CLIA continues voluntary suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 19 June 2020 19 June 2020

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued the following statement today to announce that the association’s ocean-going cruise line members will voluntarily extend the suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports until 15 September 2020.

“Due to the ongoing situation within the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations. The current No Sail Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will expire on 24 July, and although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States.

“Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crewmembers. We have therefore decided to further extend our suspension of operations from U.S. ports until 15 September. The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations.

“This voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the No Sail Order applied (vessels with capacity to carry 250 persons or more). CLIA member cruise lines will continually evaluate the evolving situation and make a determination as to whether a further extension is necessary.”

Virgin Voyages announces comprehensive health plan for Scarlet Lady

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 18 June 2020 18 June 2020

Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle travel brand focused on delivering irresistible cruise vacations that has raised the bar on boutique design and unique experience, today released its comprehensive ‘Voyage Well’ plan. This industry-leading program delivers innovative health and wellbeing standards to give sailors and crew confidence in the future of cruise travel.

With plans to ‘‘soft open'’ for sailing the brand new Scarlet Lady ship in Oct. 2020, Virgin Voyages has worked with leading experts to elevate its existing standard of excellence by creating an environment built to tackle today’s global health crisis. As one of the newest ships at sea that has not yet sailed with passengers, Scarlet Lady will welcome future Sailors into an environment designed to meet health expert recommendations and sailor expectations before, during, and after a voyage. The Oct. “soft open” plans are reliant on the lift of travel restrictions and Virgin Voyages is staying close to these developments.

The Voyage Well plan was created in partnership with expert advisors consisting of scientists, doctors and clinicians. Referred to as the Voyage Well Expert Advisory Group, this team is composed of partners at AtmosAir Solutions, EcoLab, Dr. Heymann with Vikand, Global Public Health Services, and close collaboration with the CDC as well as frequent reviews of WHO best practices and guidelines.

“The health and wellbeing of our Sailors is our number one priority, so we rolled up our sleeves with leading experts to further innovate and create an even healthier way to travel and still have an incredible vacation,” says Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “We appreciate some people will be apprehensive about traveling, so we are committed to being led by science and creating ways to give people confidence to explore the world while feeling safer, more relaxed and free to enjoy themselves.”

On top of a uniquely designed HVAC system that pumps fresh air through the new ship's public spaces and cabins to effectively remove recirculated air, Virgin Voyages will be among the first in the industry to invest in the installation of a 100% fresh air, ‘bow to stern’ air purification system. In partnership with AtmosAir Solutions, Scarlet Lady and her sister ships will be equipped with an air purification system that also disinfects air on board by leveraging bi-polar ionization technology that has been shown to kill 99.9% of viruses. In addition, recent tests performed by Microchem Laboratory, one of the world’s preeminent laboratories for testing EPA- and FDA-registered sanitizing products, has reported that this HVAC device is more than 99.9% effective in neutralizing Coronavirus.

"Delivering effective health and safety measures is going to be essential for ensuring consumer trust in the cruise industry," says Steve Levine, President and CEO, AtmosAir Solutions. "We're proud to partner with Virgin Voyages and believe our bi-polar ionization technology will be crucial to creating a safe, clean and sanitized indoor environment throughout the entirety of the Scarlet Lady."

In addition, Virgin Voyages has developed a comprehensive plan, with key points that work to address all safety standards before, during, and after a voyage.

Key pillars of the Voyage Well Plan include:

– Rapid and effective COVID-19 testing for all Sailors and Crew prior to embarking*
– Post-voyage notification process through which Sailors and Crew can report on becoming unwell within 14 days of leaving the ship* (through an ethical health tracking app)
– Advanced pre-boarding health checks and screenings for both our Crew and Sailors*
– Thermal Camera technology in terminals and on board to monitor our Crew and Sailors’ temperatures
– Fair and flexible booking policies — from moving the final payment dates to 60 days (from 120 days) before sailing, ability to cancel up to 48 hours before and receive a 100% Future Voyage Credit for sailings through December 16th, 2020
– Implementing best practices around sanitation, physical distancing, limited occupancy, and health checks for everyone on board
– Installing the latest technology from AtmosAir Solutions — an air purification system that disinfects air on board. Leveraging bi-polar Ionization technology that has been shown to kill 99.9% of viruses
– Managing overall ship occupancy so appropriate physical distancing is possible across all public spaces
– Leveraging digital onboard technology to limit contact; The Band (for contactless payment), Service Chat (for assistance digitally) and Virtual Queues (for getting in lines for onboard experiences without actually getting in physical lines)
– As has always been a part of the Virgin Voyages experience since first introducing the
brand, there will be no communal food sharing, buffets or large dining halls, allowing for hygienic service of fresh food

*These are paramount and dependent on medical advancements and availability. As technology and science advances, Virgin Voyages will continuously evolve and refine efforts to improve and perfect health and safety standards on board.