Keeping Cruise Ships Clean and Sanitary

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(Updated 10/8/21)

Ship Sanitation is Nothing New

While many business and industries have added sanitation methods to their daily routines after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, cruise ships just continued with business as usual, with extra frequency.  Signs have always been posted educating the passengers to wash hands frequently and use the sanitizing dispensers available in the public areas of the ship.

Keeping cruise ships clean and sanitary has always been a top priority for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members. While this longstanding cruise line practice may sound minor, COVID-19 has reaffirmed the critical importance of hand hygiene to protecting public health. 

Additionally, the industry has a longstanding collaboration with the CDC and the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to make sure ships meet strict sanitation guidelines. As part of the program, cruise ship crews are trained in sanitation and health practices and ships undergo unannounced inspections twice a year, with scores made available to the public. No other travel and tourism or entertainment industry has this type of federal program or oversight.

CLIA cruise lines go to great lengths to support the health and safety of all onboard. From cleaning practices to passenger screening and robust oversight over onboard health and safety practices, the cruise industry is one of the most vigilant industries as it relates to safety, sanitation and public health protocols. Read latest CLIA Health & Safety Report.

 

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Coming Out of Hibernation

Bear Emerging from Hibernation With Cubs                                 Reuters/Denis Balibouse

(Updated 10/6/2021)

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bear?

Why am I asking that question in a cruise blog?  It struck me, when I started writing this post, that our lives are about to parallel that of a bear coming out of hibernation from a long winter's nap.  We've been cut off from others, we are cautiously coming out from our safe hiding place, and are longing for a new beginning as we emerge.

What have you missed the most during your COVID-19 hibernation?  For many, it's been the lack of interaction with others, or visiting your usual hangouts (churches, schools, restaurants, bars, stores, etc.).  For the avid cruiser, they missed the sea, and everything associated with cruising.

As the bear emerges, they are cautious, not knowing what dangers may be lurking outside safe haven.  Slowly, they adventure further and eventually return to some normal activities.

There are differences of course between bears hibernating and our forced isolation.  Bears do this every year, they expect it, and build up supplies to last them thru the winter.   We on the other hand, did not expect it, were caught short of essential supplies, and hopefully, this isn't a repeatable situation.

What are cruisers expecting as they emerge from hibernation?   Here's what a recent CLIA survey discovered:

What is Your Desired Cruise Experience 

• Cruisers want to experience the full cruise experience but are willing to compromise once they are ready to cruise 
• Most likely cruises to be selected is the “traditional” 7 to 10-day cruise with multiple destinations 
• Second most popular is a short cruise with limited destinations, a perfect cruise type to resume operations 
• As of June 2020, one out of 3 cruisers likely to cruise again, was willing to cruise within six months, thus the end of year, another 46% within a year

What is the Cruiser's Mindset 

• Cruisers are not waiting for a vaccine before committing to cruising 
• It will be safe to cruise once a vaccine becomes available scores at the lowest level of all protocols expected 
• Cruisers are disciplined and are willing to follow the protocols to ensure a safe cruising experience for them, other passengers and crew members 
• 93% are willing to wear a mask 
• 92% will follow a social distancing 
• 88% will take a COVID-19 test prior to embarking 
• 87% support daily temperature checks

Anticipate Change

If you've never cruised before, you have no basis for comparison, so everything will seem just right.  However, for those that have cruised before, we anticipate things will be different when you come out of hibernation.  Here are a few changes we anticipate:

• Sanitation has always been important, so you won't see much change there, except perhaps in frequency of cleaning.
• Closer monitoring of hand-washing stations at restaurant entrances.
• Screening for illness at embarkation and throughout the cruise
• It won't be as crowded, which most people will like.
• Dining will be spread out - table size or capacity will be reduced.
• Buffets won't be self-serve (if they aren't eliminated completely, at least initially).
• Some services, such as pools and spas may be closed or have limited capacity.
• Entertainment will be impacted by social distancing - reservations will probably be needed.
• You won't have to shave - since everyone will have a mask on - who's going to know.
• Shore excursions will have limited capacity and probably won't have food included.

This isn't an exhaustive list, but we think it's representative of the kinds of changes that will be noticeable.    There will be behind the scenes changes, such as improved filtering, which you won't notice but will be happy it's been implemented.

The cruise industry is best equipped to deal with these safety implementations, since they've historically had similar measures in place.   

Update - The Current Experience

Since cruising has resumed this past summer, cruisers are experiencing ships at 50% or lower capacity, crew very eager to serve,  and all that they loved cruising for to still be possible.  Masks are in use when safe distancing isn't possible, but other than that, things appear to be better than normal.  Cruise lines have reported higher satisfaction rates than pre-Covid.

"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by"                              ~Sea Fever, John Masefield

 

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Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

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Reassuring Safe to Cruise

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Updated 10/5/2021

Aren't cruise ships just giant petri dishes? What's being done to reassure the public it's safe to cruise again?

There has been misinformation in the media which would lead to an assumption that cruise ships are giant petri dishes.  After you watch this video you will have a better understanding of the health and safety measures that have always been in place and which have since been enhanced.

State of the Industry - CLIA Report

"In a year marked by hurricanes, wildfires, and the worst public health crisis the world has experienced in over 100 years, we have seen our industry and our communities challenged in ways we could have never imagined. As we turn the page on 2020, the 2021 State of the Cruise Industry Reports highlights the progress that we have made over the last 12 months and underscores the leadership of the cruise industry and its constant drive to innovate and lead the way in responsible tourism." 

 ~Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, CLIA

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) worked to establish an industry-wide COVID-19 policy for its ocean-going cruise line members.  Read the entire 2021 State of the Cruise Industry report.

Top Choices for Reassuring Safe to Cruise

•  sanitation and cleaning protocols should be increased​ 
•  air filtration should be upgraded​ 
•  shipboard medical resources will be expanded​ 
•  shore excursions should follow stringent health protocols​ 
•  passenger capacity should be limited to ensure social distancing​ 
•  COVID-19 testing should take place right before embarking

Expected protocols are also associated with improving processes that are aligned with processes/expertise already existing within the cruise industry pre-COVID.​  Furthermore, the protocols that cruisers are expecting, are fully aligned with what cruise lines are implementing ​

 Highlights of the Core Elements 

 Variances for Small / Expedition Ships 

• Booking procedures and risk disclosures 
• Staggered guest arrivals and departures 
• Health screening including temperature checks for anyone boarding 
• Onboard testing capability 
• Augmentation of medical facilities and staff 
• Capacity management/social distancing 
• Dining restrictions 
• Use of contactless technology 
• Contact tracing

See Cruise Research Highlights for the whole report.
 

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

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Washing Hands Prevents Illness

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October 15, Global Handwashing Day

The 2020 Global Handwashing Day theme is “Hand Hygiene for All.”  

Global Handwashing Day is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Source:  Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing
 

Cruise Ships & Norovirus

In past years, cruise industry headlines centered around ships delayed due to the need to have a deep clean following an up tick in the gastrointestinal illness, known as Norovirus.  Perhaps news stories like that have prevented you from enjoying a cruise vacation.

Coronavirus Brought Attention to Handwashing 

Symphony of the Seas

This year’s theme follows the recent global initiative calling on all of society to scale up hand hygiene, especially through handwashing with soap. This year’s theme reminds us that we must work toward universal access and practice of handwashing with soap for now and for a healthy future.

Keeping cruise ships clean and sanitary has always been a top priority for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members. While this longstanding cruise line practice may sound minor, COVID-19 has reaffirmed the critical importance of hand hygiene to protecting public health. 

Who is to Blame When Norovirus Hits?

The first inclination when you hear about an outbreak would be to blame the cruise line. Clearly, they have let you down - you expected a healthy cruise, and you got sick.   In fact there's a group of passengers that were on sister cruise line's Independence of the Seas that are suing Royal Caribbean International for £500,000 after contracting norovirus while onboard the ship.

The cruise line is responsible - right?

The cruise line IS responsible  for cleaning the ship and providing the facilities for passengers and crew to maintain proper hygiene onboard the ship.   They do that - you'll notice signs posted in all the rest rooms and crew members pointing out sanitation machines and washing stations, such as the one in the picture above posted outside the restaurant entrance.  

Keeping Cruise Ships Clean and Sanitary (Read More)

But, ladies and gentleman - I suspect that YOU are to BLAME.   Did you stop to wash your hands after using the bathroom?   Did you sanitize your hands every time you entered a restaurant onboard the ship.   Did you do so all but one time?   That one time would be enough to kick off this sort of outbreak.

During recent cruises on Disney Dream and Carnival Sensation, we noticed the sanitizing materials and signs.  Sadly, we also noticed many passengers disregarding the signs and avoiding the sanitizing of their hands before entering the restaurant.

Working together, the cruise lines and passengers could Prevent Norovirus and other illness.

USEFUL LINKS ABOUT NOROVIRUS

Facts About Noroviruses on Cruise Ships  -  gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses can be prevented

Wash hands often. Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.  Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with hand washing.

Norovirus outbreaks, when they occur on a cruise ship, always make the news.  The truth is these outbreaks can occur anywhere there are groups of people in a small area such as nursing homes, restaurants, catered events, hotels, and cruise ships.

Vessel Sanitation Program - prevention and control of spread of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships  

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat