Marella eyeing resumption of sailings from Corfu in October

The UK-based operator has introduced Marella Promise, covering guarantees for safe cruising and new health and safety measures including health screenings, increased sanitisation of all public areas and social distancing on board.

The cruise line will only operate quarantine-free cruises and won’t travel to destinations with isolating measures in place, meaning ‘The cruise won’t go ahead if we are going somewhere you have to quarantine on arrival or return,’ explained Amy Dowling, senior PR manager, marketing and customer experience at TUI UK & Ireland.

UK flights

Corfu sailings on Marella Explorer will carry passengers from the UK on TUI flights only and 'guests will complete a health questionnaire to fly with us,’ Dowling, added.

Before boarding, a health screening will include a questionnaire and a temperature check. Customers may be asked to wear masks at times either on board or ashore. There will also be fewer guests on board to help adhere to social distancing measures.

Luggage will be disinfected before it’s delivered to cabins and there will be signs for one-way systems around the ships. Cabins and public areas will be regularly and thoroughly deep cleaned and there will be an increase in hand sanitiser stations.

Marella Promise

Chris Hackney, managing director of Marella Cruises, said: ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming guests back on board our ships again soon and we’re hopeful we’ll be able to start operations at the beginning of October. Our teams have been working really hard to ensure we’re ready to give customers the best and safest experience when we can.

‘We understand some customers may feel a little uncertain about cruising and wonder what a cruise will be like post-COVID, which is why we have created the new Marella Promise.’