Norwegian Cruise Line has detailed its new health measures for when cruise operations resume as part of the new “Sail Safe” policy.
Official Norwegian Cruise Line Health Policy
As we get closer to when cruises will start resuming new details are starting to be released about new health measures which will impact the experience. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the first to reveal what new procedures will be put in place to help keep guests and crew members safe.
NCL has been working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to add new protocols to the cruise vacation experience due to the global health crisis and to help keep everyone safe moving forward.
A wide range of new measures have been introduced as part of its “Sail Safe” policy fleetwide including all new air filtration, enhanced screening protocols, increased sanitation measures, social distancing, enhanced medical resources and ship to shore safety. Here are the details in brief or you can simply watch our video:
New medical-grade air filters that can remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens will be installed on every cruise ship.
All guests will undergo a pre-embarkation health screening and those considered at risk will undergo additional screening. Crew members will also undergo extensive screening before embarkation along with monitoring during each cruise.
Temperature checks for passengers will take place before embarkation, returning from a port of call, before all meals, before activities in public spaces, and before debarkation.
There will be a major increase in sanitation with every ship in the fleet thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage. The cruise terminals will go through a similar process where possible. There will be fogging in staterooms and public areas with disinfectant and there will be a 24/7 schedule with continuous disinfection of public areas.
An important area on every ship is the buffet where guests can self serve, However, this is no longer the case, and as expected buffets and beverage stations will be full service with staff serving guests. Hand sanitizer will also be prominently placed around the vessel but this is something which is already done on many cruise ships.
To cater to social distancing the guest capacity for each voyage will be reduced. There will be staggered embarkation and online check-in will be implemented for proper social distancing. Activities onboard will still be going ahead but also at a reduced capacity.
Also Read: Norwegian Cruise Line Extends “Peace of Mind” Policy
The onboard medical center will be fully stocked to handle more and keep guests and crew safe. Ships will now have on-site rapid diagnostic testing for COVID-19 along with increase supplies including oxygen equipment. The medical staff on board each ship will also be increased. A new Public Health Officer position will be created to make sure all the new procedures are followed.
Even when ashore the health measures will impact local tour operators and Norwegian Cruise Line is working with them to follow sanitation protocols and guidelines.
The cruise line has also revealed that many changes to itineraries are expected moving forward and vessels will only call when it is safe to do so. All the full details of the new measures can be found on the official web site.
NCL has already announced that cruises will resume in August but just like Carnival Cruise Line, not all ships will make a comeback straight away. Do always get the official details from Norwegian Cruise Line to check on how your cruise itinerary may be impacted.
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