Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is planning to start sailing again at the end of this month but with reduced numbers on board.
Passenger numbers will be reduced by 40 per cent when EUROPA 2, left, and expedition ship, the HANSEATIC inspiration, start cruising from Hamburg.
And in accordance with the German authorities, Hapag-Lloyd will welcome only guests who are resident in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
“The basis for the resumption of cruise operations are the guidelines of the relevant authorities, which have been produced in coordination with CLIA Deutschland shipping companies and in collaboration with experts,” the company said today.
The most important measures are summarised in a ten-point plan, which will enable a safe and comfortable cruise on board and will also meet the highest hygiene standards. More details can be found at hl-cruises.com/travel-safely.
Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said today: “We have taken extraordinary measures in preparation for this relaunch and are faced with a new travel reality with significantly stricter prevention and hygiene standards.
“We have taken our time because the safety of our guests and crew and the trust of those in charge of the German ports is very important to us.
“In the next phase, we will evaluate whether we are able to allow guests who are resident in other countries to travel with us, depending on the development of the infection rate in those countries.”