Fred Olsen Cruise Line, a UK-based cruise line targeted primarily on the UK market, has introduced important modifications to its COVID necessities, permitting extra flexibility for visitors who want to guide a cruise trip.
The firm has said that visitors will not be required to have proof of vaccination or present a unfavorable lateral stream take a look at earlier than boarding cruises on or after Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Fred Olsen’s choice to calm down a few of its security measures comes because the world adjusts and as vaccination charges enhance and circumstances lower.
Fred Olsen Changes Relaxes Policy
Fred Olsen Cruise Line has introduced that it is going to be eradicating most of its COVID tips for visitors becoming a member of cruises on or after Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
The firm has said that visitors will not be required to have proof of vaccination or present a unfavorable lateral stream take a look at earlier than boarding, aside from Grand Voyages, World Cruises, or shorter sections of those longer sailings.
The choice to take away these tips comes because the world continues to regulate to dwelling with COVID. With vaccination charges rising and circumstances lowering, Fred Olsen Cruise Line has decided that it’s protected to calm down a few of its security measures forward of the upcoming spring and summer time cruises.
Despite eradicating these tips, the corporate has reassured visitors that it’ll nonetheless have measures on board to assist decrease the influence. These will likely be a mixture of voluntary measures.
A Fred Olsen Spokesperson mentioned the next: “All of our crew are fully vaccinated, and regular hand washing facilities are provided throughout our ships. Guests are also welcome to wear masks on board should they wish to, and there is space in our bars and lounges for guests to enjoy the facilities while respecting social distancing too.”
The firm additionally added that if any of their visitors develop into unwell or present signs whereas onboard, their medical staff will likely be available to help them. For anybody who exams optimistic throughout their cruise with Fred Olsen, the corporate will present a brand new cabin (with a balcony each time potential) the place they will relaxation.
Mixed Reactions from Guests
The information of those modifications has been met with combined reactions from visitors on Fred Olsen’s social media channels. Some have applauded the choice, saying it should make planning their subsequent cruise trip simpler. Others have expressed issues in regards to the security of cruising and have referred to as on the corporate to proceed implementing strict security measures.
Fred Olsen Cruise Line has said that it’s dedicated to defending its visitors and crew and can proceed to intently monitor the state of affairs and make any essential changes to its tips. The firm has additionally urged visitors to remain knowledgeable in regards to the newest steerage and observe public well being officers’ recommendation when planning their cruise.
There have been only a few outbreaks on cruise ships just lately, and most cruise strains worldwide have eliminated measures for many sailings. Fred Olsen was one of many final to take away its measures.
However, a number of firms nonetheless have stricter measures on a number of routes, usually dictated by native guidelines and rules, whereas others have re-instated masks sporting guidelines onboard because of the will increase in circumstances worldwide in November and December.
Fred Olsen Cruise Line is a British cruise line primarily based within the UK. It operates a fleet of three ocean-going cruise ships, Balmoral, Borealis and Bolette, and one river ship, Brabant, that provide a extra conventional and intimate cruising expertise.
The cruise line was based in 1848 and remains to be owned and operated by the Olsen household. The ships provide a variety of facilities and itineraries and cater to a largely British clientele.