Virgin’s cruise line will require passengers to be vaccinated to board
Virgin Voyages has announced that it will require crew and passengers to have had the coronavirus vaccine before coming aboard.
Tourists who hope to holiday on Richard Branson’s cruise line will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus.
Virgin hasn’t yet explained what proof will be required to show that a passenger has had the jab, but that it made the choice because "the future is about vaccinations".
The company's CEO Tom McAlpin said in a statement: "Our goal is to ensure that we're providing the safest travel experience which means vaccinations for both our crew and passengers.
"This is a step towards the safe return to sailing and is the right decision for Virgin Voyages."
He added: “We're really encouraged by the latest rollout plans in the May time frame from the new administration, and we know the future is about vaccinations.
"We're an adult-only cruise line which allows for us to offer a highly controlled, safe environment for everyone on board.
“Our business makes us uniquely set up to do this with testing and vaccine travel requirements.
“There’s a huge pent up demand for travel and Virgin Voyages will be ready to welcome you aboard soon."
The brand hoped to launch its fleet last year with its first ship Scarlet Lady setting sail in February, but the pandemic broke just weeks later.
Virgin was forced to delay its fist sailings, but has unveiled two more ships – Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, reports The Mirror.
Other cruise lines have also announced their plans for setting sail.
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Over-50s travel firm Saga revealed earlier this year that holidaymakers would need to be fully vaccinated against Covid to join its cruises and holidays in 2021.
P&O Cruises has unveiled a series of domestic sailings for the summer, but has revealed these will only be open to UK residents who can prove they have received both doses of the Covid vaccine, with the most recent dose at least seven days before travel.
The Foreign Office currently advises against cruise ship travel during the pandemic, but hopes to trigger the start of domestic routes from May 17.
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