When another one of Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines resume cruises next month, they will be implementing a number of new health protocols that include converting cruise ship buffets into service restaurants.
AIDA Cruises has announced new health measures for when cruises resume in October.
The enhanced protocols will include:
- Pre-boarding digital health questionnaires
- Health screening for guests and crew prior to embarkation, including temperature checks and pre-voyage COVID-19 testing
- Regular temperature checks for guests and crew
- Physical distancing guidelines of at least 1.5 meters (or five feet), reduced occupancy, staggered boarding times and staggered muster drill
- Routing systems on arrival, departure and on board to minimize large gatherings
- Face coverings will be mandatory for guests and crew in public areas and in outdoor areas whenever distance between non-family guests is less than 1.5 meters (or five feet)
- Redesigned common areas, entertainment programs and restaurants
- Buffet restaurants converted to service restaurants
- Guided shore excursions managed by AIDA to maintain health protocols
- Increased mitigation and sanitization efforts in all cabins and public areas
- Closely managing capacities at onboard experiences
- Additional hand sanitizer dispensers at check in and on board
- Expanded shipboard health services and crew training
- Modern medical centers equipped with test kits and diagnostic equipment for immediate evaluation, as well as an expanded team available 24/7
- Testing and isolation plans, crew training and expanded medical teams for suspected cases
Protocols were developed with medical experts, governmental and health authorities, and align with current guidance from the World Health Organization and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute.
Protocols were developed with medical experts, governmental and health authorities, and align with current guidance from the World Health Organization and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute.
The advisors include:
Dr. Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, author, former vice admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and 19th Surgeon General of the United States.
Dr. Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology, University of Reading School of Biological Sciences (UK).
Michael S. Diamond, MD, PhD, Herbert S. Gasser professor of medicine, molecular microbiology, pathology & immunology; and associate director, Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Michael Z. Lin, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology, bioengineering, and chemical and systems biology; and principal investigator, The Lin Lab, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Jewel Mullen, MD, MPH, associate dean for health equity, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School.
Emil C. Reisinger, MD, full professor of internal medicine, infectious diseases and tropical medicine and director of the Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rostock, Germany.
Dr. Stefano Vella, MD, former director, National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italian National Institute of Health); and adjunct professor of global health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart) in Rome.
AIDA Cruises will be the second of Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines to resume service. Costa Cruises was the first and now has two cruise ships sailing.
