The UK's biggest tour operator TUI has revealed how its cruise ship customers will spend more time at sea in a new post-pandemic holiday world.
TUI Group CEO Friedrich Joussen has said that the tour operator will be "ready" from July to start cruises again providing they get the go-ahead from relevant authorities.
While many people love going on a cruise to visit various ports and explore, this won't be possible in the post-pandemic world, Mr Joussen has explained.
He has outlined how a TUI cruise experience will be different with more days spent at sea with a maximum of 1,000 guests.
In an interview with Bild Mr Joussen said: "We will be ready from July but, like flights, we need the approval of the authorities.
"The captains are developing new routes in the North and Baltic Seas.
"There will be more days at sea, many love real relaxation on the water.
"In the beginning, a maximum of up to 1000 guests will probably travel on one ship."
He said all guests would be required to fill out a health questionnaire before checking in and have their temperature taken.
There would be staggered boarding and coronavirus tests on the ship as well as more staff in the hospital.
Mr Joussen also revealed in the interview that TUI will only sell holidays to safe destinations that pass their 'health check'.
He said that the tour operator would only be offering customers holidays in 'safe' countries.
He said that Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, Austria, and Denmark are “well prepared” for the summer tourist season.
“We have developed a health check for all tourist destinations and will only offer holidays in safe countries," he told Bild.
“Mallorca is in the first place definitely. Hotels there have been tested and could be opened immediately and host tourists.
"Similarly, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Bulgaria are well prepared for summer tourism. And of course, Austria and Denmark."
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