Port Malaga Spain revealed it is ready to resume cruise traffic after the approval of the protocol for cruise ship traffic by the Regional Government of Andalucia.
This protocol provides measures and procedures for safe operation both for cruisers and citizens. It is expected to allow the resumption of cruise ship calls in national itineraries in Andalusian Ports, for national and international cruise passengers.
Andalucia is leading the resumption of cruise traffic in mainland Spain and will be helping other regions to move forward so that a variety of itinerary offers will be available for cruise companies in the area, being Malaga an excellent option for homeporting due to its international airport, one of the major in the country.
National itineraries are currently allowed at Spanish ports where corresponding regional governments approve this Kind of traffic (as for today, Andalucía and the Canary Islands) whereas international itineraries are not allowed but under study by the Government.
The protocol features the procedures and measures to be followed by the cruise lines, in line with EU Healthy Gateways, the protocols from Malaga Cruise Terminals (leaders in the international and national certification as safe facilities), and cruise companies’ protocols. These, together with protocols from the cruise destination, ensure the safest experience in Malaga.
The protocol provides measures and procedures in order to guarantee the safe development of cruise ship calls in Andalusian Ports:
- Passengers and crew members must provide negative PCR tests before boarding
- Upon boarding, guests will be informed on prevention measures and protocols that have to be followed onboard
- Ships must have authorized laboratories to carry out tests for crew, as well as random tests for cruisers
- Ship capacity has to be reduced to 60-70% of the total ship capacity, keeping cabins for preventive isolations if needed, either because of a positive result or because of direct contact with a positive case.
- Buffet service is not available and meals are served directly on the table
- Organized excursions are carried out under “bubble groups”
- All cruisers must provide health insurance including agreements with hospitals as well as accommodation for preventive isolation.