The EMSA guidance provides recommendations relating to the development of ship and port management plans, as well as the interaction between cruise operations and ports and terminals.

Co-authored with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the EMSA guidance follows the recent publication of EU Healthy Gateways guidance on the resumption of cruise ship operations.

Viewed in tandem, these guidance documents aim to establish a pan-European benchmark for national maritime transport and public health authorities for the future resumption of cruising in Europe.

CLIA and its member lines have been engaged in the development of the guidance, which will help to inform the development of protocols at the national level.

CLIA member lines are also identifying appropriate protocols, based on evolving guidance from health authorities and medical experts, that cover passengers from the time of booking their cruise, to the holiday itself and their safe return home.

Speaking on behalf of CLIA Europe, secretary-general Tom Boardley said: “This guidance from the European Maritime Safety Agency is an important resource for authorities and operators focused on the safe resumption of cruising in Europe.”

Visit emsa.europa.eu for more information.