MSC Cruises obtains additional safety stamp

Posted on 10 October, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Magnifica in the Forth of Firth Edinburgh.

MSC Cruises has obtained a further stamp of approval for its ability to reduce the risk of infection on board its flagship.

MSC Grandiosa, currently operating in the Mediterranean, has been awarded the Biosafe Ship additional class notation assigned by the classification society RINA.

RINA had previously verified that MSC Cruises’ health and safety protocols met European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Joint Guidance, which incorporates additional health standards including those from the EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action, allowing it to restart sailings in August.

The Biosafe Ship is an additional goal-based and voluntary notation that certifies that the ship is equipped with systems, components and has a layout and operational procedures that reduce infection risk.

Grandiosa is on her eighth consecutive weekly cruise serving guests from the Schengen area, with UK guests currently unable to board. Its other ship, MSC Magnifica, is scheduled to resume sailing on October 19.

New procedures on both ships include universal Covid-19 testing for all guests and crew prior to embarkation, protected “social bubble” shore visits at each destination and the introduction of a Covid Protection Plan of insurance.

Celebrity Apex makes a fleeting call into the UK

Posted on 23 September, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

Celebrity Cruises new ship Celebrity Apex has made a fleeting visit to the UK before sailing to Florida for a rescheduled naming.

The vessel called into Southampton from its French shipyard ahead of a transatlantic crossing.

Celebrity Apex was originally due to be launched at the UK port in March before embarking on a mini-season of cruises but all had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Company boss Lisa Luoff-Perlo has pledged to bring the 2,900-passenger ship back to the UK when the time is right.

The ship’s naming is now due to take place in Fort Lauderdale next month by activist and author Reshma Saujani, head of non-profit organisation Girls Who Code.

Celebrity Apex was welcomed into Southampton by EMEA vide president and managing director Jo Rzymowska as the crew prepared for the Atlantic voyage.

DFDS pledges to continue France and Netherlands sailings

Posted on 16 August, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

European Cruises and Ferry Crossings | Passenger Ferries | DFDS

Ferry operator DFDS will continue to operate passenger routes between the UK, France and Netherlands, despite the government decision to add the countries to the quarantine list.

The company runs 57 sailings a day on routes from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk; three per day between Newhaven and Dieppe; and daily crossings between Newcastle and Amsterdam.

Kasper Moos, head of DFDS’ short routes and passenger business, said: “Customers with existing bookings or those considering booking a holiday to Europe can rest assured that we will continue to operate our passenger routes between the UK, France and Holland.

“While arrangements may have changed for what they must do when they return from their break, we continue to provide a safe and relaxing means to travel to and from the continent.”

DFDS has introduced safety measures onboard its ships to allow for social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes.

On its Dover-France routes, all bookings include a free meal in the onboard restaurants, meaning passengers can avoid having to break their journey to stop for food before getting onboard.

For the Newcastle-Amsterdam route, passengers can pre-book dinner and breakfast options during the online booking process.

Customers travelling on its routes from Dover and Newcastle have a ‘Travel Guarantee’, so they can cancel their journey and re-book for a future date for free.