Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

7 4 ranging, with a set of core industry protocols and operational enhancements under consideration. When cruising resumes in earnest, the cruise industry will continue its long tradition of leading the way with new and enhanced measures. While it’s too soon to discuss specific protocols because the scientific knowledge about the virus is changing almost daily, one thing is clear: CLIA and its ocean-going cruise line members are fully committed to identifying viable technologies that help minimise the risk of the introduction of Covid-19 aboard ships and enable them to quickly detect and respond to risks and combat transmission. To that end, the cruise industry is exploring more robust screening protocols that go beyond other travel sectors; expanded cleaning and sanitation practices for ships and terminals; and comprehensive shipboard prevention, surveillance and response measures that are effective in protecting the safety and health of passengers, crew, and the residents of the communities we visit. Some of these include enhanced screening of passengers and crew; appropriate distancing measures across the spectrum for the entirety of the guest experience; and buffets being modified or eliminated as necessary. We’re also identifying potential solutions to overcome the challenges related to shoreside excursions, with the objective of finding ways to help prevent the unintentional spread of the virus. In addition, cruise lines are unique in having medical facilities and personnel onboard, so we’re looking at increasing these capabilities and also developing pre-arranged options for medical evacuations with consideration of impacts on local healthcare systems. Most importantly, crew will be trained on all new and enhanced protocols as an integral part of the industry restart. When the time is right, cruising will once again be accessible and transformational for travellers wishing to see and experience the world. What factors do you think make the global cruise industry strong and resilient? Travel and tourism have the power to transcend all types of barriers and unite people, places and cultures with travel options and experiences that appeal to a broad range of budgets, interests and abilities. Cruise also offers more choices in activities and destinations than any other type of holiday travel, which attracts a diverse and increasingly younger range of travellers, while providing for personal growth and greater understanding of the world by connecting people and cultures. Whether you are a travel agency that helps with the process, a passenger on your first or one of many holidays, a crew member working onboard ship, or a shoreside employee in a port or destination, the passion for travel and the uniqueness of cruise unites us all. It is this passion and unwavering belief that cruising will once again be at the forefront of providing enhanced public health practices that keep this community going at an unprecedented time. We continue to believe brighter days are ahead. C&F INTERV IEW “The cruise industry has a 50-year track record of being a leader in protecting the health of passengers”