The UK Foreign Office has updated its advice on cruise holidays - and it's good news for travellers eyeing river cruises.
The government had previously confirmed its advice covered all kinds of cruises, but the latest guidelines signal the resumption of popular overseas river trips for UK travellers, reports Travel Weekly .
River cruises transport guests along inland waterways and not not include ocean-going travel.
Vessels typically carry anywhere from 100 to 250 guests, depending on the ship size.
The FCO advice now says: “The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against cruise ship travel at this time. This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.
“Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least one night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households.
“Our advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools.
“Our advice does not include ferries or privately-rented boats.
“The government will continue to review its cruise ship travel advice based on the latest medical advice.
“If you have future cruise travel plans, contact your cruise line, travel operator, or the travel company you booked with, for further advice. For information on cruises in UK waters contact: Maritimeengagement@dft.gov.uk.
“The Foreign & Commonwealth Office continues to support the Department for Transport’s work with industry for the resumption of international cruise travel.”
