After what will have been more than a year without cruises in the UK, it has been announced that domestic cruises look set to return on 17th May 2021. This return to cruising is in line with the opening up of tourism within the UK and indoor hospitality, provided that the previous easing of lockdown restrictions are successful.
The announcement comes after Robert Courts, Maritime Minister, seemed to disclose the information to a group of MPs during a virtual meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Maritime and Ports Group (APPMPG). This was later confirmed when a spokesperson for the Department of Transport told The Independent that the return of cruises in the UK would be in line with the reopening of both tourism and indoor hospitality within the country.
While international travel is still uncertain, this will be the perfect opportunity for cruise lines to showcase their enhanced health and safety protocols and give guests the chance to return to the seas in time for their summer holidays.
Many cruise lines have already planned for the return of cruises to UK waters, with UK coastal cruises and staycations offered by cruise lines including Cunard, Princess Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Tradewind Voyages, with popular British cruise line P&O Cruises set to release their UK summer itineraries soon. You can pre-register your interest now to make sure you're one of the first to know about P&O Cruises new summer itineraries.
With cruises departing from a variety of UK ports, including Southampton, Dover, Liverpool and Greenock, guests will be able to embark on cruises to fantastic UK destinations, as well as enjoy the opportunity to get back onboard cruise ships and find their sea legs once more.
When it comes to the onboard experience, guests will see enhanced health and safety protocols. These could include health checks before boarding, increased cleaning throughout, no self-service buffets and reduced capacity in venues such as restaurants and theatres.
If you're excited to return to the ocean and would like to get your summer holiday booked, browse our fantastic UK coastal cruises now. Alternatively, see here for our full breakdown on the return to cruising.
