Belfast Harbour welcomes first cruise ship in 15 months
The ship is due to arrive into Belfast between 6.45am - 7.15am today
Last updated 17th Jun 2021
In line with the lifting of restrictions on domestic travel within the Common Travel Area, MSC Virtuosa arrived from Liverpool into Belfast, for a one-day visit this morning.
In preparation for a gradual return of cruise tourism, Cruise Belfast, industry operators and relevant agencies have worked closely together for the last six months to develop a robust, Public Health Agency approved, Covid-19 Port Management Plan for Belfast.
Under UK government guidelines, domestic cruises for UK guests have been allowed since the 17th of May. The first of these cruises departed Southampton on the 20th of May and to date have concentrated on English port calls.
The Covid-19 Port Management Plan requires strict health and safety protocols:
- Reduced capacity numbers of vessels
- Health screening and testing for passengers and crew
- Passenger bubbling that restricts shore-side excursions
Initially, cruise operators in the UK will operate with significantly reduced passenger capacity - up to 1,000 passengers or 50% on each vessel, whichever is lower, allowing UK residents only to board.
Many Cruise Lines are planning to operate on the basis of accepting vaccinated passengers only and also to include testing both prior to embarkation and on the cruise.
Cruise guests can only come ashore on pre-arranged excursions and under the current restart guidance, these excursion groups will travel in small socially distant ‘bubbles’, with visits taking place outside of general public access times.
Crew members are not currently permitted ashore in ports, unless involved in operational duties such as tour dispatch or check in.
Any visits to Belfast in 2021 will originate within the UK and will be conditional on no restrictions to non-essential travel within the Common Travel Area.
In addition, Cruise Belfast has extended the terminal reception area to allow more space for health screening, installed Plexiglas dividers and added hand sanitisers and thermal people counters to manage the flow of people. Seating has also been removed from the terminal and cleansing has been upgraded. Twice weekly testing for all staff in contact with passengers has been introduced.
Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour, said: "Belfast Harbour has worked closely with the Public Health Agency, Visit Belfast, Port Health, Belfast City Council and the cruise industry to develop a Port Management plan, that has been approved by the PHA, and that can deliver a safe return to cruise activity in Northern Ireland."
"Cruise visitors that arrive here will receive the customary warm welcome and we are confident that robust processes are in place to ensure the safety of visitors and locals alike."
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