Belfast welcomed its first cruise ship this week since the coronavirus pandemic hit, but what are the rules for cruise ships and their visitors?
Under UK government travel guidelines, cruise ships have been able to operate since May 17, with the first of these cruises departing Southampton on May 20 and concentrating on English port calls.
There are strict health and safety measures in place to provide the safest possible environment for cruise guests, crew, local staff, and the wider local population.
The MSC Virtuosa was on a one day visit to Belfast on June 17 and is due back in the city on June 23 and again on July 1, with the smaller cruising vessel, MS Island Sky, docking for the day on June 24.
On the return of cruise tourism to Belfast, Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, said: “Prior to Covid-19, cruise tourism was one of Belfast’s biggest tourism success stories and as we look to rebuild the city region’s visitor economy, we are confident that cruise tourism will play an important role.”
Here is everything you need to know about cruise travel to Belfast.
How many passengers are allowed on board and where can you travel to?
Cruises operating in the UK will initially operate with significantly reduced passenger capacity, and all cruise routes in 2021 will originate within the UK.
Up to 1,000 passengers or 50% on each vessel, whichever is lower, will be able to board cruise ships.
All passengers must be UK residents, and many cruise lines are planning to operate on the basis of accepting vaccinated passengers only
What are the coronavirus testing requirements for cruise travel?
Testing will be required both prior to embarkation and on the cruise.
Twice weekly testing for all staff in contact with passengers has been introduced.
How will on shore excursions work?
Cruise guests can only come ashore on pre-arranged excursions.
Under the current restart guidance, these excursion groups will travel in small socially distant ‘bubbles’, with visits taking place outside of general public access times.
Crew members are not currently permitted ashore in ports, unless involved in operational duties such as tour dispatch or check in.
What changes have been made at the terminal?
Cruise Belfast has extended the terminal reception area to allow more space for health screening.
Plexiglas dividers and hand sanitisers are also in place, with thermal people counters also added to manage the flow of people.
Seating has also been removed from the terminal and cleaning has been upgraded.
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