Norwegian Cruise Line has become the first cruise line to announce specific details about health and safety protocols that will be added once service resumes. The cruise line said it has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the measures it is implementing now and says more are in development.
Among them are reduced passenger capacity, onboard social distancing, health monitoring throughout each cruise and full-service buffets.
The company has also created a new onboard position of Public Health Officer, who is responsible for the oversight of all sanitation and outbreak-prevention initiatives and for monitoring the day-to-day cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations.
New Health & Safety Protocols
ALL-NEW AIR FILTRATION
Installation of medical-grade air-filters, H13 HEPA, that remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens across our entire fleet to ensure the air you breathe is clean.
ENHANCED SCREENING PROTOCOLS
All guests will undergo an enhanced pre-embarkation health screening, and those considered at risk will undergo additional screening. All crew will undergo extensive screening prior to embarkation and constant monitoring throughout the voyage. Touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage will help identify potential health issues, offering an additional layer of prevention and protection.
INCREASED SANITATION MEASURES
All ships will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage in accordance with company protocols, which are developed in partnership with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Embarkation terminals will be sanitized continuously, and, where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation. All staterooms, suites and public areas will be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected at an increased frequency, and including the use of Electrostatic Spray Technology.
RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL DISTANCING
To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, guest capacity on board will be reduced. Staggered embarkation and online check-in will be implemented for proper social distancing. In addition, all public areas will have reduced capacity throughout the voyage.
ENHANCED MEDICAL RESOURCES
Onboard medical centers will be fully equipped with the latest testing kits and medical supplies and NCL is increasing their medical team fleet-wide. Each ship has dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise.
Testing kits and medical supplies include advanced on-site rapid diagnostic testing for COVID-19, more oxygen equipment, increased inventory of vaccinations and more medication to treat COVID-19.
EXTENDED SHIP-TO-SHORE SAFETY
NCL is partnering with local destinations and tour operators to ensure its health and sanitation protocols extend to the onshore experience. NCL will only visit safe, open ports of call, which may cause some itinerary changes and will keep guests up-to-date with the latest confirmed changes impacting their itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line has currently suspended all sailings through July 31, 2020. For guests who have booked voyages sailing through November 30, 2020, they can cancel up to 48 hours before the start date and receive a future cruise credit for sailings through December 2022. For all cruises December 1, 2020 and beyond, guests can cancel for a full refund up to 120 days before the cruise.
