International Cruise Ban to be Lifted by August 2

The transport secretary has confirmed that the prohibition on foreign cruises, which has been in effect since July, will be lifted on 2nd August.

Grant Shapps announced the news on Twitter, along with confirmation that quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated EU and US travelers will be eased.

Starting March of last year, the FCDO has advised against overseas cruises for many passengers, and since July 2020, for all consumers. Cruises in domestic seas were allowed to restart in May of this year.

The Department of Transportation confirmed in a statement: “Following the close monitoring of epidemiological evidence, gained through the restart of the domestic cruise industry earlier this year, the UK government has also confirmed the go-ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance.

“International cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travelers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad.”

It went on to say: “To further support the safe restart of international cruise travel, the Government and cruise industry have signed a breakthrough Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help the industry build back from Covid-19 while protecting British nationals from future pandemic-related disruption.”

The FCDO’s advice was amended later, with the elimination of the warning against cruising and the addition of a variety of client considerations.

According to cruise industry sources, an easing of the international cruising restriction is on the way. This comes after Saga Travel CEO Nick Stace told Travel Weekly last week that he was sure that limitations will be relaxed because the industry had met government standards.

Clia UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer remarked when the news was revealed on Wednesday: “The decision to allow the restart of international cruise is very good news for the industry.  The success of this summer’s round-Britain cruises has led the way.

“The cruise industry has worked intensively during the last 18 months in collaboration with the government, health authorities, ports, and other industry bodies to develop enhanced protocols that protect guests, crew, and the destinations we visit.

“The industry looks forward to welcoming guests back on board to visit international destinations.”