Within the midst of the coronavirus outbreak (now named COVID-19), many Australians are questioning whether or not it is protected to embark on a cruise vacation.
The Cruise Strains Worldwide Affiliation (CLIA) – which represents round 90 per cent of worldwide capability has ensured travellers that cruise strains are well-equipped to take care of a COVID-19 outbreak.
In response to the outbreak, the CLIA has cancelled all cruises to affected areas.
Nevertheless, nearly all of cruises exterior of North Asia are working as regular and are greater than protected to journey. As an illustration, cruises to locations equivalent to Australia, New Zealand, North America, The Caribbean and Mediterranean are nonetheless operating their regular itineraries. And there are a large vary of cruise offers to be discovered.
It is necessary to keep in mind that cruise strains have in depth expertise in monitoring the well being of passengers.
“CLIA members implement outbreak prevention and response measures and their ships have to be fitted with medical amenities, shipboard and shore aspect medical professionals accessible across the clock, 24/7, to supply preliminary medical care within the occasion of sickness and stop illness transmission,” CLIA mentioned in a press release.
What are cruise ships doing about COVID-19?
Cruise strains are working arduous to reduce the danger of sickness by introducing new protocols and pre-boarding well being screenings. Ships are turning away any passengers or crew members who’ve visited China (together with Hong Kong and Macau) inside 14 days of embarkation.
They’re additionally denying entry to all individuals who’ve had shut contact with anybody suspected or recognized with COVID-19.
Moreover, cruise strains may even conduct pre-boarding well being screenings equivalent to non-touch temperature checks. Any passengers exhibiting signs of COVID-19, together with coughing, sneezing or a fever will likely be denied entry.
What can passengers do to forestall COVID-19?
The World Well being Organisation has launched the next COVID-19 prevention recommendation:
– Wash your arms regularly with cleaning soap and water or an alcohol based mostly hand santisier for at the least 20 seconds
– Keep social distancing (at the least 1 metre) from anybody who’s coughing/sneezing
– Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, and mouth with unwashed arms
– Follow respiratory hygiene (e.g. protecting your mouth and nostril along with your bent elbow when coughing or sneezing)
– When you develop a fever, cough or have issue respiration, search speedy medical consideration
– Keep knowledgeable and observe the recommendation from public well being authorities
For these passengers embarking on a cruise, it is usually beneficial to:
– Get your self a pre-cruise checkup e.g. go to your native physician
– Follow good hygiene onboard
– Keep hydrated
– Get loads of relaxation
– Keep away from touching communal surfaces equivalent to tables and railings
Ought to I cancel my cruise?
As the worldwide well being disaster continues to unfold, many travellers are involved that their pre-booked cruises will likely be cancelled.
And whereas many cruises have been cancelled in areas affected by COVID-19 equivalent to Asia, the overwhelming majority of cruises in different components of the world are working as regular.
Cruise strains equivalent to Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are altering their itineraries and relocating ships to Australian and South Pacific waters.
Because the circumstances change and developments happen, cruise strains will likely be modifying their insurance policies, procedures and itineraries accordingly.
For passengers wanting updated details about their pre-booked cruise, contact your journey agent or particular person cruise line immediately.
The CLIA has suggested travellers to seek the advice of their journey insurer earlier than cancelling their cruise
“Previous to cancelling a cruise, travellers ought to all the time seek the advice of with their journey insurer and evaluation the particular cancellation phrases and circumstances of the cruise line. If the cruise is working, then generally the traveller wouldn’t be entitled to a refund. If the cruise has been impacted by a particular journey advisory, then travellers are inspired to seek the advice of with particular person cruise strains with regard to cancellation insurance policies,” CLIA mentioned in a press release.
When you’ve got any questions or considerations about your upcoming cruise, our pleasant journey consultants are right here to assist. Contact us on 1300 883 887 or [email protected].
*Data right at time of publication
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