Two Major Cruise Lines Reinstate Mask Mandate for Several Alaska Sailings

Resulting from an elevated variety of confirmed coronavirus instances in Alaska, two main cruise strains have reimplemented obligatory masks protocols for passengers visiting the state.

Based on USA At the moment, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises introduced the return of facial masking necessities for passengers on sure sailings to Alaska, because the state reported over 2,400 new instances over the previous seven days.

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Princess Cruises spokesperson Briana Latter informed USA At the moment that masks could be required for passengers “in any respect indoor areas on northbound and southbound Alaska voyages between Whittier and Vancouver till additional discover.”

Latter additionally stated that whereas facial coverings had been strongly really helpful at most venues on ships crusing in the US, the protocols might turn into obligatory “in choose venues or conditions.”

Holland America Line spokesperson Invoice Zucker informed USA At the moment the cruise line was making an analogous change by requiring masks in all indoor areas, “besides whereas consuming, consuming or in your stateroom.”

Zucker stated the masks necessities would apply to pick Alaska voyages, particularly one-way journeys from Whittier to Vancouver or Vancouver to Whittier. Neither cruise line revealed how lengthy the masks mandates would stay in place.

Earlier this week, Viking introduced it grew to become the primary cruise line to now not require pre-voyage coronavirus testing in locations the place it’s not mandated. Chairman Torstein Hagen stated passengers on Viking Ocean, River and Expedition voyages are extremely really helpful, however not required, to take a COVID take a look at not more than three days earlier than a journey.

Along with lifting pre-cruise testing, Viking will now not conduct day by day onboard COVID checks, however the cruise line will nonetheless make use of medical personnel to supply testing if passengers report signs.

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