Viking will test daily
VIKING has installed a facility on one of it ships to enable daily onboard coronavirus testing of all passengers and crew members.
It is a high bar set by Viking, announced after Cruise Lines International Association at the beginning of the month said it would mandate pre-cruise tests for all passengers.
Viking confirmed it had completed its first “full-scale PCR laboratory at sea” on board Viking Star, which is able to process daily “non-invasive” saliva tests for a full complement of 930 passengers and crew members.
NCLH RCG out for 2020
Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group have announced an extension of their suspensions of global cruise voyages until 31 December.
Royal Caribbean Group’s suspension will include Azamara’s 2020/21 summer sailings throughout the Southern Hemisphere, but will exclude Singapore sailings, while NCLH’s Regent Seven Seas Cruises world cruise is also out.
Environmental hurdle for Carnival
Before resuming cruise operations, Carnival Corporation will be required to provide certification all of its cruise ships sailing in American waters comply with a range of environmental requirements, a judge has ruled.
All the company’s vessels must verify compliance with criteria which covers pollution prevention equipment, spare parts, staffing, IT support, voyage planning and waste offload support.
