P&O Cruises and Cunard to remove testing mandate on shorter voyages
Relaxed rules come into effect from September 6
Konoly
P&O Cruises and Cunard are set to ease their Covid-19 protocols on shorter sailings from September 6.
In statements issued today (August 12), the lines confirmed self-testing prior to travel would change from “mandatory” to “highly recommended” for fully-jabbed passengers on the “vast majority of holidays”.
The new guidelines apply to all cruises from Southampton and other departure ports, except where government regulations vary such as Australia.
The lines added guests sailing on “longer, more complex” itineraries would be “required to have an observed or in-person antigen or PCR test with a fit to travel certificate prior to departure”.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “These updated protocols reflect the current environment across the world and while certain key elements have relaxed, our commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of all guests, crew and the communities we visit remains an ongoing and vital consideration.
“They also ensure that the ease of cruising remains at the fore and that all guests of all ages can enjoy a holiday with unrivalled dining, relaxation and exploration options and unmatched service levels at extraordinary value for money.”
Exact requirements will soon be communicated to passengers, the lines added.
Both lines still require guests aged 16 and over to be fully-jabbed with an approved Covid-19 vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to travel.
