The TUI Group expects to resume its cruise operations this summer and is taking safety measures for the resumption of its activity, including lower occupancy, starting with reducing the number of passengers to 1,000 passengers on each ship until August 31, 2020, which means that TUI's large ships, with a capacity of just under 3,000 passengers, would sail with approximately one-third occupancy, thus allowing much more distance in public areas.
Other changes implemented across its TUI, Hapag-Lloyd, and Marella brands will include medical screening and staggered boarding on its cruises.
The measures in the TUI Group also include the elimination of food buffets, limiting the capacity of public places to one third or the quota of 10 children in the Kids Club on board.
In addition, the ships will be cleaned every 30 minutes or less, and they expect to have COVID-19 testing available on board with additional medical personnel. The cruise line will work closely with ports to develop joint procedures for handling any potential COVID-19 cases.
Fritz Joussen, CEO of TUI Group, commented: “The safety and well-being of our customers and teams worldwide remain our top priority. Summer holidays in Europe can now be enjoyed responsibly, following established safety measures.” He added: “For 2020, we are reinventing holidays: new destinations, shifting travel seasons, new local offers, and greater digitalization.”.
