By
Rebecca Gibson |
Small-ship cruise operator Windstar Cruises will require all guests to show both negative Covid-19 test results and proof that they have received a full Covid-19 vaccination before embarking on any of its six vessels.
Guests must have completed the vaccination course at least 14 days prior to their embarkation date. Meanwhile, crew members will be required to be vaccinated as soon as the inoculation is available to them.
According to Windstar, the policy was introduced after reviewing government reports about increased vaccine availability in the USA and other countries, as well as information that many of its ports of call and some airlines announcing or considering vaccine mandates. Windstar said that this standard is subject to change as US Centers for Disease and Control guidelines are amended and updated.
“Vaccination is another layer of safety for all of us, and it’s the responsible course of action as our yachts resume cruising and our guests travel the world,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises.
Windstar has also implemented a range of enhanced health and safety protocols to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spreading onboard its ships.
“Looking at the science behind the virus, we see consistent recommendations for wearing masks, social distancing, testing, and enhanced cleaning,” said Andrew Todd, CEO of Windstar and parent company Xanterra Travel Collection. “In response, Windstar developed a new Beyond Ordinary Care programme, which is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus backpack sprayers to sanitise all surfaces throughout our yachts.”
Windstar plans to gradually restart operations this summer, with Star Breeze embarking on Caribbean sailings and Wind Star offering Mediterranean itineraries from 19 June. Wind Spirit will then begin voyages from Tahiti on 15 July, Wind Surf will sail in the Mediterranean from 8 August, Star Legend will start Northern European departures on 4 September and Star Pride will provide Caribbean itineraries from 3 November. Initially, the cruises will operate with reduced guest occupancy and some modified itineraries.