Recognizing that health and safety remain a top priority for travel agents & cruisers alike, NCL Cruises just announced an update to their Peace of Mind philosophy, the NCL Sail Safe program.
More than a new program or policy, Norwegian’s Peace of Mind is about ensuring the health, safety and confidence of guests and crew on board and onshore.
What is New NCL Sail Safe Health and Safety Program?
After working closely with new partnerships and world-class experts in public health, infectious disease and sanitation, NCL is launching a new SAIL SAFE Health and Safety Program. With guidance from various experts, Norwegian Cruise Line is adding stringent health protocols and supporting innovation to meet and exceed industry and health standards.
Below are the six key areas of health and safety measures they are implementing fleetwide. The NCL sail safe program is ever-evolving, and this is just the start of a wave of new enhancements they will be rolling out.
- ENHANCED SCREENING PROTOCOLS
All guests will undergo an enhanced pre-embarkation health screening. All crew will undergo extensive screening prior to embarkation and constant monitoring throughout the voyage. Once on board, touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage will help identify potential health issues, offering an additional layer of prevention and protection.
Checks will occur:
• Prior to embarkation and disembarkation
• Upon returning to the ship while in a port of call
• Prior to all activities in public venues
• Prior to all meals in dining venues
2. RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL DISTANCING
To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, guest capacity on board will be reduced. Staggered embarkation and advanced online check-in will be implemented for proper social distancing. This will include reducing capacity in public venues as well including dining rooms and entertainment venues.
3. INCREASED SANITATION MEASURES
All ships are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage in accordance with company protocols, which are developed in partnership with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Embarkation terminals will be sanitized continuously, and, where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation. Further, all staterooms, suites and public areas will be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected at an increased frequency, using Electrostatic Spray Technology.
Increased sanitation efforts include:
• The disinfectant used for fogging in staterooms and public areas is hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Hypochlorous acid is a non-toxic, powerful oxidant that effectively kills bacteria, spores, and viruses. It is natural and safe to use in open areas since it is comprised of natural elements such as water and salt, and electric charge.
• 24/7 prevention schedule will feature continuous disinfection of public areas and high-traffic touch points.
• Buffets and beverage stations will be full service with staff available to serve guests.
• All guests will be strongly encouraged to engage in frequent handwashing, including when entering food and beverage venues, and hand sanitizer will be prominently placed and easily accessible throughout the ship.
4. ALL-NEW AIR FILTRATION
Installation of medical-grade air-filters, H13 HEPA, that remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens across the entire fleet to ensure the air you breathe is clean.
5. EXTENDED SHIP TO SHORE SAFETY
NCL will only visit safe, open ports of call which may cause changes to an itinerary. Keeping guests up-to-date with the latest confirmed changes impacting their itineraries will be a top priority.
6. ENHANCED MEDICAL RESOURCES
NCL will begin to introduce a newly created onboard position of Public Health Officer, responsible for the oversight of all sanitation and outbreak prevention initiatives. Onboard medical centers will be fully equipped with the latest testing kits and medical supplies. NCL is also increasing their medical team fleetwide. Additionally, each ship has dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise.
They also plan to have advanced onsite COVID-19 testing, and inventory of any approved medications to treat COVID-19. We will continue to update this post as more information is released.
Related post: Avalon Waterways Safety and Coronavirus
