At Atlas Cruises & Tours we're committed to giving you peace of mind when you travel. From the time you plan your trip until you arrive at your destination, we are here to provide you with the latest travel and health regulations.
We only partner with the most reputable tour operators and river cruise companies who have been in business for 50+ years. Each has taken the past year to consult top scientists and medical experts to implement new health and safety protocols to meet the CDC and WHO recommendations to resume travel safely. With several companies, you can now also enjoy greater flexibility to change your trip to another date. The policies are sure to evolve as time goes on and they continue to monitor local public health recommendations, but what won't change is their commitment to keeping you safe as you explore the world.
For nearly 60 years, A&K has defined the art of providing security and comfort in the world's most inspiring destinations and with our enhanced health and safety protocols, we're uniquely qualified to protect your wellbeing when you travel with us.
Our more than 55 local offices work tirelessly with our partners behind the scenes.
A&K's local staff have longstanding relationships with our suppliers, including restaurants, hotels, boats, transportation providers and venues. These partners know our exacting standards and have been fully vetted by our staff to make sure they comply with all local regulations regarding health and hygiene.
We're adhering to best practices for cleanliness and disinfection.
We follow the guidelines established by the leading health experts (including the World Health Organization) to minimize any opportunity for coronavirus exposure during your journey. We'll have hand sanitizer readily available, ensure enhanced cleaning in hotels and restaurants, sanitize vehicles at every arrival and departure (with a focus on high-frequency touchpoints such as door handles).
We follow the health and safety protocols required for your journey.
All protocols involving physical distancing, vaccinations, masking, testing and other safety practices are carried out in accordance with up-to-date local regulations and service provider requirements, and are clearly communicated both before and during your journey.
Our Resident Tour Directors, local guides and staff work together to help safeguard your wellbeing.
In addition to being experts in your region's culture, history and wildlife, your guides are fully versed in your destination's health regulations as well as A&K's practices and protocols. Working alongside other A&K staff, they oversee the many procedures that go into making your journey safe, from confirming a restaurant is freshly cleaned before you arrive to ensuring your luggage is always handled appropriately between destinations.
All guides and staff follow rigorous health and safety procedures.
Everyone involved in running your journey, from the guides you travel with to the drivers, baggage handlers and others behind the scenes, observes a strict, round-the-clock health and safety regimen, including regular staff health and temperature monitoring. A&K staff wear masks and additional personal protective equipment based on local regulations and conditions.
We facilitate in-country COVID-19 testing and provide round-the-clock support.
A&K's worldwide network of local offices has the contacts and knowledge to support you throughout your journey, from coordinating COVID-19 testing (for travelling between countries and returning home) to answering any questions you have during your journey. Our local offices are experienced in handling any situation and have the contacts and knowledge to support guests 24/7.
All protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, location regulations and conditions. Updated June 22, 2021.
Learn more about Abercrombie and Kent's health and safety protocols here.
Adventures by Disney is gearing up to explore the world with you once again. Learn what you can expect during your next adventure and be sure to check back here as information is updated often.
Welcoming You Back
Our focus remains on the well-being of our Guests and staff, and on operating our trips in a responsible way that continues to create magical experiences. Adventures by Disney is resuming trips with multiple layers of health and safety measures developed in consideration of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local and international health authorities, the U.S. Travel Association and The Walt Disney Company's team of health experts. With this guidance, we have reimagined the Adventures by Disney experience. Additionally, this deliberate approach allows us to evaluate and adjust along the way. Given the constantly changing global health environment, our plans may evolve as we consider new guidance and recommendations from health agencies. We're providing you with these Guest Health and Safety Protocols ahead of your trip so you understand our policies and can do your part in promoting health and safety. This includes information about personal health and hygiene and new measures we have put in place for physical distancing, face coverings, cleaning and more. While your next adventure may be a bit different from the last time you traveled with us, we've come up with new and exciting ways to create magical moments together and memories you're sure to treasure forever at each of our exciting destinations around the world.
Top Things You Need to Know
Here are the most important things you need to be aware of as you prepare for your next Adventures by Disney vacation. Testing and/or vaccinations will be required before the trip, and online health assessments will be conducted before joining guided group tours for the well-being of everyone. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. All Guests, Adventure Guides and tour operators accompanying Guests in vehicles will also be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to the trip) before joining any trip. Face coverings are required at all times when indoors, and outside when physical distancing of 3 feet is not possible. Physical distancing (maintaining a distance of 3 feet from one another) is required for all Guests and trip operators. Our team will work with Guests to determine the composition of their travel party, or travel pod, prior to departure. Members within a travel pod will stay together and physically distance from other travel pods. Please note that additional guidelines may be posted at a later date pertaining to Adventures by Disney River and Expedition Cruises.
Testing and Online Health Assessments
Our updated approach emphasizes a combination of new protocols to promote health and safety throughout your trip, including testing and health assessments along the way.
Face Coverings and Personal Care Case
Adventures by Disney requires cloth face coverings to be worn by everyone ages 2 and up (including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine) at all times when indoors, as well as outdoors when physical distancing of 3 feet is not possible. Face coverings are not required when eating or drinking, in one's own hotel room, when swimming, or outside when maintaining physical distancing of 3 feet.
Physical Distancing and Travel Pods
Guests, Adventure Guides and tour operators must follow guidelines for physical distancing (keeping a distance of 3 feet between travel pods) throughout the trip. Physical distancing of 6 feet will be maintained while eating at both indoor and outdoor venues.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Adventures by Disney is operating at elevated levels of cleaning and disinfecting. We've updated our protocols with a special emphasis on high-touch areas. All trip operators associated with activities, transportation, lodging and dining will be expected to follow Adventures by Disney protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. In addition, all cleaning products meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for use against coronaviruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
Hand Hygiene
Throughout the trip, Adventure Guides will remind Guests to wash their hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer regularly. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available in the Personal Care Case mailed to Guest homes prior to the trip. While Adventure Guides will have hand sanitizer available at all times, Guests should bring extra supplies of hand sanitizer and wipes for the trip.
Trip Activities
Focused on creating magical Disney memories and unforgettable experiences in a responsible way, Adventures by Disney has made some important adjustments to the trip activities to promote health and safety.
Transportation
Adventures by Disney-issued face coverings, physical distancing, and assigned seating are required on motor coaches and all other modes of shared transportation.
Dining
Serving up mouthwatering global cuisines, Adventures by Disney invites you to savor the finest in dining with new enhancements to promote health and safety.
Lodging
Astounding accommodations during your trip allow you to travel in comfort and style, while new measures help to promote health and safety. Adventures by Disney will review each hotel's health and safety protocols to ensure that they adhere to guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting, face coverings and physical distancing.
Trip Leader Training & Workplace Safety
Promoting health and safety starts with us, so we've adopted a number of new policies and practices for our Adventure Guides and staff. Adventure Guides, drivers, experts and tour operators accompanying Guests in vehicles will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test or full vaccination before joining any trip, and will self-screen their health every day prior to joining the group. Those displaying any COVID-19 symptoms will be unable to accompany the group. In addition, all staff members are receiving additional training on new health and safety measures, such as face coverings and physical distancing, as well as on the continued importance of personal health and hygiene.
Tour Operators
Adventures by Disney will continue making every attempt to select providers of local services - such as restaurants, hotels, activities and transportation - that operate in accordance with our health and safety protocols. We are not able to guarantee that all service providers will implement measures such as face coverings, physical distancing, and limited capacity. All providers must abide by the most current guidelines issued by their local, regional/state and national health authorities such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.
Cancellation Policy
We understand how much anticipation surrounds each Adventures by Disney vacation, so we've made temporary updates to our policies to offer Guests more flexibility. New bookings of Land Adventures, Escapes and river cruises made through September 30, 2021 for travel through March 31, 2022 are eligible for fully refundable deposits up until the final payment date. The final payment date for reservations made for travel during the 2021 season Land Adventures, Escapes and River Cruises has been temporarily modified to 65 days prior to departure. Disneyland Resort and Southern California Escape departures beginning in March 2022, all Buenos Aires and Amazon Escape departures, and all expedition cruise sailings are excluded from this modified cancellation and final payment policy.
Travel Insurance
Adventures by Disney strongly encourages Guests to purchase their own travel insurance, including medical coverage, evacuation insurance, and trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage. Insurance is available for purchase during the booking process. Some destinations may require travel insurance for entry.
COVID-19 Warning
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, our other Guests, and our staff. You must follow all instructions while traveling with Adventures by Disney. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the CDC, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By traveling with Adventures by Disney you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. By traveling with Adventures by Disney, you accept that if you are deemed unfit to travel (whether according to the CDC, a medical provider, Adventures by Disney, or a third party engaged by Adventures by Disney to determine a Guest/traveler's fitness to travel), you will not be able to start or continue, as applicable, on the adventure.
Adherence to Guest Health and Safety Protocols
By traveling with Adventures by Disney, you are consenting to adhere to these Guest Health and Safety Protocols. Adventures by Disney is not liable in any way for the failure of other participants to abide by the Guest Health and Safety Protocols, and the Guest Health and Safety Protocols are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of Adventures by Disney. Please confirm any changes to the Guest Health and Safety Protocols before departure, as all Guests and travelers are responsible for abiding by the most updated Guest Health and Safety Protocols in effect at the time of the adventure.
Indemnity Agreement
Prior to departure, Adventures by Disney Guests and travelers will be required to sign a COVID-19 Waiver and Indemnity Agreement acknowledging and assuming liability risks related to traveling during the pandemic.
Last Updated: June 30, 2021
Learn more about Adventures by Disney's health and safety protocols here.
Journeys Without a Crowd
As you prepare to turn your travel dreams into your next great adventure, be assured that we are with you every step of the way. Since 1947, we've been committed to providing a more caring, sustainable and authentic way to explore the world. Now we've turned our expertise to ensuring that we are fully prepared to show you our world in A+R Style Without a Crowd!
Our Health + Hygiene Protocols
Emphasizing More Personal Space + Extra Care at every step of the on-tour experience, we have enhanced our safety protocols in coordination with our overseas offices and based upon guidelines from the U.S Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, United States Tour Operators Association and World Travel & Tourism Council.
Our Enduring Ability to Respond
Since 1947, our global team and partners have always been there to respond with speed and agility to even the most unexpected events. When the Arab Spring of 2011 led to unrest in Cairo, for example, we were the first American tour company to safely evacuate our guests from Egypt. Through earthquakes, tsunamis, labor strikes, and past outbreaks like SARS, our commitment has always been to maintain our travelers' trust and confidence by doing the right thing.
And we are fully bonded with leading travel organizations like the United States Tour Operators Association, of which we're a founding member. This financial stability and our capacity to respond to the unexpected make us uniquely positioned during this current COVID-19 pandemic - to proceed confidently with prudence and deliberation.
Learn more about Alexander and Roberts's health and safety protocols here.
Like others across the travel industry, the foremost questions in our minds are "when will we travel again?" and "how will we travel safely?". Much is dependent on the conditions in the destination including whether visitors from foreign countries will have to quarantine upon arrival, whether hotels have reopened, if attractions are welcoming visitors and more. We want to get back on the road as much as anyone, but we want to do it in a way that is safe for all involved.
As the leader in Ireland and Britain and one of the longest-standing tour operators in North America, CIE Tours is partnered with the leading tourism authorities, and operates at the highest levels of health and safety guidelines in the US and Europe, including regional and national standards for COVID-19 procedures. We are proud to work in conjunction with the following organizations and charters and operate in compliance with all local and international tourism certification guidelines.
Before You Arrive
Because rules and guidelines vary from country to country and are continually changing, before you travel, we will provide you with the most up-to-date information to ensure you are informed about protocols in your destination.
Most airlines have announced new procedures including requiring flight attendants to wear masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and having seating configurations that allow for physical distancing. We recommend visiting your airline's website for specific information on their policies.
On the Road
For guests who elect to go on a group tour, the majority of our departures will be small groups, with a number of empty seats on coaches to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience. For those who prefer an even smaller group and more independence, we have an extensive offering of private driver and self-drive options. While specific protocols will vary from location to location, some general guidelines will be followed:
- The interiors of our coaches will be sanitized daily, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas and surfaces. Scheduled stops will facilitate frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer will be available at all times
- 100% of airflow on coaches will come from circulation of fresh air from outside the vehicle
- At hotels, guest rooms will be disinfected thoroughly between stays and common areas such as lobbies, elevators, restaurants and fitness centers will be cleaned continuously throughout each day.
- When visiting attractions, all appropriate local safety precautions will be followed, and guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
- Social distancing will be incorporated in some form in most activities and visits. Teams are working hard to make this as seamless as possible, ensuring your comfort and security.
Our Team
Our Tour Directors are not only local experts but are also trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations - including illnesses and emergencies. They will be thoroughly trained on enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures and will ensure that guests know what to expect every step of the way. If any issues arise, we have systems and protocols in place and the Tours Directors also have extensive local support to assist.
Our in-country operations and logistics team is on call 24/7. In Ireland alone, we have 30 back-office operations staff, who have accumulated over 500 years of experience with CIE Tours. This team, based in our Dublin operations office, is always ready to assist our Tour Directors in the event of an emergency. Having this local support has allowed CIE Tours to become the largest coach tour operator to Ireland and Scotland from the USA.
We have weathered many challenges during our nearly nine decades in business, and I myself have been with CIE for 20 of those years. We have seen both rain and shine, and we are confident that together we will be back on the road again soon.
Travel might look a bit different, but at heart, our primary goal will still be the same - - to provide our guests with the safe and memorable trip of their dreams.
UPDATED MARCH 22, 2021
Learn more about CIE Tours's health and safety protocols here.
What are current health requirements to travel on a Collette tour?
As regulations and requirements continue to change by state and by country, it is difficult for us to say with certainty what guidelines or requirements local public health authorities will put in place in the countries we visit. As of April 2021 all guests traveling with Collette, regardless of destination or point of origin, must provide proof of one of the following to verify information you will be providing to Collette when filling out our Wellness Declaration upon arrival on tour:
- Proof of Negative Covid-19 Test would include a verifiable negative FDA- approved diagnostic COVID test (electronic or paper) showing date and time of test, taken within 72 hours of the start date of your tour.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19 would include both a copy of a positive test result dated within 3 months prior to the end of your tour and also written documentation from your health care provider that you have been cleared to end quarantine. This written documentation must include your name and the date your positive test was performed.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is your official vaccination certificate (electronic or paper) and must identify your name and date of vaccination with final dose given at least 14-days before the start date of your tour*.
You can rest assured that Collette has been operating tours in select regions where local government regulations permit travel and where proper health measures are in place to mitigate risk, protect our guests' well-being, and ensure an enjoyable experience. We will notify you of necessary requirements for your destination prior to departure.
*For international tours that visit multiple countries within the same itinerary, Collette requires guests to be fully vaccinated as a condition of participation. This requirement of Collette's should be understood to supersede any country-specific requirements of travel.
How can Collette reassure guests that they won't get sick on tour or bring back the virus when they return home?
The decision to travel is personal. Everything we do in life carries some measure of risk, and the decision to travel has to be weighed in the same way you would decide during these times to go out to dinner at a restaurant, go to the grocery store, or visit a recently re-opened attraction in your state. We are consulting with medical experts, various trade associations, and adopting the best practices we see to mitigate risk, but you can never eliminate it completely.
What does Collette's Wellness Declaration look like?
Collette consulted with medical professionals to develop a Wellness Declaration that all Collette guests will submit to the tour manager upon arrival. Questions on the declaration are as follows:
- Have you spent 15 minutes or more within 6 feet of any person who you know to have tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days? Y/N
- Have you been instructed to isolate or been in quarantine by any governmental agency or health profession in the previous 14 days? Y/N
- Have you travelled from, visited or transited any areas currently subject to lockdown (quarantine) as measured by local governments, the CDC or the US Department of State? Y/N
- In the past 14 days and including today, have you had any of the following symptoms?
- Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit / 38 degrees Celsius or chills Y/N
- Cough that is not attributed to another condition by your doctor Y/N
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing that is not attributed to another condition by your doctor Y/N
- Sore throat that is not attributed to another condition by your doctor Y/N
- Muscle aches that are not attributed to another condition by your doctor Y/N
- Loss of taste or smell Y/N
- Have you received a full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine? Y/N*
- Have you recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months? Y/N**
*Fully vaccinated persons greater than or equal to 2 weeks after their full dosage requirement are not required to quarantine following an exposure to someone with COVID-19.
**The date of your positive COVID-19 test must not be more than 90 days prior to the last date of your tour.
What type of COVID-19 testing does Collette recognize for the purpose of pre-tour testing?
Any type of FDA-approved diagnostic COVID testing administered by a health care provider or laboratory is acceptable for the purpose of pre-tour testing. Your test result may be in electronic or paper format and should show the date and time of the test, taken within 72 hours of the start date of your tour.
For the purposes of pre-tour COVID testing 72 hours prior to the "start date" of my tour, is the "start date" of the tour said to be the day I depart my home, or when my tour begins in the destination?
The start date of your tour is defined as the first day of planned touring activities in your destination. Flight days, overnight stays prior to the tour starting, etc. are not counted as part of this 72-hour time span.
What resources are available to me to learn more about COVID-19 testing locations and availability in my area?
Please visit this link here and input your location to find out more regarding the COVID-19 testing resources available in your area. Please note that this resource is only currently available for testing locations in the U.S.
Do I need to bring proof of vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 with me?
Yes, if applicable to you, please bring proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 to verify information you will be providing us when filling out the Wellness Declaration upon arrival.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is your official vaccination certificate (electronic or paper) and must identify your name, date and time of vaccination with final dose given at least 14-days before the start date of your tour.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19 would include both a copy of a positive test result dated within 3 months prior to the end of your tour and also written documentation from your health care provider that you have been cleared to end quarantine. This written documentation must include your name and the date your positive test was performed.
Will my tour manager be vaccinated?
Just like the general population, Collette's tour managers have access to the vaccine based on the phase or prioritization group they fall into as individuals. This means that they may or may not have received the vaccine prior to your tour. Our tour managers are, however, required to demonstrate proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure for a tour.
What happens if someone were to fall ill during their tour? How is this handled?
Our tour managers are trained to look out for the key symptoms. They are empowered to isolate the guest(s) from the group and ensure they receive medical attention.
- Collette's tour managers are trained to assist guests that become ill and are empowered to act accordingly to protect the health and well-being of all guests on tour.
- If a guest, tour manager, or driver exhibits symptoms of Covid-19 or other significant illness, they will be isolated and required to go to a local hospital for testing.
- If there were to be an instance of someone on tour falling ill, rest assured that Collette has in place a dedicated team and specific directives to follow to ensure the best outcome for those affected and the tour at large.
If it is learned that a guest becomes ill with COVID after a tour returns home, will Collette notify all tour participants that they had been in contact with an infected person?
Yes, if Collette receives a notification that an individual guest within a group became ill within 14-days from the time they returned home, we will notify the other participants. The name of the person who became ill would not be disclosed. In addition, our Tour Managers are required to provide a post tour Wellness Declaration 14-days after their tour concludes. Should we learn that a Tour Manager became ill during that time, we would notify all prior participants as well.
Learn more about Collette's health and safety protocols here.
TRAVELING SAFELY AND SECURELY WITH COSMOS/GLOBUS/MONOGRAMS
Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is our commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, we have established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health - and happiness - of our guests throughout their travels with us.
It all starts with our Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today's travel standards from start to finish. The following areas address our commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for our guests.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOME
We will enact new check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including adherence to social distancing requirements.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE
We will ensure safe distances for our guests throughout the journey, on transportation and during excursions. This includes providing masks for our guests use at any time where social proximity could be an issue as well as the possibility of reducing group sizes, if required. And wireless listening technology enables safe distances between our guests and other travelers on excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTH
To ensure a healthy environment for our team and our guests, we will conduct regular temperature checks for both guests and our team, and when necessary, masks will be worn by our team when with guests.
Before each Monograms trip begins, our Local Hosts will follow the same guidelines as our guests to ensure everyone's health and safety.
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS
Traveling with Monograms removes many of the "touch points" of travel, including luggage handling, check in/out, expedited entry into attractions and more. We are further reducing risk with hands-free service, meaning all self-services replaced by staff, including buffet meals replaced with table service. We will also ensure hand sanitizing is available throughout each trip, and in hotels.
COMMITMENT TO CLEAN
As a part of our commitment to clean, we are requiring enhanced cleaning procedures with our hotel partners, on vehicles and throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above-and-beyond our already strict health and safety procedures.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING WITH US
Monograms is dedicated to giving our guests a safe, stress-free getaway. To that end, with help from our Global Health & Safety Team, we've established a set of enhanced pre- and on-trip protocols and procedures to ensure health and happiness throughout your journey with us.
PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY AND IN HEALTH
Monograms has strict health and safety protocols, which have been in place for years, focused on ensuring all aspects of our operation--from vehicles and equipment used on trip to excursions and hotel procedures. This process will continue with new, elevated health and safety checks, to maintain our promise that each touch-point of our vacations are considered in our commitment to guest and team member well-being.
These requirements now include that all Monograms international travelers from the U.S. are fully vaccinated before their trip. All international guests will provide proof of full vaccination in order to travel. Monograms accepts vaccines authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) or an official governmental body. Please refer to details in the documents below.
Throughout your travels with Monograms, guests are asked to keep a close eye on how they're feeling and report any new symptoms to your Local Host so we can make sure they get the help they need. If anyone should become ill while traveling with us, we'll ask them to isolate until they can be seen by a medical professional, as high quality local medical services are always nearby.
And if COVID-19 testing is required if a guest shows symptoms of illness, Monograms will help facilitate this testing at no cost to our guests. If COVID-19 testing is required as a condition of your return home, Monograms will help facilitate this testing in accordance with local and airline guidelines, at no cost to our guests.
Learn more about Monograms Tours health and safety protocols here.
Learn more about Globus Tours health and safety protocols here.
Learn more about Cosmos Tours health and safety protocols here.
Our 3-step approach to travel wellbeing protocol, gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip, knowing you are in good hands.
Costsaver collaborated with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to align and create global protocols and procedures which have been awarded the WTTC Safe stamp. This coupled with existing national and regional government authority regulations and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, have produced our enhanced, on-trip standards to assure the health and happiness of our guests.
STEP 1: ALWAYS ON SUPPORT TEAM
EXPERTLY-TRAINED TRAVEL DIRECTOR
Your Travel Director, who has been trained in enhanced hygiene and distancing standards, will monitor compliance and guest wellbeing.
DILIGENT DRIVER
Your driver has been trained to ensure your transportation is hygienically taken care of, so you can travel hassle free. They'll get you from one destination to the next with ease, and clean and disinfect all coach surfaces throughout your trip.
GLOBAL AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT TEAM
In addition to your dedicated on-the-road team, our operations and guest support teams remain behind the scenes, in contact and on-call 24/7.
STEP 2: DISTANCING & HYGIENE PROTOCOLS
PRE-TRIP TRAVEL DECLARATION
All team members and guests will complete a personal travel declaration before joining their trip. If a guest has tested positive for COVID-19 (or is traveling with someone who has), they will not be able join the trip until cleared as "fit for travel" by a medical professional. Please download travel declaration form here.
HYGIENE EQUIPMENT
Hand sanitizer is accessible and freely available. We ask that you bring your own medical face mask and gloves, but in the case of emergency, personal protective equipment will be distributed to you. Please note that airlines and other establishments may not accept washable cloth masks but only medical.
SANITIZED SURFACES
All frequently touched surfaces inside your coach, including handrails, doors, tables, overhead lockers, plus your luggage handles, will be disinfected multiple times each day.
AIR FILTERS
Our coaches are equipped with air filters that are inspected and cleaned daily, and replaced regularly. These on-board filters help to purify the air as you travel.
ON-COACH DISTANCING
Trips will operate with a number of empty seats to allow for extra physical distancing.
STEP 3: 24/7 INCIDENT REPORT
ALWAYS UP TO DATE
Our team is always up to date, and continue to adjust to the changing regulations from health authorities and local governments. They make changes behind the scenes so you are able to enjoy your trip.
INCIDENT RESPONSE PROTOCOL
Should an incident arise on trip, protocols are in place. We will assist and direct distancing, local medic support and testing. We will liaise with local authorities to follow directives, which will vary across countries, and support you every step of the way.
Learn more about Costsaver Tours health and safety protocols here.
G Adventures
Travel with Confidence
When you're ready to travel again, we're here to support you. Your safety, as well as the safety of our employees and partners, has always been our top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning measures have been put in place on all of our tours. Our new Travel with Confidence policy features new health and safety procedures from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, without taking away from having the time of your life. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as we continue to monitor local public health recommendations, but what won't change is our commitment to keeping you safe as you explore our big, beautiful world.
Our Global Connection Officers
Our GCOs (the people who answer when you call us) are available to help with any questions you have prior to your trip, so you can feel confident and safe before leaving. They'll be up to date on local regulations and restrictions and can guide you through your travel process as smoothly as possible. And if you don't feel well before travelling, there's our Book with Confidence policy that helps you reschedule your trip for when you do, which they can help you with too (terms & conditions apply). If you book flights with us and there are any changes, rest assured that the team will support you by making new arrangements on your behalf.
Be prepared before your departure
Our GCOs will do their very best to ensure you're feeling comfortable, confident, and well-informed before you start your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller. These include obtaining the proper entry documents for the country you're visiting, as well as understanding the most up-to-date travel and health requirements and restrictions for all destinations relevant to your trip (which can change frequently). To help you prepare for your trip, we've compiled all the important pre-departure information you need to consider, plus additional travel advice to make your planning that much easier and enjoyable.
Smaller groups
Our groups have always been small. This offers security, access, camaraderie, and a connection with your destination you won't get by travelling on bus tours or on your own. Our average group size is 12, ensuring our travellers can engage with each other without being squeezed together like sardines and that was before physical distancing became a reality. Plus, if you have 8 or more friends you'd like to adventure with, you can reserve the entire trip!
Book Your Bubble with Private Travel
Take one of our existing Off-the-rack tours with as few as eight people from your Bubble or travel by yourself, with a friend, or a smaller group on your own customized TailorMade adventure and enjoy all the added health and safety measures of our Travel with Confidence policy. Learn more about Book Your Bubble with Private Travel.
My own room
If you're joining one of our small group tours on your own, good on ya! If you are a solo traveller sharing a room with someone, we will do our best to ensure they will be your roommate for the entire journey to support distancing efforts. We have My Own Rooms available as an extra option for tours (pending availability), and we'll be offering more of these at more affordable prices to make it even easier to have a bit more space.
Pre-tour screening and flexible booking terms
Before joining one of our tours, all travellers must complete the pre-tour Self-Screening COVID-19 Questionnaire, which ensures you're feeling healthy to travel. We also encourage all travellers to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to travel, even if one is not required. If you test positive within 21 days of departure, flexible rebooking terms will be made available so you can change to a future departure.
Learn more about G Adventures Tours health and safety protocols here.
We are Committed to your Well-being
Now more than ever, being able to travel the world with confidence is necessary. When on a Luxury Gold Tour, take comfort in knowing that you will travel, from start to finish, with a select group of like-minded travelers. You and your companions will have access to a 24/7 support team from one destination to the next, taking all the necessary precautions as advised by your Well-Being Director. Your well-being has always been our top priority and with our comprehensive approach outlined below, you can have peace of mind that when you travel with us you are in good hands travelling together.
1. Always-On Support Team
EXPERTLY TRAINED TRAVELLING CONCIERGE
Your Travelling Concierge has been trained in enhanced hygiene and distancing standards. Supported by your Well-Being Director, they will monitor compliance and guest well-being.
Star NEW StarYOUR WELL-BEING DIRECTOR
A dedicated Well-Being Director, with the latest health authority and local government guidelines, will be available on all tours of more than 20 guests. They will ensure daily adherence to all well-being protocols and always be available to support guests.*
DILIGENT DRIVER
Your driver has been trained to ensure your transportation and luggage is hygienically managed, so you can travel hassle-free. They'll get you from one destination to the next with ease and sanitise all coach surfaces throughout your tour.
GLOBAL AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT TEAM
In addition to your dedicated on the road team, our operations and guest support teams remain available behind the scenes, in contact and on call 24/7.
2. Hygiene Protocols & Distancing
HEALTH TRAVEL DECLARATION
All team members and guests will complete a personal travel declaration before joining their tour. If a guest has tested positive for COVID-19 (or is travelling with someone who has), they will not be able to join the tour until cleared as "fit for travel" by a medical professional.
SMALLER GROUPS, MORE PERSONAL SPACE
With our smaller groups and uniquely reconfigured coaches with fewer seats, you can travel as part of a social travel bubble and still maintain your physical distance and benefit from more personal space.
AIR FILTERS
Air within the coach is completely filtered and changed on average every 2 to 3 minutes, faster than most hospital operating theatres, which is mandated at 3 to 4 minutes. Our air filtration system is designed to create an efficient vertical and safe airflow that helps ensure impurities, like Covid aerosols, are not spread.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Your Well-Being Director is responsible for the quality assurance of all hotels, restaurants and other venues you visit during each tour. Quality checks will ensure that all travel partners meet local regulations and the established TTC, WTTC and WHO well-being protocols.
HYGIENE EQUIPMENT
Hand sanitizer is accessible and freely available. We ask that you bring your own medical face mask and gloves, but in the case of emergency, personal protective equipment will be distributed to you. Please note that airlines and other establishments may not accept washable cloth masks but only medical masks.
SANITIZED SURFACES
All frequently touched surfaces inside your coach - including handrails, doors, tables, overhead lockers - plus your luggage handles, will be disinfected multiple times each day.
PRIORITY ACCESS
With priority access at landmark sites, you skip the queues and have greater opportunity to maintain your physical distance while sightseeing.
3. 24/7 Incident Response
ALWAYS UP TO DATE
Our teams are always up to date and continue to adjust to the changing regulations from health authorities and local governments. They make changes behind the scenes so you are able to enjoy your tour.
INCIDENT RESPONSE PROTOCOL
Should an incident arise on tour, rest assured that we have protocols in place. We will direct distancing and coordinate with local medical support and testing. We will liaise with local authorities to follow directives, which will vary across countries, and support you every step of the way.
Learn more about Insight Vacations health and safety protocols here.
Learn more about Luxury Gold by Insight Tours health and safety protocols here.
Learn more about Trafalgar Tours health and safety protocols here.
Vaccinated and Traveling?
See CDC's latest recommendations for travel in the U.S.
For over 40 years, Mayflower Cruises & Tours has been committed to the safety, health, and well-being of our travelers. While things have changed in our world, our commitment to our travelers remains as solid as ever. To ensure your health, safety and peace-of-mind while traveling with us, we have established a "Travel with Confidence" program, with enhanced safety measures and procedures throughout our tours, from start to finish. The following three areas address our commitment to exceed industry and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) standards, providing a safe and clean environment for all.
Enhanced Screening
We are implementing new tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to ensure travelers a safe start to their tour. Travelers will be asked to sign off on a few basic Covid-19 related health questions before joining the tour. We will conduct touchless temperature checks for both travelers and staff at the start of the tour, as well as monitoring throughout the tour.
Responsible Social Distancing
We will endeavor to practice safe distancing for our guests throughout the journey, on coaches and during excursions. Travelers are encouraged to bring their own washable face masks; however additional face masks and hand sanitizer will be made available. Masks will be used by travelers and staff alike at any time where social proximity could be an issue. We will also reduce group sizes to abide by social distancing guidelines. And wireless listening technology for many of our tours will help enable safe distances between travelers on excursions.
Commitment to Clean
As a part of our commitment to clean, we are requiring enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures from our hotel partners and motor coach companies. Additionally, we are reassured with the knowledge that our airline partners are taking very stringent measures for passenger safety.
Tour Directors will be trained in new and enhanced hygiene procedures and they will be in constant contact with Mayflower's Operations support team for added reassurance. The disinfecting and hand sanitizing procedures that we and our travel partners are implementing meet or exceed those recommended by the CDC.
In order to maintain cleanliness during the tour, we are minimizing the amount of contact points for our travelers by revising the ways meals, coach seating, hotel check-in and other activities are carried out. We will also have hand sanitizer available throughout the tour.
We Look Forward to Welcoming You Back
We have always been committed to the health and safety of our travelers and team members, but we are raising the bar to an even higher level to ensure they are able to continue to enjoy the freedom to experience the wonder and joy of travel.
Mayflower will continue to review and update our safety protocols, following the standards set forth by travel and health agencies across the globe, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
Learn more about Mayflower Tours health and safety protocols here.
Our commitment never waivers - to earn your trust by doing the right thing. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our own Global Response Team and with feedback from our guests, we have worked tirelessly to redefine how we will explore this world together again.
The following health and safety protocols may vary by geographic region and will certainly evolve over time. We will keep this page updated as our team, science and society respond to new realities.
A History of Guest Care
When you travel with Tauck, your journey comes with our comprehensive, built-in support system that is 96 years in the making. It starts with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and extends to our network of incredible partners around the world. Our experienced Global Response Team stands ready to spring into action to respond to situations as they unfold. Additionally, Tauck's Guest and Cruise Protection Plans provide important benefits before your trip and while you are travelling, including 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance services.
Before You Go
Travel Well Pledge
Upon arrival for your trip, all guests are required to sign Tauck's Travel Well Pledge and Waiver of Liability for COVID-19. Every guest is responsible for their own health, and in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the communities we visit.
Vaccination or Pre-Tour Testing
All Tauck guests must bring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 3 days prior to the start of your Tauck journey. Please plan accordingly. For answers to FAQ and to find the nearest COVID-19 testing site, visit our Travel Planning Tools.
Best Practices
We actively engage with global travel organizations to standardize health and safety protocols. TourCare is one example of health and sanitation guidelines developed by the tour industry's major associations requiring members to adhere to the highest standards. Tauck, along with our supplier partners, meet and exceed these guidelines.
Compliance With Local Guidelines
Our tour architects have worked diligently to craft each Tauck journey in accordance with all local laws and guidelines for health and safety including physical distancing, face coverings, capacity controls and COVID-19 testing.
Staff Training
Each member of Tauck's field staff has been trained in enhanced protocols and safety guidelines and will participate in a personal health screening before engaging with guests. Our Tauck Directors accompany every one of our journeys and continue to make sure everyone feels welcomed, cared for and safe.
While Traveling
Physical Distancing
Where required by local and supplier regulations, we will limit guest numbers with an expanded offering of small group experiences, smaller ships, staggered activities and excursion choices to enable guests to safely enjoy their time together.
Face Coverings & Hygiene
Guests are expected to wash and sanitize their hands frequently and adhere to supplier and government regulations regarding the use of face coverings. While supplies of face coverings, gloves and hand sanitizer will be available, guests should bring such personal items for their own comfort.
Enhanced Sanitation
Our strict sanitation and sterilization protocols have been designed in partnership with our supplier partners to keep all hotel rooms, cabins, and on-tour transportation vehicles clean and safe for our guests. While the list of these practices is extensive, examples include deep sanitizing of all motor coaches, enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces within cabins and hotel rooms, and enhanced ventilation and air circulation.
Supplier Care Pledge
Our incredible partners around the globe share our commitment to taking care of you throughout your journey. Every one of our hand-selected partners, whether they be a hotel, small ship, museum, riverboat, transportation company or restaurant, has worked diligently with us and pledged to deliver the high standard of care and service you expect from Tauck.
Staff Standards
Our Tauck Directors have always been responsible for keeping our guests safe and providing maximum peace of mind. They will relay critical information regarding health and safety requirements, advise when protocols are mandatory, and help facilitate guest care through communication with appropriate parties should a guest become ill on tour. Supporting staff from every one of our hotel, ship, and riverboat partners are also required to undergo frequent health screenings.
Health Screenings
Across all journeys, guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to joining the trip. In some instances, our partners will require temperature checks prior to boarding or entry and throughout your stay.
Learn more about Tauck Tours health and safety protocols here.
Health & Safety on the Ship
Ships and terminals will undergo a thorough sanitization between sailings and guests will be encouraged to use the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. Guests will also be asked to follow health information about the ways to stay healthy on board and when ashore.
The crew will serve you at your table and will be happy to offer you a similar choice of menu items formerly available at our buffets.
Things to know:
- Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will be required.
- At embarkation, guests' temperatures will be taken with no-contact infrared thermometers. If, for any reason, further testing is required, shoreside medical treatment centers are within close proximity.
- We will have ample hand sanitizers available throughout the ship and their frequent use is required by all guests and crew.
- Our crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures throughout the ship.
- Special attention will be paid to areas like staircases, public washrooms, armrests in the lounge and guardrails.
- We use hospital-grade disinfectants for continual surface cleaning in public areas.
- Additional deep cleaning will take place throughout the entire ship between each sailing.
- Your designated stateroom steward will clean your stateroom twice daily.
- Bicycles, fitness mats and equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after each use. Use of the Fitness Room is by appointment with cleaning time between use.
- We use state-of-the-art fan coil air conditioning units; there is no recirculating of air on board our ships.
- Each stateroom has its own sophisticated heating/cooling system: a fan coil unit located in the ceiling inside the stateroom above the entry area.
- The main public areas, lounge and restaurants have their own high-quality air-fog system to continuously ensure clean air.
- On our European ships, there are no air conditioning systems blowing cold air that would circulate throughout the entire ship as you would find in standard air conditioning units.
- Throughout Europe and Asia, we provide a variety of onboard wellness activities led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts. Whenever weather permits, these small-group classes will be held on our spacious open-air Sun Decks.
Learn more about AmaWaterways River Cruise health and safety protocols here.
ENHANCED ONBOARD PROTOCOLS & PROCEDURES
WELCOME ABOARD
New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including:
- Social distancing throughout embarkation
- All international travelers are fully vaccinated before joining our cruises
- Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks)
- We are working toward having all Avalon crew vaccinated
FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT
In addition to our Open-Air staterooms, the air in our ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air. Air in public spaces is also not recirculated: only fresh outside air is brought into the systems
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE
New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avaloncruise, include:
- Following local guidelines of social distance requirements
- Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions
- Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person
- Masks onboard are optional for guests unless local regulations require them. We ask that guests bring their own but we will also have some on hand.
NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS
- Electrostatic disinfecting systems
- UV disinfecting systems
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS
Reducing risk with hands-free service, including:
- More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship
- Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship, and entering dining venues
- All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by crew service or a full range of la carte menu choices
- Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas
COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS
Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above and beyond Avalon's already strict procedures:
- Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including:
- Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards
- Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises
- Disinfection of all dining areas between meals
- Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles, and other Adventure Center items
- Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship
- Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene
FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH
Ensuring a healthy crew, including:
- Working towards full vaccination of crew
- Medical certificate required prior to start of contract
- Daily temperature checks
- Social distancing in crew living quarters
- Regular health screenings
Learn more about Avalon Waterways River Cruises health and safety protocols here.
WE'VE TAKEN CAREFUL MEASURES
so you can travel without worry.As an experienced traveler you are well informed, prepared and mindful. Uniworld approaches every cruise with that same thorough diligence. Stringent security and sanitation protocols onboard our ships are nothing new to us. They not only remain our top priorities but are being escalated as we face the current challenge. As we learn more from Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) we will look to adopt their health and safety recommendations and continue to update for your added peace of mind.
Health and safety assurance: always a priority for your cruise experience.
For answers to questions about the latest COVID-19 precautions and requirements when you travel with Uniworld, please click here to visit our COVID-19 FAQs page.
SAFETY & SECURITY PROTOCOLS*
- All outside doors and access to the interior of the ships are locked when docked. Only registered guests can access the ship using a key card.
- All guests and luggage are verified against the manifest at check-in.
- Guests have 24/7 access to the front desk.
- Key card scanners with facial recognition are utilized at the gangway.
- Cameras are present at the entrance of the ship and in public areas, and are monitored by our reception staff.
- Trained security staff are posted at the gangway 24 hours a day.
- Ships are patrolled by trained staff 24/7.
- All deliveries are thoroughly inspected before being brought onboard.
*Note: Security features implemented on Uniworld owned and operated ships only. Security features may differ by itinerary.HEALTH & HYGIENE PROTOCOLS**
PLEASE NOTE: While we believe these protocols to be the appropriate steps in protecting the well-being of our guests and crew, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 response globally and will update our protocols accordingly and in the best interest of our guests and crew.
General Measures:
- All guests must complete a Travel Declaration prior to embarkation. and will have their temperature taken throughout the cruise using touchless technology.
- All guests and crew are required to sanitize their hands when entering public spaces, when coming back onboard the ship each day, and before each meal.
- Housekeeping staff disinfect all public area touch points and hot spots throughout the day, including all handrails and door handles.
- Any onboard payments are processed using a contactless payment method and credit card machines will be wiped after each pin entry.
- Crew wash their hands frequently when handling guest luggage. Disembarkation luggage is kept separate from embarkation luggage to avoid cross-contamination.
- All staterooms and suites are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis.
- All air-conditioning filters are cleaned and disinfected on each embarkation day before rooming takes place.
- All buses are cleaned and wiped with disinfectant before each use.
- Vox boxes are sanitized prior to embarkation and after each excursion.
- All crew receives professional health and hygiene training (HACCP) by an external consultant before each ship begins its sailing season, including training on how to look for symptoms.
- All crew strictly adhere to social distancing requirements.
- All crew undergo regular health screenings and temperature checks, and are quarantined immediately if symptoms are present.
- Hand sanitizer is readily available and mandated for use in all crew areas.
- Crew quarters, public and private, are sanitized regularly.
- All crew meals are served, with no self-service allowed.
Vaccination and Testing:
We highly recommend guests are vaccinated to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all onboard. Prior to embarkation, ALL guests will need to provide one of the following:
- A verifiable and negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the start of their cruise.
- A verifiable and negative result of a rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours of the start of their cruise.
Please note that guests will also need to comply with any specific requirements imposed by airlines and/or governments, which may differ from the above and may include proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
Learn more about Uniworld River Cruise health and safety protocols here.
As the leading small ship cruise line with 190-guest river vessels and identical all-veranda 930-guest ocean ships, Viking takes you closer to the heart of the places you want to visit. For more than 23 years, we have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness, and our new protocol enhancements make Viking even safer. Developed in coordination with an international team of scientific and medical advisors, the Viking Health & Safety Program is one of the most well-researched and comprehensive COVID-19 prevention and mitigation plans in the travel industry.
- Frequent quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests for all guests and crew, processed in full-scale Viking-dedicated laboratories
- New air purification technology installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms
- Additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing to protect Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey
AT HOME
Planning
Reserve your cruise with confidence, knowing that Viking's Risk-Free Guarantee allows you to change your cruise date up to 14 days before your planned departure and Viking will waive any fees. Also consider purchasing our Travel Protection Plan, which covers unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip.
Health Survey
Your journey begins before you ever leave home, with a digital Health Survey that you will complete on MyVikingJourney.com. Developed by scientific and medical advisors, Viking's new Health Survey takes only a minute to submit and verifies your wellness prior to travel. Depending on your dates of travel, Viking may require you to submit verification of COVID-19 vaccination status as part of the digital Health Survey.
IN TRANSIT
Viking Air
Enjoy a seamless travel experience with a flight arranged by Viking Air. As one of the largest purchasers of flights, Viking is working closely with its airline partners to ensure strict health and safety protocols make for the safest possible journey.
Seamless Transfers
As always, guests who arrange their flights with Viking Air receive complimentary airport transfers. Now, with Viking Air, you will enjoy smaller group transfers to and from your ship on sanitized motor coaches that have been set up with physical spacing between occupied seats.
EMBARKATION
Safe Check-In
To avoid a congested embarkation, guests will be assigned boarding times based on their flight arrivals. Upon arrival at your ship, check-in counters will be spread out to ensure proper distancing and sanitized between every guest; a touch-free online check-in option will also be available. In cooperation with local partners, all cruise port terminals will be sanitized prior to guest arrivals.
Health Check
Depending on your dates of travel, Viking may require a temperature check via a touchless thermometer and completion of a Health Survey as part of your check-in process. Developed by scientific and medical advisors, Viking's new Health Survey verifies your wellness for travel prior to boarding your ship.
PCR Test
Depending on your dates of travel, Viking may require a PCR test as part of the embarkation process. This quick and easy non-invasive PCR test will be conducted via simple saliva sample in a plastic tube and processed in a full-scale Viking-dedicated laboratory. Depending on local regulations and your travel itinerary, you will be asked to wait for your test result (an estimated maximum of four hours) in your pre-cruise hotel or in a designated waiting area.
ON BOARD
Small Ships
Our Switzerland-registered river vessels host just 190 or fewer guests, and our fleet of identical all-veranda Norway-registered ocean ships host only 930 guests. With the risk of disease infection significantly lower on small vessels, we believe our ships offer a safer environment than that of the mega ships. And with no interior staterooms on any of our ships, guests enjoy expansive views from outside staterooms.
Purified Air
Enjoy fresh air in your stateroom, knowing that all staterooms on Viking ocean and river ships feature independent air handling units that do not share air with other areas of the ship. Also take comfort in knowing that the air in the public areas of your ship has also been purified with new short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) lights and high-density filters, which kill 99.99% of all airborne viruses and bacteria.
Frequent PCR Testing
We believe a robust and adaptable testing program is key in preventing the virus from entering a ship, and mitigating community spread among guests and crew. Depending on your dates of travel, Viking may require frequent PCR testing throughout your itinerary. These quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests will be conducted in the privacy of your stateroom.
Dedicated PCR Laboratories
Viking was the first cruise line to complete installation of the first full-scale PCR laboratory at sea. Each of our ocean vessels will be equipped with a PCR laboratory, providing Viking with the capability to test all guests and crew every day if necessary. A strong network of Viking-dedicated shoreside labs will bring the same high-quality, high-accuracy molecular testing regimen to our river ships.
Medical Services
While every precaution can reduce the risk of illness, we are also prepared for that outcome. Each of our ocean vessels has always had a state-of-the-art Medical Center; those facilities have now been upgraded with more specialized equipment. We have also launched a new 24/7 hotline staffed by doctors, specifically for our river cruises.
Health Check
Regular health monitoring will verify the complete wellness of all guests and crew during your sailing. Depending on your dates of travel, brief Health Surveys may be completed daily, and if necessary, temperature checks may be conducted.
Sanitization
Rest assured that the surfaces on your ship will be cleaned and sanitized continuously with daily scheduled deep cleanings. You will notice more hand sanitization stations throughout your ship. And on our ocean ships, we are using new sanitization robots that utilize UV-C light to treat surfaces in guest and crew public areas: an industry first.
Dining & Entertainment
On your ship, you can expect spacious, airy public areas and abundant options for al fresco dining. Also, on ocean cruises, as always, you can enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service. Now, more options for spaced seating in all dining venues will allow for physical distancing; self-serve dining stations will be replaced with staff service; there will be additional table service at all bars and lounges; and new capabilities will allow you to watch more live events and enriching content through your in-room entertainment system.
Physical Distancing & Face Masks
Public health experts agree that proper physical distancing and the use of face masks are effective in helping slow the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Similar to many local guidelines currently in place, physical distancing measures are in place in public areas on board, and face masks may be required for all guests and crew while moving about Viking ships, depending on conditions at time of sailing. Face masks may be required for guests when seated in dining venues, bars and lounges.
Spa & Fitness
On ocean cruises, The Spa will remain open to all guests by appointment only to ensure proper distancing and all spa staff will wear face masks during treatments. The Fitness Center will also remain open with its own dedicated sanitization staff to ensure all equipment and surfaces are cleaned in between each guest use.
ON SHORE
Shore Excursions
We have redesigned our land program to monitor destinations for the prevalence of COVID-19 and further limit group sizes. Depending on conditions at the time of sailing, shore excursions may be limited while in port. Each shore excursion will utilize audio headsets to allow for physical distancing among your group, and all excursion motor coaches will be fully sanitized with spaced seating. As you head ashore, complimentary face masks will be provided for excursions as required by local guidelines.
Local Partner Training
As part of the Viking Health & Safety Program, we will regularly test and train every local partner, including motor coach drivers and tour guides. While ashore, Viking's measures will meet or exceed local guidelines for social distancing and other precautions.
Health Check
Upon your return to the ship from your shore excursion, proceed back on board as you always have. Depending on conditions at the time of sailing, your temperature may be checked quickly and seamlessly.
RETURN HOME
Disembarkation
Say goodbye to your ship and enjoy your small group transfer to the airport on a sanitized motor coach with spaced seating. Begin your journey home with confidence that you and your fellow travelers' well-being was continuously monitored by one of the most extensive health and safety programs in the travel industry.
Viking Health & Safety Program - Updated June 24, 2021
Learn more about Viking River Cruises health and safety protocols here.
