Carnival Ecstasy

The Government has recommended that people do not travel on cruise ships.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the decision was “due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England”.

The FCO said it would “continue to review its cruise ship travel advice”.

It added: “[The FCO] continues to support the Department for Transport’s work with industry for the resumption of international cruise travel.”

The ruling is a major setback for an industry that appeared to be easing its way back to business

Dave Monk, a travel writer for the Telegraph, said:

“This is a blow to British holidaymakers who are seeing cruising return perfectly safely in Europe and who are looking forward to sailing both from the UK and abroad in the coming months.

“It seems curious when pubs, restaurants and resorts are opening, and new protocols are being introduced on cruise ships to ensure they are as clean and safe – if not much more so – than land-based alternatives.”

Simon Palethorpe, the president of cruise company Carnival UK, said:

“Confidence in cruising is strong and we are seeing increasing demand from our guests, who we look forward to welcoming back on board when the time is right.”

A statement from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, said:

“We have noted the advisory issued today.

“The health and safety of guests and crew is an absolute priority for our member lines.

“Since the voluntary suspension of operations, we have been working collaboratively with the Government on the road map to resumption involving a ‘door to door’ strategy – from the time of booking through to the passengers’ return home – with enhanced health protocols.

“We look forward to completing this planning exercise with Government and for the advice to be updated.”