Scots must be vaccinated against coronavirus in order to board P&O cruise ships this summer, the company has said.
The firm is offering short breaks around the UK coast between June and September as the cruise industry finally reopens later this year.
Both trips will leave from Southampton - with the Britannia ship taking along the south coast of England, while the Iona cruise liner will sail around the Scottish islands.
But passengers will only be allowed to attend both trips if they have received both coronavirus jabs at least seven days before departure.
Proof of the vaccination and the dates given will be required, with the cruise company looking to confirm the approved form of evidence closer to the time of departure.
Passengers will be knocked back from boarding the ship if they fail to show evidence of their coronavirus jab.
P&O has said that all customers must have travel insurance that covers ‘medical and repatriation cover’ in addition to emergency evacuations and medical expenses related to Covid-19.
Customers will also have to adhere to enhanced safety protocols - from wearing face masks to social distancing.
The company’s president, Paul Ludlow, said in a statement: “Given recent announcements we have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer.
“After the stresses and challenges of the past year everyone certainly deserves a treat and this series of cruises will provide memorable and much needed UK getaways.
“Whilst there is still uncertainty about holidays abroad this summer, we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the ultimate escape here in the UK with the reassurance that we will take care of everything.”
People in Scotland currently only receive an appointment reminder leaflet once they have received their first coronavirus jab.
Scotland’s clinical director Jason Leitch said that it is ‘likely’ that a passport system could be introduced in the country sometime in the future.
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday announced a series of indicative dates for lockdown easing.
It is hoped that travel around Scotland and to other parts of the UK will be allowed once again in the coming weeks.
