Traffic Light System for Cruising
The government has introduced a “Traffic Light System” which has enabled foreign travel to resume. Cruises are included in this new system. This system categorises countries visited into Green, Amber and Red according to their COVID 19 risk. This applies just for those living in England.
Each category comes with their own set of restrictions which must be adhered to.
Green
- A COVID19 test must be taken before returning to the UK. You will therefore need to take a test pack, that meets the Government standards, with you on your cruise.
- A PCR test must be taken on or before the second day of arriving back in the UK. This must be booked with a Government approved provider before you travel.
- There is no need to quarantine unless you receive a positive test
- You are not exempt if you have been fully vaccinated
- Please refer to government website for further information
Amber
- Those who are fully-vaccinated or under 18 years do not have to quarantine on their return. Those who are 18 and over and not fully-vaccinated must quarantine at home for 10 days.
- A COVID19 test must be taken before returning to the UK. You will therefore need to take a test pack, that meets the Government standards, with you on your cruise.
- Those who are fully-vaccinated must take a PCR test on day 2, booked before you leave, but do not have to self-isolate. Children under 18 years will not have to isolate on their return. Those aged 4 and under will continue to be exempt from any travel testing. Children aged 5 to 10 will only need to do a day 2 PCR and 11 to 18 year olds will need to take both a pre-departure test and a day 2 PCR Those who are 18 and over and not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of arriving back in the UK and must self-isolate for 10 days. This must be booked with a Government approved provider before you travel. You may qualify for early release if you take an additional negative PCR test on day 5
- Please refer to government website for further information
Red
- On return you must quarantine for 10 days in a specific quarantine hotel at a cost of £1,750. This must be booked before departure.
- A COVID19 test must be taken before returning to the UK. You will therefore need to take a test pack, that meets the Government standards, with you on your cruise.
- A PCR test must be taken on day 2 and 8 of arriving back in the UK. This must be booked with a Government approved provider before you travel.
- You are not exempt if you have been fully vaccinated
- Please refer to government website for further information
What safety measures are in place for cruise?
To ensure safety, Cruise lines will be required to operate in accordance with the UK’s Chamber of Shipping’s COVID-19 Framework for Cruise which will be verified by an independent party.
Cruise lines are required to work closely with domestic authorities in each port to agree safe embarkation and disembarkation of passengers.
Capacity will be reduced on ships in line with domestic regulations.
Individual cruise lines may have further travel restrictions and requirements around vaccinations and tests. Please refer to their individual policies. You can also view our guide here.
Will I be able to get off the ship?
Yes, however to ensure the safety of guests, crew and the communities visited, travel requirements may vary by port and country of departure. Further detail will be provided as available.