Saga Cruises, UK travel company, is the first cruise line requiring all passengers to have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to sail on its cruise vessels.
To remind, the cruise industry was among the first COVID-19 stricken sectors, recording a great number of positive cases and halting operations.
Therefore, Saga Cruises stated that
We have welcomed the news that the COVID?19 vaccination program has started to be rolled out across the country, with many of our guests amongst the first groups of people being offered the vaccine. It is with this in mind that we have once more reviewed our health and safety procedures to ensure we are providing the safest possible cruise experience. We have taken the decision to introduce the requirement that all guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Moreover, to ease passengers and allow them to be fully vaccinated, the company will delay its first cruise, setting the new date of departure on May 4.
The company adds that all guests must have received their full COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before travelling with us. If this is not the case and you need to change their cruise plans, they will offer a different date or a full refund.
Detailing their decision, they noted that the majority of their guests “fall into the at-risk age bracket and our priority is their safety and wellbeing.” Saga markets itself as an adult-only product requiring travelers to be over the age of 50 to cruise, although companions in their 40s are also accepted.
The company concluded that their focus in on guests and ensuring that they have all been vaccinated.
