Saga Cruises UK moved closer to restarting passenger shipping operations with the award of new COVID safety accreditation and becoming the first cruise operator awarded with COVID health assurance accreditation by Lloyd’s Register (maritime classification society).
The move is a step ahead of the planned return to operations in spring 2021 in a Coronavirus-secure environment. Lloyd’s Register awarded SAGA the “Shield+” accreditation - the highest health assurance category they have.
The framework has been created to reduce risk as well as provide confidence in the safety procedures of cruise operators against the introduction of infectious diseases on board cruise ships, including Norovirus, common flu, and COVID-19, as cruise companies work with the government to restart an industry employing 88,000 people and worth GBP 10 billion per year to the British economy.
Being awarded the new accreditation demonstrates that Saga Cruises exceeds the compliance criteria in each category set out by the UK Chamber of Shipping in the guidance for COVID Secure Cruising, supported by the government.
The accreditation is assessed against 6 key categories covering all aspects of ship safety where health risks are elevated: policy, food, medical, ventilation, water, and accommodation.
The award follows detailed planning from Saga UK, putting in place detailed procedures to meet the highest standards of health & safety. Saga ships have been inspected in all key areas. The accreditation has been awarded for both Spirit of Discovery and Saga’s newest ship - Spirit of Adventure, which is scheduled to set sail for the first time in May 2021.