NCL Unveil New Health & Safety Protocols

Norwegian Cruise Line has become one of the first cruise lines to reveal new safety measures resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Set to be implemented across the fleet once sailings resume, the protocols offer an insight into what measures cruisers can expect to be introduced in the coming months. 

After working closely with the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), Norwegian Cruise Line will implement the following as part of a ‘Stay Safe’ initiative. 

ALL-NEW AIR FILTRATION 

Medical-grade air filters, H13 HEPA, will be installed across the fleet. The filtration system will remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens to ensure the air guests breathe is clean. 

ENHANCED SCREENING PROTOCOLS

All guests who cruise with NCL will undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screening, with those considered to be at risk undergoing additional screening. Additionally, all crew will undergo extensive screening prior to embarkation and will be constantly monitored throughout each voyage. Similarly, touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests will identify any potential health issues and offer an additional layer of prevention. 

INCREASED SANITATION MEASURES

All ships in the NCL fleet are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage, in accordance with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, and these measures will be increased when sailings resume. Embarkation terminals will be sanitised continuously, and, where possible, will be fogged before and after every embarkation and disembarkation. Onboard, all staterooms, suites and public areas will be cleaned, sanitised and disinfected more frequently, including with the use of Electrostatic Spray Technology. 

RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL DISTANCING

In order to facilitate responsible social distancing, guest capacity onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships will be reduced. Staggered embarkation and online check-in will also be implemented. During voyages, capacity in all public areas will be carefully monitored. 

ENHANCED MEDICAL RESOURCES

Onboard medical medical centres will be equipped with coronavirus testing kits and further medical supplies. Medical teams are being increased across the fleet and each ship will feature dedicated isolation accommodation.

EXTENDED SHIP TO SHORE SAFETY

NCL has partnered with destinations and tour operators to ensure the new health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside too. As a result, they will only visit safe, open ports of call. The cruise line advises future guests that, as such, changes to itineraries may be necessary but that communicating changes in advance will be a top priority. 

Norwegian Cruise Line described the safe cruising program as ‘ever-evolving’, confirming that further new technologies and enhancements will be announced at a later date.