing non-touch temperature screenings for all guests embarking from Chinese ports,” the cruise line said.
“Guests who register a body temperature screening of 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) or higher will not be allowed to board”.
NCL will also deny a person aboard if they have visited Wuhan in the last 30 days.
