Norwegian is the first cruise line to comprehensively outline new health and safety measures ahead of an expected resumption of cruises later this summer.
It introduced ‘Sail Safe,’ a six-point initiative which includes the designation of a dedicated Public Health Officer in charge of sanitation and outbreak mitigation measures.
In a memo to travel advisor partners, NCL said the new measures are ‘stringent health protocols and supporting innovation to meet and exceed industry and health standards.’
The line is replacing air filters with new H13 HEPA filters that it claims remove 99.9% of airborne pathogens.
To maintain social distancing, NCL will adopt staggered embarkation for guests and expand online check-in.
Temperature checks will be carried out multiple times a day, including at embarkation, when returning to the ship in ports of call, before entering all dining venues, and before all group activities.
The new protocols could lead to some itinerary changes.
"We will only visit safe, open ports of call which may cause changes to your itinerary," the company said.
All ships will be deep cleaned and disinfected before every voyage as per CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program standards.
All staterooms and public areas will be sanitized more regularly and will include the use of electrostatic sprayers.
In addition there will be continuous disinfecting of public areas and especially on high-use touchpoints.
"This is just the start of a wave of new technologies and enhancements we are rolling out," NCL said on its website
"We continue consulting with local and international health authorities to ensure we have all recommended precautions."
