‘This is an extremely important message from the authorities … it will mean that the cruise lines are certain that they will be able to arrive into Danish ports during the 2022 cruise season.’
Current restrictions
The Danish Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Business Affairs made the decision to lift the restrictions from February 1, which will mean current requirements for vaccination, immunity or negative testing prior to boarding cruise vessels is abolished. Instead, cruise passenger protocols are the same as those for all visitors to the country.
‘We are very happy that the same restrictions now apply for cruise passengers as for general visitors into Denmark,’ continued Bødker, ‘We have fought for this matter since the pandemic started as it is unfair to punish cruise vessels and not, for example, ferries, which used to be the case.’
He added, ‘Literally, all restrictions will be lifted and there will only be requirements for testing if you come from certain countries.’
First to arrive
The first cruise vessels to arrive following the change in requirements are Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic Spirit in Copenhagen on February 17 followed by Phoenix Reisen’s Amera on March 12. Earlier this month, CruiseCopenhagen set in motion a campaign to promote Denmark's capital year-round to cruise ships.
Some 533 calls are expected in Denmark in 2022, with 340 of those sailing into Copenhagen.
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