Virgin Voyages, the new adults only cruise line that will now debut this fall, has released eight new health measures to keep their passengers and crew members safe.
Virgin Voyages is working with AtmosAir, EcoLab, Dr. Heymann at Vikand, Global Public Health Services, and the CDC for new health practices and guidelines.
From before you set sail until after you get off the cruise ship, here is what Virgin Voyages is doing to keep everyone safe at sea.
BEFORE THE CRUISE
Virgin is implementing additional, frequent pre-boarding health checks and screenings, installing Thermal Camera technology to monitor temperatures at the terminal and on board, and fogging every single item that goes on their cruise ships.
THE CLEAN SCENE
Virgin is incorporating the latest heightened hygiene initiatives for COVID-19; sanitizing dispensers in every public space, touchless faucets, increased hygiene signage, and leveraging hospital grade EPA registered disinfectants from EcoLab.
A (LITERAL) BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Not only does Virgin not recycle air with their HVAC system that provides a continuous stream of fresh air, but they’ve gone a step further and installed the latest technology from AtmosAir Solutions — a first-to-industry air filtration system that kills 99.9% of viruses.
KEEPING IT SOCIAL (BUT DISTANT)
Virgin is reducing their overall ship capacity for their start-up sailing period, creating more distance between groups at their spaces, and leveraging their already-digital experience to limit contact — from virtual queues and service chats to The Band (for no-touch payment).
(STILL) NO BUFFETS
Never had them, never will. No large dining halls, just individual eateries — food is only prepared when it’s ordered. And for ShipEats, Virgin’s onboard delivery service, they will offer contactless drop-off and pick up.
AT Their DESTINATIONS
Virgin will manage the arrival/disembarkation times at the port terminals, so that physical distancing is possible. For Shore Things and at The Beach Club at Bimini, they won’t offer anything that doesn’t meet their health standards on the cruise ship.
THE CREW
Virgin will conduct routine temperature checks and testing for COVID-19 for their Crew, education on best practices for COVID19-specific cleaning, and requiring gloves and frequent hand washing for high risk areas of contamination.
AFTER YOU SAIL
Virgin is aiming to set up a post-voyage notification process so Sailors and Crew can inform Virgin if they become unwell, and contacting anyone who may have come into close contact so you can arrange any necessary follow-ups or care.
