CLIA welcomes FCO advice with river cruising set to return
CLIA has welcomed new government travel advice which has paved the way for the resumption of river cruising.
In an update, the FCO clarified its advice by saying the warning not to cruise now only relates to "sea-going cruise ships".
The relaxing of guidelines will bring some respite to the beleaguered cruise sector which has been ravaged by Covid-19.
CLIA UK & Ireland Director, Andy Harmer, said: "This latest change to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s advisory regarding cruise ship travel provides a very welcome boost.
"We are seeing a gradual, phased-in approach to resumption of cruise operations across Europe, initially domestic and regional.
"CLIA is continuing its constructive dialogue with the Department for Transport and Public Health England to finalise the road map to resumption of international cruise travel."
The updated advice reads: "The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against cruise ship travel at this time. This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.
"Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least 1 night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households.
"Our advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools."
The advice does not include ferries or privately-rented boats.
The government said it ‘will continue to review its cruise ship travel advice based on the latest medical advice’.
James Cole, Founder and Managing Director of Panache Cruises, said: "It’s so pleasing to see that the FCO has changed its advice and river cruising has been given the green light.
"When you combine this with the industry leading protocols that are being implemented by each of the cruise lines, the low deposit schemes and flexible booking conditions, together with the exceptional deals available to consumers, now is certainly the best time in the history of cruising to book a cruise. But my advice would be not to wait, as prices will increase as bookings gain momentum."
By Steve Jones, Contributing Editor
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