Healthy Cruising with P&O
At P&O Cruises the health, safety and well-being of our valued guests, the communities we visit and our loyal crew, is a top priority. Our health and safety practices have always been of the highest standard. As our understanding of COVID-19 is still evolving, we are working closely with some of the best minds in medical science, public health and infectious disease control to understand the challenges posed by the virus and how to best mitigate its spread.
When we resume cruising, it will be with enhanced health measures. developed in conjunction with government health authorities, public health experts, local ports and the Cruise Lines International Association. In addition, our intention is to restart operations with vaccination - only cruises for guests and crew. The policy will be developed once the pathway for a return to cruising is clearer, but the broad intent is to require proof of vaccination for those in the population eligible to be vaccinated at the time. As Australia and the world re-opens social venues, we will continue to learn from their example and adjust these health and safety practices accordingly.
Some of the new safety measures we’re considering are below.
Before We Leave
Our plan is to restart operations with cruises for fully vaccinated guests and crew. Before leaving guests will be required to complete a pre-embarkation health screening in accordance with prevailing health best practices. This may include touch free temperature checks where necessary. Those identified at risk will be asked to undergo an additional health evaluation by medical staff. Ships & terminals will be thoroughly sanitised between cruises. Boarding will be staggered, managed by adjusting the flow, timing, and size of groups to ensure responsible social distancing. Our planned vaccination-only policy aligns with Australian governments public statements linking society returning to normal once sufficient numbers of eligible Australians have been fully vaccinated. Detailed information on the proposed policy will be provided in the coming months. For more information click here.
Onboard Healthcare
P&O will offer health checks as appropriate during the cruise for guests & crew. Our crew will be trained in all COVID-19 health protocols and we will have a team of medical staff including highly qualified doctors onboard. Medical centres will have both outpatient and inpatient facilities including critical care capabilities. We will endeavour to provide the latest COVID-19 testing capabilities, medication that improves COVID-19 clinical outcomes, and dedicated onboard quarantine rooms should they be needed.
Cleaning & Sanitisation
At P&O, we’ve always strived to offer a clean and sanitised onboard environment. We will routinely use a safe disinfectant that’s clinically proven to quickly kill novel coronaviruses. Staterooms and high traffic public areas will be frequently sanitised. Additional handwashing facilities and hand sanitisation stations will be provided for your convenience.
Port & Shore Visits
P&O will work in conjunction with government health authorities and public health experts at all our ports and shore destinations to ensure alignment on enhanced health measures. Disease activity and health regulations are regularly monitored in our ports and shore locations so we can adjust our cruise itineraries as necessary.
