Categories: Cruise News

Azamara announces vaccine mandate and other safety protocols for restart

Azamara has confirmed that all guests will need to be vaccinated when it returns to service as part of its Explore Well at Sea set of safety protocols.

Azamara plans to return to service in August and has rolled out a set of COVID-19 mitigation protocols, with mandatory vaccinations for guests as a key element.

Azamara Quest in port in Abu Dhabi

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Along with guests, all crew will also be vaccinated, and advanced screening protocols will be put in place, including medical screening and COVID-19 testing before and during the voyage.

In addition, the cruise line is implementing enhanced sanitation measures and medical services, with complimentary COVID-19 testing at any time requested during the cruise.

Azamara noted it will continue to evaluate these protocols and update them as public health standards and the global situation evolves.

Booked guests and travel partners will be advised of the latest requirements prior to voyage departure.

Azamara has rolled out a set of safety protocols intended to have a minimal impact on the cruise experience

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“Since we suspended our sailings over a year ago, we’ve had time to develop a strong restart plan and build on our existing health and safety protocols to ensure peace of mind for guests and crew, especially when it comes to traveling within our new world,” said Carol Cabezas, President, Azamara.

“Cruising is one of the safest places to travel, which is attributed to all the enhanced protocols set in place, and we are extremely fortunate to be guided by the Healthy Sail Panel for a healthy return to service in Greece beginning on August 28th, with five back-to-back Country-Intensive Voyages and one classic Mediterranean sailing,” she added.

Azamara’s enhanced safety protocols:

Testing & Screening: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated two weeks prior to sailing, and will need to provide a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result prior to boarding. Once aboard, complimentary COVID-19 testing and medical evaluations will be available.

Air Filtration: A new advanced HVAC filtration system takes in fresh sea air and moves it through a two-stage filter, plus copper coils, to eliminate 99.99% of germs, making the transmission of aerosol particles between spaces extremely low to virtually impossible.

Cleaning Protocols: Advanced cleaning protocols and guidelines approved by the CDC and recommended by the Healthy Sail Panel will be followed. All cabins and common areas will be regularly cleaned and sanitized. New standards include enhanced team member training, use of EPA-certified disinfectants, and techniques like electrostatic spraying.

Medical Capabilities: Each Azamara ship will have an enhanced medical facility, with more equipment, a dedicated infectious control officer, and new isolation staterooms to provide comfortable and complimentary care. New agreements will be in place with local governments, hospitals and transportation partners to ensure guests a safe return home.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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