Sea trip
Cruise: Everything you need to know about your trip right now
A summer trip is a great idea. But what rules apply to any shipping company and what do you have to consider on board a ship? An overview reveals what you need to know for your cruise vacation.
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Do you want to see the world of ship this year? Then head to a variety of destinations on a cruise! From aboard, you can not only experience the vastness of the oceans, but also discover many coastal cities in a short time. Many countries have relaxed Corona entry rules, so you can leave the ship in many places without additional testing.
Although corona numbers are declining, some hygiene and safety measures are still in place on board ships. Among other things, proof of 3G must be presented when riding. After all, the German Foreign Ministry no longer advises against taking a cruise for reasons of protection against infection, and the Robert Koch Institute also removed all countries of the world from the list of risks.
So there is hardly anything standing in the way of your journey.
Luxury cruise ship “Costa Romantica” off Male, Maldives. Do you come with me
Cruise: These rules apply
You can find out what Corona rules currently apply to the top four cruise operators in Germany in our website overview.
On board Aida: This is important for your cruise
Aida is monitoring the current situation of Corona. “If there are any changes, we will inform our guests immediately and will also publish this (information) on the site,” a company spokeswoman told The Reisereporter.
On the way with Aida Birla: The ship stands out against the bright blue sky.
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You currently have to adapt to these regulations on board:
- Destinations: Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean, Caribbean, North America, Northern Europe, East, Baltic, South America
- Corona proof: Every guest from the age of three requires an approved antigen test, and the PCR test is not mandatory.
- Mask requirements: Applicable in most indoor areas except for on-site restaurants and bars, during sports, in saunas and facials and in the cabin. It is recommended to use the FFP2 mask.
- Life on board and voyages: Possible. Some offers are only available on a limited scale due to the low number of participants. Aida advises booking the highlights of the holiday three days before departure. When going to the beach, the relevant state regulations apply.
- In case of suspected corona: a free medical examination. Insulation facilities and ventilation devices are available.
- Cancellation and Rebooking: If you book a flight before May 31 with departure by October 31, 2022, you can rebook once for free up to 30 days before the flight begins.
Hapag Lloyd Cruises cruise: these rules apply
“Of course, we are currently noticing that regulations in many countries are changing and restrictions are being relaxed on the land side,” says a spokeswoman for Hapag Lloyd Cruises. “We are confident that infection values will continue to decline in the coming weeks. Then we will occasionally reassess the test specifications for our guests.”
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Hapag Lloyd travels with cruise lovers to Antarctica, among other places. Here a small ship runs across the eternal ice.
It is not currently possible to predict when this will happen and what it will look like in concrete terms. Until then, the following rules apply to Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ ships:
- Destinations: Middle East, Arctic, Mediterranean, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean, North America, Caribbean, South Seas, Pacific Ocean, Africa
- Corona proof: Proof of vaccination (with a booster vaccination if the primary vaccination was more than three months ago) and a negative corona test before the start of the trip is mandatory, as well as a completed health questionnaire.
- Mask requirements: A mask must always be worn on board when it is not easy to maintain a minimum distance, according to Hapag Lloyd, for example “when boarding and disembarking, when traveling in inflatable expedition boats, when using lifts, during sea rescue exercises, On the way to restaurants, at the buffet or when shopping in the boutique.” No mask is required on the outside decks.
- Life on board and excursions: events take place with fewer participants, childcare is possible. In some cases, events double as theatrical performances. The spa area is open, but a mask must be worn for some treatments.
- In case of suspicion of corona: the passenger is examined, and if the suspicion is confirmed, he is isolated and cared for in the cabin, several free cabins are kept for this purpose. If necessary, he will be taken to a hospital on the ground. Anyone without symptoms can stay on the plane.
- Cancellation and Rebooking: You can cancel for free with Hapag Lloyd up to 42 days before the trip begins. There are currently no special options for rebooking due to Corona.
Across the Sea with MSC Cruises: That’s right
It is not yet clear when and how exactly corona rules for MSC Cruises will be relaxed. But: “What is already certain is that there will be no beach picnics in a closed bubble, the so-called bubble. A spokesperson for the shipping company said.” If you wish, you can go on a tour on your own again.
MSC Cruises departs after stopping in Fort Lauderdale, USA.
Those who prefer an organized tour of the most beautiful destinations can participate in one of the approximately 1,400 shore excursions that MSC Cruises offers this summer. In addition, the following applies:
- Destinations: Atlantic, United Arab Emirates, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Red Sea, South Africa, South America
- Corona proof: All guests from the age of twelve must be fully vaccinated. From the age of two years, a negative Covid test before riding must also be submitted.
- Masks are mandatory in all public places on board. The mask can be removed from the seat in restaurants, bars, lounges and on the sun deck. A spokesperson for the Maritime Safety Committee says it is not yet clear if and when that obligation will fully decrease.
- Life on board and excursions: many events will take place again. MSC Cruises recommends pre-booking activities and services because many of the shows are in smaller groups. There is also a personal limit in the pool. Childcare is available during the flight if the parents book the flight in advance.
- In case of suspected corona: isolation in cooperation with the competent authorities. Insurance that protects against covid risks is mandatory. It covers package tour cancellation, travel disruption, repatriation costs, quarantine, medical assistance and related costs, and hospitalization. Cost: between 25 and 49 euros per person, depending on the destination.
- Cancellation and Rebooking: You can rebook for free up to 15 days before departure if you book a flight by May 31 with departure by March 31, 2023.
Tui Cruises: You have to think about it on the ‘Mein Schiff’ fleet
Currently, most European countries are on the easing path. A Tui Cruises spokeswoman explains that the ‘Mein Schiff’ fleet has been traveling with guests again since July 2020 with a proven health concept. The concept is constantly being adapted to the specifications in the target areas.
With the steamer to Norway: this is possible with the “Mein Schiff” from Tui.
Each port has different regulations. We assume our requirements as a cruise company will be relaxed very soon. We will then adjust the rules accordingly – always depending on the situation in question and the specification of the destinations,” says Tui Cruises.
- Destinations: Asia, Central America, Caribbean, Mediterranean, North America, Baltic, North Sea, East and Southern Africa
- Corona proof: full protection vaccination and two negative corona tests before departure; Booster vaccination is no longer necessary
- Mask requirement: The mask requirement is currently still in force in public areas indoors and everywhere where distance cannot be maintained. In the pool, for example, it is no longer necessary to wear a mask.
- Life on board and excursions: Guests on board can use the restaurants, bars, sports, wellness and entertainment as usual. A full shore excursion program is also offered, and travelers can also disembark individually.
- If coronavirus infection is suspected: Guests on board are isolated, tested and, if necessary, isolated on land. Medical care is guaranteed. Tui Cruises organizes the procedures. The cruise operator recommends purchasing comprehensive insurance to cover any costs incurred.
- Cancellation and Rebooking: Reservations made through May 31 may be rebooked up to 30 days prior to flight start for trips between May and October.