In order to restart our sailings we have prepared the highest health safety protocols with regard to the prevention of Covid 19 These protocols are based on the EU Healthy Gateways recommendations and those of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Intensive training for our crew forms part of these hygiene protocols.
Due to Governmental port authority requirements there will be hygiene rules in place for your health safety and possible restrictions during the cruise and ashore We expect these restrictions to be subject to change, on a regular basis, with gradual improvements due to the positive roll out of vaccines We will adapt our procedures accordingly and update our website, when necessary www.starclippers.com.
Vaccination policy
Star Clippers’ passengers must be fully vaccinated with all COVID 19 vaccine doses completed at least 14 days prior to embarkation Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca or 4 weeks prior for Johnson Johnson Star Clippers will require proof by way of the original vaccination documents issued by the relevant country’s health authority for example USA CDC vaccination record card, UK NHS certificate, EU Digital Covid Certificate.
Embarkation Health Check Exclusion Policy
Within 72 hours before boarding the vessel, passengers are required to take a RT PCR swab test A negative result of the test will be required to be presented before boarding in addition to a completed health questionnaire, which will be provided in advance. We reserve the right to perform an additional Antigen test for Covid 19 nasal swab or saliva
before embarkation. Only passengers with negative test results will be permitted to board In addition, any person experiencing symptoms compatible with Covid 19 cough,
fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell or if identified, anyone who has been in contact during the last 14 days with a confirmed case of Covid 19 will not be accepted on board Star Clippers’ ships Social distancing and the wearing of protective masks will be required Embarkation will take place in small groups.
High Risk Groups
Passengers in high risk groups including people over 60 years of age or people of any age with underlying medical conditions chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and immunocompromised individuals are advised to visit a doctor for pre travel medical consultation to assess if they are fit to travel.
Officers & crew
All Officers and crew are required to take a comprehensive health check and Covid 19 test before joining each cruise and regularly thereafter We also expect to have all crew members vaccinated prior to joining the vessels Regular temperature checks will be carried out and all Officers and crew will be required to wear masks.
Hygiene on board
A Health Safety Officer will be on board, in addition to the ship’s nurse All Officers and crew will have advanced intensive training in hygiene protocols and the detection of Covid 19 symptoms Should a passenger be suspected of a positive Covid case, they will be placed under medical supervision. A number of isolation cabins will be prepared on board each ship.
Supplies of contactless body thermometers are available on board together with masks and testing kits. Normal rules of hygiene apply, such as coughing and sneezing etiquette, hand washing and social distancing. Disinfectant dispensers are distributed throughout the vessels. Masks must be worn, except when dining, drinking, sunbathing or swimming.
Star Clippers adheres to the highest health and safety policy, closely following US Public Health guidelines. Surfaces that may be touched regularly hand rails, door handles, etc are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Cabins and suites are cleaned two times every day on embarkation days all suites, cabins and public areas will be completely disinfected.
Quality air purification units are placed in many public areas, such as dining room, piano bar, library, sloop shop and, on Royal Clipper, the Captain Nemo lounge gym spa.
Culinary Arts
Star Clippers’ high standards, choice and quality of cuisine on board remains unchanged. For the near future, there will be no self service in the restaurant. Hotel crew are available to assist serving from the breakfast and lunch buffets. A La Carte dinner will be served with usual style.
Shore excursions On Board Programmes
We aim to offer shore excursions as previously, however, the tours are subject to any amendments deemed necessary by the local governments and any changes will be advised on board. Shore excursions are bookable on board and costs charged to passengers’ on board accounts as usual. All our tour providers have Covid management plans and will adhere to health safety regulations in place in their particular country.
We are currently awaiting advice, from our different ports of call, as to whether individual excursions ashore will be permitted.
Travel Insurance
All passengers are required to have a travel insurance policy valid for the duration of the cruise. In addition to regular medical cover, this insurance should cover all costs related to Covid 19 sickness including, but not limited to, treatment ashore and repatriation.
