British cruise line P&O Cruises announced that it will offer vaccinated travelers what they call “cruises to nowhere”. The first trip will take place sometime in late June from the southern England port of Southampton. From there on, it’s “where the sun shines brightest.”
The Carnival – owned cruise line’s move follows that of Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream and Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, who both had their own “cruise to nowhere” in Singapore in late 2020. Those cruises operated at 50% capacity and only took residents of Singapore. This time around, P&O hopes to avoid the risk of infection by asking that all their onboarding passengers be vaccinated.
According to P&O only people who have received both COVID 19 vaccines, have attained travel insurance, and self quarantined for a week will be allowed onboard the trip.
Plans for the first trip on the company’s Britannia cruise ship are already underway. The vessel accommodates over 3,647 guests. According to a press release, Britannia will offer guests three and four night breaks and one six night holiday running from June 27, 2021 through to September 19, 2021.
Along with boarding safety measures, there will be additional requirements for passengers and staff including “appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks in certain areas of the ship.” The crew will also undergo strict testing and regular testing while on the ship.
“As we have spent the majority of the last year at home, to be able to have a restorative and relaxing break, sit on deck with a sea view in the summer sunshine and then enjoy an indulgent dinner and show – it’s certainly what we all need this year and we cannot wait to have our guests back on board” said P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow.
Tickets for the UK getaway will go on sale March 22nd. In the meantime, you can check out more information about the cruise and the safety requirements here.