Clia ocean cruise members commit to ‘100% pre-embarkation testing’

Ocean cruise line members of Clia have agreed to conduct Covid-19 testing of every passenger and crew member prior to embarkation in what the association described as a “travel industry first”.

Under the agreement, all lines operating vessels with a capacity of more than 250 will carry out testing with a requirement for a negative test before embarkation.

Clia said the commitment was a core element of the resumption of cruising globally.

A statement said: “Clia ocean cruise line members worldwide have agreed to conduct 100% testing of passengers and crew on all ships with a capacity to carry 250 or more persons – with a negative test required for any embarkation.

“This is a travel industry first and an example of the cruise industry leading the way.  We see testing as an important initial step to a multi-layered approach that we believe validates the industry’s commitment to making health, safety, and the well-being of the passengers, the crew, and the communities we visit our top priority.”

Last week, the UK Chamber of Shipping and Clia published a framework for the resumption of cruising when Foreign Office advice against ocean journeys is lifted.