NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new program (Sail Safe) which features more details about the protocols they will put in place when their cruise ships return to service.
Being the first among the industry's largest cruise companies to officially announce their plans, NCL revealed that the new protocols would span 6 different areas.
The 6 key areas include:
- Enhanced screening protocols. All crew and passengers will undergo extensive pre-embarkation health screening via touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring throughout the cruise.
- All new air filtration systems. Installation of H13 HEPA (medical-grade air filters) that remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens.
- Increased sanitation measures. All liners are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before every sailing in accordance with company protocols, developed in partnership with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Vessel Sanitation Program. The 24/7 prevention schedule features continuous disinfection of high-traffic touchpoints and public areas.
- Responsible social distancing. Passenger capacity onboard and in public areas is to be reduced. Staggered embarkation and check-in will be implemented. Onboard activities will be available but at a reduced capacity and slightly modified to ensure social distancing.
- Enhanced medical resources. Onboard medical centres are fully equipped with the latest testing kits and medical supplies. NCL is also adding a dedicated Public Health Officer on every cruise ship.
- Expanded ship-to-shore safety. Norwegian is partnering with the destinations to which they sail and the tour operators there in order to ensure safety measures extend shoreside. They will only visit "safe, open ports of call" which might cause itinerary changes.